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Dave Bautista’s Explosive Outburst at Meghan Markle Shocks Tonight Show Audience**

 

In an unexpected twist during a seemingly light-hearted segment of *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, actor and former wrestler Dave Bautista unleashed a torrent of fury directed at Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

What was intended to be a fun-filled evening quickly spiraled into a dramatic confrontation that left the audience in stunned silence.

The incident unfolded when Fallon invited Bautista, who was seated among the audience, to join him on stage for a game.

Eager to showcase his competitive spirit, Bautista approached the host with enthusiasm.

However, upon taking his seat, the 53-year-old star of *Guardians of the Galaxy* suddenly turned his attention towards Meghan, who was also present that night.

“Hey, you!” Bautista shouted, his voice echoing throughout the studio.

“Yeah, you, Meghan Markle.

I’ve got something to say, and you better listen.” The atmosphere shifted instantly, with the audience holding their breath in disbelief at this unanticipated outburst.

Jimmy Fallon, caught off guard, attempted to lighten the mood.

“Whoa, whoa, Dave, let’s keep this friendly, shall we?” he said, forcing a laugh.

But Bautista wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

“Stay out of this, Jimmy.

This is between me and the Duchess of Delusion over there,” he retorted, leaving the host visibly uneasy.

Meghan, seated in the front row, appeared uncomfortable but maintained her composure.

“I’m not sure what I’ve done to upset you, Mr. Bautista,” she replied calmly.

“I’m open to having a respectful conversation about whatever’s bothering you.” Her poised response contrasted sharply with Bautista’s escalating aggression.

The actor slammed his fist on the table, his frustration palpable.

“Discuss?

You want to discuss, huh?

Well, let me tell you something, sweetheart, I don’t want to discuss a damn thing with you.

In fact, I have one simple message: shut your mouth.” Gasps filled the room as the tension reached a boiling point.

Fallon, sensing the situation spiraling out of control, interjected, “Dave, come on, let’s keep this civil.” But Bautista remained defiant, standing up and towering over Meghan.

“You heard me, Meghan.

Shut your mouth for me, an ugly man.

That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Despite Bautista’s intimidating presence, Meghan held her ground.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Bautista,” she replied, her voice steady.

“But I won’t be silenced, nor will I apologize for speaking my truth.” Her unwavering stance only seemed to fuel Bautista’s ire.

“Your truth, huh?

Well, let me tell you something about the truth, sweetheart.

Nobody cares what you have to say.

You’re just a privileged, attention-seeking brat who can’t seem to keep her mouth shut,” he shot back, prompting further gasps from the audience.

With the situation escalating, Fallon stepped in once more, urging Bautista to take a seat.

“All right, that’s enough.

Dave, I think it’s time to move on with the show,” he said firmly.

Bautista glared at both Fallon and Meghan before reluctantly returning to his chair.

As he sat down, Bautista pointed a beefy finger at Meghan, warning her, “Mark my words, Duchess, you better learn to keep that trap of yours shut, or you’re going to regret it.” Meghan simply shook her head, refusing to engage further and redirecting her attention back to the stage.

The remainder of the segment continued without incident, yet the tension lingered in the air.

Audience members were left to ponder what could have ignited such a fierce backlash from the usually amiable Bautista.

As the show wrapped up, Fallon acknowledged the unexpected drama with a nervous chuckle, remarking, “Well, folks, I think it’s safe to say we didn’t see that one coming.”

As the cameras stopped rolling, Bautista was seen storming out of the studio, muttering under his breath.

Meanwhile, Meghan maintained her composed demeanor, seemingly unfazed by the altercation.

Whether this incident will have any lasting impact remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a moment that will linger in the minds of those who witnessed it.

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s political statement is “in line” with their global brand but shows disregard for “royal guidelines”, claims an expert.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to  wade into politics and release a statement regarding the US election showed they disregard “royal guidelines and customs”, staying focused on their global brand instead, a PR expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess issued a statement through their Archewell Foundation’s website earlier this week and urged people to vote in the US elections this November.

Archwell’s message read: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities. At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize(sic) that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters. Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”

Generally, members of the Royal Family steer clear of politics and refrain from voicing their political opinions.

But while Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working members of the Royal Family and did not endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, their latest statement did contain political overtones.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a statement ahead of the US election in November (Image: Getty)

The Sussexes did not endorse Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump (Image: Getty)

However, a PR expert has claimed that their message was “in line” with their global brand of doing “what they want, without any thought towards royal guidelines or customs”.

Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, told Express.co.uk: “From a PR perspective, their statement on the US elections likely won’t have a significant impact, either positively or negatively.

“Since Harry and Meghan no longer hold working royal status, they’re not bound by the same conventions, and their audience, by now, expects them to speak out on political and social issues.

“They’ve worked hard to drive home their position as independent global figures, so this statement falls in line with the brand they’ve been working to build – eg that they do what they want, without any thought towards royal guidelines or customs.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s message was issued through their Archewell Foundation (Image: Getty)

But Ms Smith added that despite aligning with their brand, their statement could still spark backlash from those who still associate them with the Royal Family.

She explained: “While it might not shock their supporters, their decision to speak on a political matter might still raise eyebrows among critics, especially those who still associate them with their royal ties and feel they’re trying to play both sides of the coin when it comes to royalty.

“That said, because they didn’t endorse any specific candidate, I believe this statement will be viewed as neutral in its impact.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined to comment.

 Tensions Rise on The View as Meghan Markle Faces Anne Coulter’s Fiery Critique

 

In a recent episode of *The View*, viewers were treated to an intense clash between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and conservative commentator Anne Coulter.

This encounter sparked significant discussion, especially after Meghan posed a provocative question regarding racial representation in media.

The atmosphere was charged from the moment Meghan entered the studio, with the audience acutely aware of the brewing tension between the two women.

Meghan, who has faced her fair share of controversies since stepping back from royal duties, aimed to leverage her platform to shine a light on systemic racism.

“I’ve been very vocal about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry,” she stated, her demeanor resolute as she addressed the panel.

She boldly asked, “Can you tell me why it is that people of color are so often overlooked and marginalized in the media?”

However, the question seemed to backfire spectacularly.

Coulter, known for her sharp tongue and unapologetic views, responded with a barrage of criticism that left both the audience and Meghan momentarily stunned.

“Oh please, Meghan, spare us the self-righteous lecture on diversity and inclusion,” Coulter shot back, her tone laced with contempt.

Coulter continued her tirade, asserting that the real victims of marginalization were not people of color but rather “hard-working middle-class Americans” struggling to get by.

Her assertion that Meghan and others like her lived in “ivory towers” while preaching about inclusivity struck a chord, creating a palpable silence in the studio.

The conservative commentator then escalated her critique, claiming that the lack of representation in media was due to a supposed deficiency in talent and drive among people of color.

“It’s not about racism; it’s about merit,” she declared, pointing a finger at Meghan as an example of someone using her race to advance her agenda under the guise of social justice.

Caught off guard by the intensity of the exchange, Meghan appeared momentarily speechless, struggling to formulate a response.

The other panelists exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to diffuse the situation or redirect the conversation.

Yet, Coulter was far from finished.

“You talk about diversity and inclusion, but it seems like your primary concern is yourself,” she continued, attacking Meghan’s royal past.

Coulter accused the Duchess of playing the victim card after marrying into the royal family and subsequently criticizing the institution that gave her a platform.

The audience reacted with a mix of gasps and murmurs, some cheering Coulter’s boldness while others expressed outrage at her harsh words directed at Meghan.

With her cheeks flushed from a blend of anger and disbelief, Meghan attempted to interject, but Coulter pressed on without hesitation.

As the debate grew more heated, Coulter turned her focus to Meghan’s personal life, accusing her of abandoning her family.

“You disowned your father and cut ties with your own flesh and blood,” she said.

“You claim to want a more inclusive world, but it appears your interests are solely self-serving.”

With each passing moment, the confrontation escalated, revealing deep-seated issues surrounding race, privilege, and personal responsibility.

Coulter’s words resonated with many, while others were left questioning the integrity of her claims.

In a poignant gesture that speaks volumes amid the ongoing rift within the royal family, King Charles marked Prince William’s 42nd birthday with a heartfelt tribute that seems aimed at his younger son, Prince Harry.

On Friday, Buckingham Palace enhanced the celebrations by sharing an endearing black-and-white photograph of a young William nestled on his father’s lap, radiating joy and affection.

This image, captured in 1982, not only commemorates the heir’s special day but also serves as a stark reminder of family bonds that Harry appears to have strained.

As tensions escalate between the royals and Harry, this tribute has been interpreted as a lesson for the Duke of Sussex.

Following the revelations in his memoir “Spare,” which included allegations against the royal family, the absence of similar recognition for Harry’s birthday—September 15—has not gone unnoticed.

The king’s choice of an image predating Harry’s birth adds another layer of significance, subtly suggesting that family unity takes precedence over individual grievances.

Sources close to Harry have hinted at his likely emotional response to this public display of affection.

One insider remarked that seeing the touching tribute could leave Harry feeling disheartened, especially as he has often voiced feelings of being the ‘spare’ rather than an equal member of the family.

The source suggested that this heartfelt acknowledgment of William might have brought Harry to tears, emphasizing the pain of exclusion.

Another insider added depth to this narrative, noting that King Charles tends to honor those who remain loyal and steadfast to the royal institution.

His actions seem to reflect a broader strategy of distancing himself from those who have turned away from the family, reinforcing a sense of loyalty and commitment among those who stand by him.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, joined in the celebration by sharing a touching, never-before-seen photo of William with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The image captures a joyful moment of the Prince of Wales leaping with his kids on a beach in Norfolk, showcasing the warmth and love within their family.

The accompanying caption, penned by Catherine, expressed the children’s affection for their father, making it clear that William is cherished.

Adding to the royal birthday wishes, the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Service extended their congratulations on social media, highlighting the honor of providing security for Prince William during his travels.

This public acknowledgment may serve as a reminder of the support and recognition that Harry seems to crave.

Amidst these celebrations, there are whispers of frustration from Harry’s camp, particularly regarding his ongoing battle for security arrangements when visiting the UK.

Some observers speculate that the Duke may feel envious of the attention and acknowledgment William receives, especially given his own struggles with his status within the family.

Earlier this year, Prince Harry faced significant challenges concerning his security while in the UK, following a legal dispute with the Home Office over the level of taxpayer-funded protection he should receive.

This controversy has drawn attention to the changing dynamics within the royal family, particularly after Harry stepped back as a full-time working member.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have waded into the upcoming US presidential election by issuing a new statement on voting – and it seems they’ve made a huge decision when it comes to endorsing a candidate

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly made a huge decision regarding the US presidential election, which is fast approaching.

Yesterday, the pair issued an urgent statement surrounding the race for the White House marking the first time they have waded into the 2024 vote. It was revealed that couple’s charitable foundation The Archewell Foundation marked National Voter Registration Day earlier this week with members of the charity’s team writing letters urging people to sign up to vote ahead of polling day on November 5.

However, despite sharing the post on their foundation website, it stopped short of endorsing either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, who are both vying to to be the next president.

And according to The Telegraph, the Sussexes will remain publicly neutral throughout the campaign and have decided not to voice their support for either candidate. Instead, in a post on its website, the Archewell foundation explained how its staff “came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.”

It added: “Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalized letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.” It urged people to use their vote, adding: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.

“At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters. Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.” Working royals in the UK usually refrain from commenting on politics or voting in elections.

The couple in a video urging people to vote in 2020 ( 
Image:
Internet Unknown)
However, it is not the first time Harry and Meghan have urged those in the US to use their vote. In September 2020, at the time of the last US presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the couple appeared in a video message and urged Americans to ‘vote against hate speech’.

In the video broadcast as part of Time 100 magazine’s annual list of the top 100 most influential people, Harry also explained how he would not be able to vote and had never voted in the UK as a member of the Royal Family.

While they did not specifically mention anyone by name, the remarks were interpreted as referring to US President Donald Trump and therefore an endorsement of Mr Biden, with some claiming it was a breach of the Sandringham Summit agreement, which was written up when the couple quit their royal duties in 2020. Later Mr Trump spoke out saying he was “no fan” of Meghan.

In addition, royal aides told The Sunday Times at the time that the remarks broke the pledge, leaving the Royal Family “wringing their hands”. “The feeling is it’s a violation of the agreement,’ one source said.

Meanwhile, it has long been rumoured that Meghan could favour a career in politics one day. In 2021, she spent time cold-calling senators in the US as she campaigned for paid parental leave. The Duchess is said to have called senators Shelley Moore Capito and Susan Collins using a withheld number and told them: “This is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.”

Also, during the last US election campaign, Meghan joined forces with feminist Gloria Steinem as they called on Americans to vote. In an interview with Access Hollywood, Gloria said: “She came home to vote. The first thing we did, and why she came to see me, was we sat at the dining room table where I am right now and we cold-called voters.” She also said that Meghan was “so excited” to see Kamala Harris running to be vice president.

Harry was at the film star’s Santa Barbara One805Live! annual event which raises money for first responders, cutting a casual figure in a suit with no socks, as he presented an award onstage to local helicopter pilot Loren Courtney

Prince Harry took to the stage at Kevin Costner’s polo field on Friday night – with Meghan Markle notably absent due to reported sickness.

Harry presented an award to a fellow helicopter pilot in the event celebrating the heroic actions of first responders. Harry attended the event last year, with many hoping his wife Meghan would in joining his for the 2024 event.

Harry spoke to the crowd at the Santa Barbara One805Live! annual event – raises money for first responders across the county and in a suit but no socks, presented an award onstage to local helicopter pilot Loren Courtney at the start of the evening soon after he arrived at 7pm. He joked about how they both felt more at home behind the controls of a helicopter than onstage. Also performing at the event was Pink, 1980s star Richard Marx and Kevin himself.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (L) shakes hands with a guest from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department at the One805Live Fall Concert ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
A source at the event said: “We were all hoping Meghan would attend like she did last year but the word is that she is sick and could not make it.” Harry is expected to travel to New York over the weekend to attend a series of events including the Diana Awards and an event held by the Halo Trust which Diana worked with before she died.

He is also due in the UK for an event on September 30. It comes after Edward Coram-James, a PR guru, believes the couple have made communication and branding errors, which have attributed to “their fall-from-public-favour”. Concluding in a blunt nine-word statement, Mr Coram-James added: “It’s just that they had a bad PR plan.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (L) shakes hands with a guest from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department at the One805Live Fall Concert ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Harry and Meghan have seen a massive plunge in popularity since they moved to the US, a poll showed earlier this month. It was suggested Harry’s explosive claims against the royals were a big contributing factor to his declining popularity.

But Mr Coram-James has now offered his take on the research. He said: “To be fair to the Sussexes, they seem to have learned the lessons from bad PR, and appear to have turned the page.

“I attribute much of their fall-from-public-favour purely as a reflection of what can happen with bad PR. It does not mean that they’re bad people. For all we know, The Sussexes could be kind, caring and incredible people.”

The professional, who works for firm GoUp, believes Harry and Meghan have learned from their experience of “bad PR,” which he says can swiftly affect any celebrity or company in the public eye.

The professional, who works for firm GoUp, believes Harry and Meghan have learned from their experience of “bad PR,” which he says can swiftly affect any celebrity or company in the public eye. ( 
Image:
Getty)

“That’s the thing with PR: if it goes wrong, the public can, fairly or unfairly, decide that it makes you a bad person, where, when it goes right, the public can decide that you’re a good person. Its why communications are so key,” Mr Coram-James told Express.co.uk.

The survey found Harry maintains a stronger appeal to the younger generation. In a new poll conducted by Ipsos, 1,097 British adults – all aged between 18 and 75 – were asked whether they would support Harry if he were to return.

The survey, which was conducted between October 8 and 9, showed that 34 percent said they would support Harry – with 46 percent of the responders being aged between 18 and 35.

The late Princess of Wales offered a slight smile in the shot by David Bailey

Princess Diana at a banquet in Munich, Germany in 1987. Photo: Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty

A rare photo of Princess Diana is heading to newsstands on the next issue of Tatler.

On Wednesday, the British magazine published by Condé Nast unveiled the January 2024 cover featuring the late Princess of Wales. Diana wore an asymmetric outfit with sparkling statement earrings and looked into the camera with a slight smile in the black and white snap, which is listed with the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Last year, another image from Princess Diana’s photoshoot with Bailey went on display at Kensington Palace, her former home. The Life Through a Royal Lens exhibit ran from March to October 2022.

In the image that graces the upcoming issue of Tatler, which is available for digital download and on newsstands starting Thursday, Diana leans slightly forward, while the picture shared in the exhibit captured her profile from the side.

Tatler magazine’s January 2024 cover featuring a photo of Princess Diana by David Bailey.David Bailey

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The royal sat for the session in 1988 when she was around 27 years old. Although it was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, the image was retained by Bailey for his archive and had never been seen in public before.

The picture shows Princess Diana, who died in 1997 at age 36, appearing “reserved, stoic and looking away from the viewer,” according to the curators at Historic Royal Palaces. The former Princess of Wales is said to have chosen the photographer for his “bold minimalism” and was part of her hope to establish a new photographic identity for herself.

“For me, it is the most powerful of images from the sitting,” said curator Claudia Acott Williams.

Historic Royal Palaces conservators Ola Ruiz-Aguillo and Nelson Garcia hold a portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, taken by photographer David Bailey in 1988, before the public opening of Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition at Kensington Palace in March 2022.Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty

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The January issue of Tatler was published with the cover line “Diana The Battle for Her Legacy.” The feature story touches on the release of the “controversial” sixth season of The Crown on Netflix and includes a critical piece from royal author Hugo Vickers about the drama inspired by the lives of the British royal family.

The sixth and final season of The Crown, which debuted in 2016, is split into a two-part premiere for its final chapter. Part 1 premiered on Nov. 16 and focuses on the events surrounding Princess Diana’s tragic death, while part 2, debuting on Dec. 14, is expected to take the show into the early 2000s — including the start of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s love story.

Speaking to PEOPLE before the part 1 premiere, actress Elizabeth Debicki opened up about how she focused on showing Princess Diana’s inner strength as she closed the role. The cast of the show changed every two seasons to reflect the royals aging through the decades, and Debicki picked up the part from Emma Corrin in seasons 5 and 6.

Elizabeth Debicki at The Crown season 6, part 1 premiere in Los Angeles on November 12; Princess Diana’s visit to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1996.Michael Buckner/Getty; Julian Parker/Getty

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“The script offered different sort of colors in a way of Diana, and I was really grateful for that. I think in season 5, the character is much more isolated. She’s on her own a lot, and she’s going through incredible trials that really test her and test her sense of reality and her sense of herself,” Debicki told PEOPLE about season 5, which chronicled the breakdown of Diana’s marriage to then-Prince Charles, finalized by divorce.

“When I opened up the scripts to season 6, what I saw Peter [Morgan] had created for me to follow, was this sense of someone who was freer, who was kind of blossoming into a different version, who had been through the fires and had sort of come through stronger and more focused,” the actress added of what she took into channeling Diana.

See the full feature in the January issue of Tatler available via digital download and on newsstands from Thursday 7 December.

The late Princess of Wales’ longtime hairstylist also gave Prince William and Prince Harry their first haircuts

Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry at Kensington Palace in 1985. Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty

Prince William had a relatable reason for celebrating haircuts as a child, according to a member of Princess Diana’s glam team.

The late Princess of Wales’ longtime hairdresser Richard Dalton made the revelation at the  Styling Princess Diana panel at Fotografiska New York on May 21, sharing why William was always glad to see him.

At the event timed to PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, Dalton said he would regularly visit Prince William and Prince Harry’s nursery, prompting a young William to place a chair on the coffee table in anticipation of a haircut because he got “extra television” while Dalton worked.

Dalton met Lady Diana Spencer when she was 17 and went on to style her hair for over a decade — which included giving Prince William and Prince Harry their first haircuts! The stylist said Diana trusted him “very much so. She trusted me enough to go up to the nursery room.”

“They both were very sweet,” Dalton added of Prince William, now 41, and Prince Harry, now 39.

Prince Harry, King Charles, Prince William and Princess Diana at Highgrove House in 1986. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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He cut the princes’ hair until 1991, the year Prince William turned 9 and Prince Harry turned 7, and spent much time with Diana during the years he worked for her.

“It was every day, sometimes twice a day for tiaras,” said Dalton, who is set to publish a new book titled It’s All About the Hair — My Decade with Diana with The Princess Diana Museum founder Renae Plant.

“I would see her every morning, and obviously she had an event every day [and would] come back at 5 o’clock to do tiaras,” he said of his usual routine with the Princess of Wales. “I don’t think we were ever serious, it was always fun.”

“She would call me at Windsor Castle and say, ‘Can I come have my hair done at your apartment?’ She used to love coming to my house because it was normal,” Dalton recalled at the Styling Diana panel alongside Diana’s wedding dress designer Elizabeth Emanuel, in a conversation moderated by PEOPLE’s Senior Royals Editor Erin Hill.

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Princess Diana also had an affection for a soap opera popular in the 1980s and didn’t like to miss an episode.

“She would say, ‘Richard, you can’t go out tonight because Dynasty is on!’ I had to watch it in great detail [for her],” he said. “That was my Elnett days, would travel with gallons of it. It was on the news that [King] Charles had banned aerosols at Kensington Palace and I thought, ‘Oh dear,’ ” he joked.

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Princess Diana at the premiere of “Back to the Future” in London in 1985.Keystone/Getty

From events in London to royal tours around the world, Dalton closely collaborated with Diana on choosing accessories as well — and said, for a time, she was inspired by Dynasty.

“Fashion, jewelry, she used to pretend she was in Dynasty. She [had] gone to see Back to the Future, [so we] tied the pearls in a knot,” the stylist said about the daring way they highlighted the open back of the royal’s red velvet dress at the movie premiere in 1985.

More seriously, he later described working with Princess Diana as the experience of a lifetime.

“[She was] extremely, extremely special. Her beauty was from within,” Dalton said. “She was more beautiful in real life than any picture.”

Princess Diana and Richard Dalton during a stop in Fiji en route to Australia.Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty

Fergie previously told PEOPLE that she and Diana would have a “Granny-Off” if the previous Princess of Wales were still alive

Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana attend the 50th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain Parade on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on September 15, 1990. Photo: Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty

Sarah Ferguson is remembering Princess Diana on what would have been the previous Princess of Wales’ 63rd birthday.

Fergie, as the Duchess of York is popularly known, penned a tribute to Diana on social media on July 1. She shared a photo of the pair standing side-by-side on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Battle of Britain Anniversary Parade on September 15, 1990, with a heartfelt message: “Happy birthday to my dear friend, Diana. You were a pillar of light and love. And what a legacy you have left behind. I will forever remember our laughter and the kindred, kind spirit I found in you. I am sure you are watching over us always.”

“Rest in peace, my friend,” Fergie, 64, concluded.

Princess Diana and Fergie became royal sisters-in-law through their respective marriages to the future King Charles and Prince Andrew, but they were close friends since their teenage years.

“We were best friends from when she was 14 and I was 15,” Fergie, who affectionately called Diana “Duch,” exclusively told PEOPLE in 2021.

Sarah Ferguson; Princess Diana.Jo Hale/WireImage; Anwar Hussein/WireImage

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In fact, it was Diana who introduced her friend to Prince Andrew.

“I said to her, ‘Oh, Andrew’s really good-looking,’ ” the Duchess of York recalled. “And she said, ‘Duh, Fergs!’” (Sarah and Andrew wed in 1986 and divorced a decade later but remained amicable friends and co-parents of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.)

As part of the royal family, Diana and Sarah would compare notes and offer each other support.

“Diana and I both had our own mental health issues, and she and I used to talk,” the Duchess of York recalled. “She said, ‘Fergie, remember one thing: When you’re at the top of the pedestal, it’s so easy to fall off. And you’re at the bottom. You just climb up.’ “

“We were positioned as saint and sinner,” she continued. “And the most important thing was to remain robust together, and we did, no matter what anyone wrote.”

Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana at the Guard’s Polo Club in June 1983.Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

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Princess Diana tragically died in 1997 following a car crash in Paris when she was only 36.

Fergie said during a 2023 appearance on Good Morning America that Princess Diana would be “very proud” of her five grandchildren from her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

“I think we’d have a Granny-Off,” said the Duchess of York, a grandmother to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s children. “Because she would run faster in the races. I wonder — she’d probably be funnier. No, I think I’d be funnier.”

Prince William and Prince Harry unveil statue of mother Princess Diana on July 1, 2021. DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP

In honor of what would have been Princess Diana’s 60th birthday on July 1, 2021, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, reunited at their childhood home of Kensington Palace to unveil a new statue of their mother. The tribute, located in the Sunken Garden, showed Diana with three children, reflecting her work to support and nurture children around the world.

“Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better,” the brothers said in a joint statement. “Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.”

Piers Morgan, known as the “arch-enemy” of Meghan Markle, has never shied away from criticizing and mocking the Duchess in the media. Following the Sussexes’ explosive interview with Oprah, Piers Morgan delivered a biting response to the couple’s accusations against the royal family on his show.

Piers Morgan did not hold back in his rebuke of Meghan, stating, “I don’t believe a word she says. I wouldn’t believe a weather report if she was reading it. Her fierce attacks on our Royal Family are utterly disgraceful.”

Piers Morgan’s harsh criticism of Meghan Markle.

The veteran journalist’s on-air assault on Meghan sparked a flurry of complaints to Ofcom, the government agency that oversees communications, including a formal complaint from Meghan herself. Many demanded that Piers Morgan apologize to Meghan, but he flatly refused and instead chose to resign from his position.

Now, Piers Morgan is seen as having “won” the “battle” with Meghan, as he has been found not to have done anything wrong. Ofcom recently declared that Morgan did not violate any media regulations or principles when he openly labeled Meghan a liar on Good Morning Britain (GMB) last March.

Ofcom stated, “Mr. Morgan was entitled to say he disbelieved the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s allegations and to hold and express strong views that robustly challenged their account.”

 

 

Meghan Markle faces another bitter outcome.

Following Ofcom’s conclusion, Piers Morgan jubilantly took to Twitter, calling it a “resounding defeat for Princess Pinocchio,” reiterating that many of Harry and Meghan’s claims have been proven false. The term “Princess Pinocchio” (implying that Meghan is a lying princess) has since become a new nickname used by internet users to mock the Duchess.

Many online users remarked that this is undoubtedly a severe blow to the Sussexes, as their fabrications from the explosive interview are once again being scrutinized. As of now, the Sussexes have not issued any response to this latest development.