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  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s plans for US election revealed as pair change approach

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s plans for US election revealed as pair change approach

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a carefully worded statement through their Archewell Foundation’s website this week.

    Harry and Meghan pictured in 2022

    Harry and Meghan have released a statement ahead of the 2024 US election (Image: GETTY)

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged Americans to register their vote ahead of the forthcoming presidential race in November.

    As the opportunity to register a vote came to an end, the statement posted on their Archewell Foundation’s website read: “In honor of National Voter Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.

    “Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.”

    The couple’s statement continued: “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.”

    This new approach comes just four years after the couple released a video urging Americans to vote prior to the 2020 US election.

    In the shared statement, Meghan and Harry urged Americans to “reject hate speech” – an apparent reference to comments made by Donald Trump and his supporters.

    Meghan also labelled the 2020 presidential race as the “most important election of our lifetime”.

    Buckingham Palace spoke out following the release of the video and appeared to distance themselves from Harry’s comment. They claimed that as he was no longer a working royal, the comments were made in a “personal capacity”. One palace insider was said to have claimed he had “crossed the line”.

    Meghan and Harry

    Meghan and Harry now reside in California after stepping down from royal duties in 2020 (Image: GETTY)

    It has also been confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain publicly neutral in the upcoming US presidential election, according to reports in The Telegraph.

    The outlet reported: “Both the Duke and the Duchess are expected to remain non-partisan ahead of the Nov 5 election and will not make any official endorsement.”

    Prior to the couple making the decision to step down as senior working royals, they were required to stay politically neutral. However, since stepping down and moving to the US, the pair have been free to speak on their own opinions and feelings.

  • Prince Harry could meet King Charles for first time in months as he stays close to Palace

    Prince Harry could meet King Charles for first time in months as he stays close to Palace

    EXCLUSIVE: Although Prince Harry has chosen to avoid staying at a royal residence during his upcoming UK visit, a meeting with his father King Charles has not been ruled out.

    Gurkha 200 Pageant

    There is a possibility that Prince Harry and King Charles could meet during his upcoming UK trip (Image: Getty)

    Prince Harry will be staying within a stone’s throw of Buckingham Palace during his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom, Express.co.uk has learned.

    According to a well-placed source, the Duke of Sussex will be within a very short distance of his family’s main residence when he arrives in the capital for the WellChild Awards on September 30.

    Express.co.uk is aware of where Prince Harry will be staying but has agreed to withhold the information for security reasons.

    The source adds that although the prince has chosen to avoid staying at a royal residence, a meeting with his father King Charles has not been ruled out.

    “The King is due to head to London in late September,” said the source. “The King and Queen will mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on September 28 and are then heading south.

    “It’s not yet been decided if the King will go to London for a meeting with his doctors and possibly his son, or whether he will head straight to Highgrove.

    “There are currently discussions ongoing about finding a mutually agreeable place in the diary.”

    The last time King Charles and Prince Harry saw each other was in February when it was announced that the monarch had cancer and the prince flew from the US to see him for just 45 minutes.

    When the Duke returned in May, the King was too busy to meet, although His Majesty did offer his son accommodation in one of the royal properties, contrary to reports. Harry chose to stay in a hotel instead.

    It has been made clear by sources close to the Sussexes on a number of occasions that the prince is keen to reconcile with his father.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia Visit

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent visit to Colombia was a hit but she will not visit the UK (Image: Getty)

    Royal sources revealed over the weekend that King Charles called his son on his 40th birthday to wish him a Happy Birthday.

    This followed the monarch marking the milestone via a tweet on the official Royal Family X page, signalling the start of a thawing of frosty relations between the Sussexes and the Firm.

    The source added that the King is keen to keep an open dialogue with his son and wants to maintain a relationship with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

    The Prince and Princess of Wales also marked Harry’s 40th with a surprise social media message on Sunday.

    Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes have been approached for comment.

  • Prince William flaunts beard at poignant event after Kate Middleton’s return to work

    Prince William flaunts beard at poignant event after Kate Middleton’s return to work

    Prince William looked relaxed as he travelled to Scotland today where he visited Aberdeen to thank the homelessness sector for their efforts supporting rough sleepers and hear about their work

    Prince William has been spotted after it emerged that his wife, the Princess of Wales, has returned to work following the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

    The Prince of Wales is in Scotland today – where he is known as the Duke of Rothesay – and has travelled to Aberdeen to thank the city’s homelessness sector for their efforts supporting rough sleepers and to hear about their work. As he arrived at the offices of Shelter Scotland, he was seen smiling and still sporting his newly-grown beard.

    His visit comes just days after it emerged Kate has held her first meeting at Windsor Castle since finishing chemotherapy. The 42-year-old revealed last week that her treatment had ended and she would slowly return to royal duties following her cancer diagnosis. Kensington Palace confirmed the meeting was Kate’s first noted mention of her working in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, since she was first hospitalised in January for abdominal surgery.

    William at an event for his Homewards project
    William at an event for his Homewards project 
    Image:
    PA)
    William’s visit to Aberdeen is part of his Homewards project, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms. It is established in the city and today he is also meeting some of its team. William is beginning his day in the Scottish city at the offices of Shelter Scotland to hear more about the services they offer supporting people who are homeless or on the brink of losing the roof over their head, and meeting those they have helped. The charity is a member of the Aberdeen coalition of his Homewards project, aiming to eradicate homelessness.

    Shelter Scotland is a member of the prince’s Homewards Aberdeen coalition and will play a pivotal role in delivering early intervention support for young people by providing training around financial literacy, tenancy skills and other educational resources for schools, colleges and universities.

    Homewards advocates broadcaster Gail Porter and David Duke, who founded Street Soccer Scotland to help the disadvantaged, will join William for his final event – a thank you reception for Aberdeen’s homeless sector.

    William on a visit to Shelter Scotland in Aberdeen
    William on a visit to Shelter Scotland in Aberdeen 
    Image:
    PA)

    Blue Light Card – a leading discount scheme for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces – has now expanded its remit to include workers in the homelessness sector. It is has also become an official supporter or ‘activator’ of the Homewards programme, alongside Pret A Manger and Homebase.

    Founded in 2008 by former police officer Steve Denny and business partner Tom Dalby, the Blue Light Card allows members to join for £4.99, giving them access for two years to discounts from more than 13,000 retailers from Halfords to Cineworld.

    Homewards was launched last year in six locations – Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield and three neighbouring Dorset towns Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to the homelessness issues in each area.

  • Prince Harry gesture is latest move in new protocol after Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew messages

    Prince Harry gesture is latest move in new protocol after Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew messages

    Prince Harry gesture is latest move in new protocol after Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew messages

    ​The Royal Family have made the new move

    The Duke of Sussex celebrated his 40th birthday at the weekend

     

    Prince Harry’s public birthday messages from royal social media account appears to be the latest move in a new protocol for the Firm.

    Breaking two years of public silence, both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace sent the Duke of Sussex their well wishes, as he prepared to celebrate his milestone birthday in the US with his family.

     

    The Firm’s chose a picture from a visit to a start-up in Dublin in 2018 when Prince Harry was still a working royal.

    However, the picture did not include his wife, Meghan Markle who was with him at the event and was seemingly cropped out by the photographer at the time.

    The Royal Family have made the new move

    PA

    It has been stressed privately that, while the Royal Family don’t mark non-working royal birthdays on their social media, the post was in line with the “tradition” of sending public good wishes on “significant” birthdays.

    It is the same protocol being done to mark Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew’s 40th and 60th birthday’s, respectively.

    Daily Mail diary editor, Richard Eden, wrote on social media: “This is intriguing: Buckingham Palace has previously said birthday wishes were sent on social media only to ‘working royals’.”

    Harry, who lives in California after stepping down from the working monarchy, spent his birthday on Sunday with the Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

    When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.

    In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.

    Harry’s year has seen him try his hand at the skeleton bobsled when he joined Invictus Games competitors training in Canada, and undertake quasi-royal tours to Colombia and Nigeria. In Colombia, Meghan addressed a panel on Afro-Descendant Women and Power and told how her three-year-old daughter Lili had “absolutely found her voice”.

    The couple also relaunched their Archewell website, rebranding it as Sussex.com under the title The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

    The Duke told the BBC: “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work.”

    “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place.”

     

  • Meghan Markle turned heads in a sequined skirt and sharp white shirt on Sunday as she arrived at a theatre in Cali, Colombia, to deliver a speech on the final day of the Sussexes ‘quasi-royal’ tour of the South American country.

    Meghan Markle turned heads in a sequined skirt and sharp white shirt on Sunday as she arrived at a theatre in Cali, Colombia, to deliver a speech on the final day of the Sussexes ‘quasi-royal’ tour of the South American country.

    The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked radiant in a £1,634 patterned mdi skirt embellished with sequins by Miami-based designer Silvia Tcherassi and a sleeveless white shirt with silver buttons.

    Meghan, who gave a speech at the Afro women and power forum taking place at Cali’s Municipal Theatre, was accompanied by Prince Harry, 39, who chose a pale blue, linen shirt for the occasion.

    The Duchess’s hair was swept back into a glamorous updo, revealing a pair of gold statement earrings, while she kept her make-up natural.

    She completed her outfit with a pair of pink suede pumps and Princess Diana ‘s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch, along with a £5,800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet.

    Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps
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    Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps

    Meghan pays tribute to her mother calling her an ‘inspiration’

    The Duchess of Sussex gave a speech at the Afro women and power forum in Cali, speaking in Spanish
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    The Duchess of Sussex gave a speech at the Afro women and power forum in Cali, speaking in Spanish

    Meghan and Harry kick off final day of ‘quasi-royal’ Colombian tour

    She wore her hair swept back in a glamorous updo to and kept her make-up natural
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    She wore her hair swept back in a glamorous updo to and kept her make-up natural

    Meghan’s look today marks a move away from the monochrome outfits she sported earlier on in the tour.

    For her first look, Meghan chose one of her favourite designers, Johanna Ortiz, who is from Colombia, pairing the Deep Ocean silk crop top with the Hello Sailor silk maxi skirt. The two pieces together cost approximately £1,700.

    As she visited the historic Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque, which was founded 300 years ago by freed slaves, she chose a chose a chic white linen skirt from Posse, the Emma design, costing approximately £200. She paired the wardrobe staple with a white crew neck tank top from Argent, costing £120.

    For mother-of-two Meghan, who has previously been known to favour exclusive and pricey designers, this look favoured more modestly-priced key pieces – but it was her jewellery that upped the price tag of the outfit.

    Keeping her favoured and most treasured jewellery pieces close, Meghan chose her Cartier Gold Tank Francaise Watch, which once belonged to Princess Diana and is valued at £17,800.

    She paired it with her Cartier Justr Un Clou Necklace in Yellow Gold with Diamonds, costing £15,500, and added a final Cartier touch, the Love Yellow Gold Bracelet, which costs £5,800.

    Elsewhere, the Duchess added sweet nods to her children, Archie and Lili, by donning her Ariel Gordon Imperial Disc Pendant necklace engraved with the children’s names, costing £1,425.

    As the couple kicked off the third day of their tour of the South American nation, they were greeted once again by Colombia’s vice president Francia Marquez as they visited a school and took part in a bongo drum workshop.

    Prince Harry chose a pale blue linen shirt for the final day of the Sussexes tour of Colombia
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    Prince Harry chose a pale blue linen shirt for the final day of the Sussexes tour of Colombia

    ‘Lilibet has found her voice’: Meghan gushes about her daughter

    Meghan completed her look with a pair of gold statement earrings and Princess Diana's £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch
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    Meghan completed her look with a pair of gold statement earrings and Princess Diana’s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch

    Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia
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    Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia

    Meghan and Harry visit music school during tour of Colombia

    While Meghan's second look of the day was demure and modest in cost, her expensive jewellery upped the price tag
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    While Meghan’s second look of the day was demure and modest in cost, her expensive jewellery upped the price tag

    The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class
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    The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class

    Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane
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    Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane

    Harry and Meghan share loving and bonding moments on Colombia tour

    For their second meeting of the day, they visited the village of San Basilio de Palenque, which has a fascinating history after being founded by freed African slaves almost 300 years ago. It is now described as a ‘little corner of Africa’ in the nation.

    The stop was particularly significant for Meghan, as when she visited Nigeria in May she said she was ’43 per cent Nigerian’.

  • Meghan Markle wore more than £90,000 of clothes and jewellery in four days during faux royal tour of Colombia with Prince Harry

    Meghan Markle wore more than £90,000 of clothes and jewellery in four days during faux royal tour of Colombia with Prince Harry

    Meghan Markle has long been known to favour exclusive and pricey designers.

    And she made her preferences clear once more during her Colombia tour last week – with the total value of her clothing and jewellery coming in at a cool £90,000.

    The Duchess of Sussex, 43, who lives with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, in their $14million Montecito home, joined her husband for a four-day tour of the South American nation last week.

    The Sussexes packed in a busy schedule during their trip, dubbed a DIY royal tour, attending a show by Colombian folk dancers in Bogota, visiting a school, sampling a banquet and giving speeches.

    The mother-of-two and her husband were given full security detail by Colombia’s vice president Francia Marquez, who invited the couple after she watched their Netflix show and was ‘moved’ by their story.

    Throughout it all, Meghan proved once again she is the princess of style, wearing a number of elegant – and expensive – looks.

    Meghan Markle wore nearly £90,000 worth of clothes and jewellery during her four-day trip to Colombia with Prince Harry last week. Pictured wearing £1,659 dress by Johanna Ortiz
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    Meghan Markle wore nearly £90,000 worth of clothes and jewellery during her four-day trip to Colombia with Prince Harry last week. Pictured wearing £1,659 dress by Johanna Ortiz

    Adios Amigos! Meghan and Harry bid farewell to Colombia

    The Sussexes packed in a busy schedule on their trip - with Meghan looking very stylish each step of the way. Pictured in a £1,700 design by Ortiz
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    The Sussexes packed in a busy schedule on their trip – with Meghan looking very stylish each step of the way. Pictured in a £1,700 design by Ortiz

    Her jewellery alone, which included several of her staples – Princess Diana‘s £17,800 Cartier watch and a £15,011.84 ‘Against Evil Eye’ bracelet from Lorraine Schwartz, added significant value to the price tag of her items.

    Meghan gave a sweet nod to the hosting country, wearing multiple pieces by Johanna Ortiz, who is from Colombia and one of her favourite designers.

    She also wore items designed by Andres Otalora and Silvia Tcherassi, also from Colombia, while her Hannia Char boater hat was handwoven by Colombian artisans – proving that Meghan is personalising her looks for each tour.

    Meghan wore just one high street outfit the entire time – a sleeveless shirt from Mango – instead favouring stylish and often bespoke pieces from her favourite designers.

    An olive branch? At one point Meghan wore a shirt designed by her old friend Victoria Beckham while speaking at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota
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    An olive branch? At one point Meghan wore a shirt designed by her old friend Victoria Beckham while speaking at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota

    ‘Lilibet has found her voice’: Meghan gushes about her daughter

    In total, her clothes and jewellery came to £89,964 – but as several items were gifted, the true value may be far higher.

    Significantly, this figure also doesn’t include her £140,000 engagement ring.

    By combining old staples and several new items, Meghan made sure she put on a fashion display fit for royalty in her four days in Colombia.

    Here, FEMAIL calculates the total value of Meghan’s wardrobe for the whirlwind tour, only taking into account the cost of items once – while some items have been worn before.

    Cost of Meghan Markle’s 2024 Colombia wardrobe

    Thursday, August 15


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    Meghan Markle proved her fashion prowess once again today as she stepped out in Colombia alongside Prince Harry to begin their four-day tour of the South American nation

    Collared vest from New York-based brand Veronica Beard – £596
    Navy angle-grazing trousers from Veronica Beard – £349.33
    Cream handbag from Italian company Loro Piana – £3,653
    Lorraine Schwartz ‘Against Evil Eye’ bracelet – £15,011.84
    Pippa Small Kyanite Classic Stud Earrings – £495
    Manolo Blahnik BB Pointy Toe Pump in Black Suede – £595

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £20,700.17

    Meghan changed into a colourful printed jumpsuit for her second look of her Colombia Tour
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    Meghan changed into a colourful printed jumpsuit for her second look of her Colombia Tour

    Burgundy Navajo Weaver Metallic Tweed Maxi Dress by Johanna Ortiz – £1,659
    Cartier Justr Un Clou Necklace in Yellow Gold with Diamonds – £11,800
    Jimmy Choo Etana Leather Strappy Mule Sandals in tan – £795
    Lanvin Arpege Sleeper Earrings in gold – £255

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £14,509

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Vice President of Colombia, Francia Marquez (right)
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    Meghan attends the ‘Responsible Digital Future’ forum at EAN University in Bogota, Colombia

    Victoria Beckham chocolate brown shirt – £597
    Colby pull-on trousers in ‘spice’ La Ligne NYC – £231
    ‘Divine 85’ Cognac Brown Suede from Aquazzura – £617
    Birks Muse cirtrine and diamond drop earrings – £1,964

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £3,409

    THURSDAY TOTAL: £38,618

    Friday, August 16

    Meghan looked sophisticated in black high-waisted cigarettes pants, which paired with a white button-up business shirt with one button at the top left undone, tucked in
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    Meghan looked sophisticated in black high-waisted cigarettes pants, which paired with a white button-up business shirt with one button at the top left undone, tucked in

    Loro Piana Jamilla blazer in camel- £2,893
    Chanel sling-back ballet flats – £849
    Mango ‘Paula’ sleeveless cotton shirt in white – £35
    Cesta collective crossbody bag in Panna – £588
    Butterfly-shaped gold earrings owned by Princess Diana – price unknown

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £4,365

    Harry and Meghan each changed clothes between their morning and afternoon engagements
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    Harry and Meghan each changed clothes between their morning and afternoon engagements

    Juan De Dios Amaime silk martello midi skirt in ivory green chintz – £347
    Sarah Hendler spear dangle stud earrings in emerald and sapphires – £1,736

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,083

    Prince Harry and Meghan joined Vice President Francia Márquez for a luncheon on the second day of their trip
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    Prince Harry and Meghan joined Vice President Francia Márquez for a luncheon on the second day of their trip

    Oscar De La Renta gown in Cerulean blue – likely bespoke and thought to be at least £4,000
    Aquazurra heels
    Logan Hollowell baby reverse warer drop diamond tennis necklace – £9,786

    OUTFIT TOTAL – £13,786

    FRIDAY TOTAL – £20,234

    Saturday, August 17

    Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia
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    Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia

    Deep Ocean silk crop top with the Hello Sailor silk maxi skirt by Johanna Ortiz – £1,700
    Hannia Char The Boater Hat – £70
    Ray-Ban gold aviator classic sunglasses – £155
    Ariel Gordon signet studs – £212
    Aquazzura divine sandal 85 in brown – £620

     OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,757

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked loved up as they held hands while visiting traditional Afro-Caribbean village, San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday
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    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked loved up as they held hands while visiting traditional Afro-Caribbean village, San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday

    Chic white linen skirt from Posse, the Emma design – £200
    White crew neck tank top from Argent – £120
    Emme Parsons Cecilia Sandals in black calfskin – £347
    Cartier Gold Tank Francaise Watch worn by Princess Diana – £15,500
    Cartier touch, the love yellow gold bracelet – £5,800
    Ariel Gordon imperial disc pendant necklace engraved with Archie and Lili’s names – £1,425
    Maria E Esquivia earrings – price unknown

    OUTFIT TOTAL – £23,392

    Meghan and Harry tried salsa dancing during a visit to the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado in Cali
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    Meghan and Harry tried salsa dancing during a visit to the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado in Cali

    Miu Miu Artiste sunglasses in black and gold (seen on her lap) – £300
    El Carmen canvas hand emboidered mini skirt in Ecru – £613
    Stuart Weitzman Benni sandals in tan leather – £275

    OUTFIT TOTAL – £1,188

    SATURDAY TOTAL – £27,337

    Sunday, August 18

    Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps
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    Meghan Markle (pictured) looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps

    Patterned midi skirt embellished with sequins by Miami-based designer Silvia Tcherassi – £1,634
    Mango shirt (repeat from earlier in the trip)
    Manolo Blahnik BB 105 Pumps in Magenta Suede – £595
    Gold fan earrings – gifted from Vice President Francia Márquez (price unknown)

    OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,229

    Meghan, Harry, Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband Yerney Pinillo are all smiles at the Petronio Music Festival
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    Meghan, Harry, Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband Yerney Pinillo are all smiles at the Petronio Music Festival

    Andres Otalora joya colonial tiered cotton poplin maxi dress in green – £890
    Aquazzura talk to me 105 black suede sandals – £656

    OUTFIT TOTAL – £1,546

    SUNDAY TOTAL – £3,775

    TOTAL FOR TOUR: £89,964

  • Princess Diana’s Dress Sells for a Record-Breaking $1.1 Million at Auction — 11 Times the Estimated Price

    Princess Diana’s Dress Sells for a Record-Breaking $1.1 Million at Auction — 11 Times the Estimated Price

    The dress by Jacques Azagury, once owned by PEOPLE, was first worn by Princess Diana during a 1985 visit to Italy

    The allure of Princess Diana is still strong, as proven by the hefty price tag attached to the royal’s latest dress up for auction.

    Julien’s Auctions announced on Sunday that Princess Diana’s ballerina-length evening dress by Moroccan-British fashion designer Jacques Azagury that she wore in Florence, Italy in April 1985 and again to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1986, along with a matching illustration, sold for $1,148,080. The winning bid was 11 times its original estimate of $100,000.

    The identity of the buyer is unknown.

    The sale shatters the previous world record for the most expensive dress worn by Princess Diana to be auctioned. The previous record was set earlier this year when her purple evening dress by designer Victor Edelstein sold for $604,800.

    According to Julien’s Auctions, “The dress with padded shoulder pads features a black velvet bodice with embroidered stars in metallic thread made from Jakob Schlaepher fabric with a two-tier royal blue organza skirt with a sash and bow. The ballerina skirt was the perfect nod to Diana’s love of dance and her being a patron of The English National Ballet.”

    The dress was once owned by PEOPLE, purchased for $26,450 at the Christie’s of New York auction that Diana held shortly before her tragic death in 1997. PEOPLE loaned the ensemble to Kensington Palace for the “Fashion Rules” exhibit in 2013.

    Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales attend the Mayor's dinner during a visit to Florence, Italy, April 1985

    Princess Diana and Prince Charles in April 1985.Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty

    Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Were Encouraged to Dress Like Princess Diana, New Book Claims: ‘Diana Cosplay’

    In addition to the Azagury dress, a blush pink chiffon Emanuels blouse worn by Diana in her 1981 engagement portrait sold in the same auction for $381,000, nearly four times its original estimate of $80,000.

    Princess Diana wore numerous dresses by Azagury in her life. Recently, five glamorous evening gowns identical to the ones designed by Azagury and worn by Diana were sold to a private collector in Los Angeles for an undisclosed sum.

    Diana, Princess of Wales during a trip to Florence, 23rd April 1985

    Princess Diana in Florence in April 1985.Georges De Keerle/Getty

    “The whole collection means a lot to me, and the only reason I am selling them is because as of five weeks ago, I retired,” Azagury recently told PEOPLE. “I really wanted people to keep enjoying these iconic dresses and ideally to keep the whole collection together.”

    The retired designer added that Princess Diana was “always very excited by fashion, and she knew she would please so many people just waiting for her to come out in the next dress, whether they were waiting in the streets or watching her on the television. She took a long time making sure that everything was just right, choosing the right shoes and jewelry.”

    A dress worn by Princess Diana at a dinner in Florence in 1985, at the Fashion Rules Royal dress exhibition in Kensington Palace, which opens tomorrow in central London

    Princess Diana’s dress displayed at Kensington Palace in 2013.John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty

    How Kate Middleton’s Power Pantsuit Era Nods to Princess Diana: ‘She’s Transforming Before Our Eyes’

    While Azagury is happy to share the dresses with the public, some of which come with sketches and personal handwritten notes from Princess Diana, he has held some sentimental items back for himself.

    “One of the most precious things that I have is a framed picture that the princess sent me the morning she was leaving for France, from which she never returned,” he said.

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    Princess Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend a dinner held by the Mayor of Florence during a tour of Italy in April, 1985

    Princess Diana and Prince Charles in April 1985.Anwar Hussein/WireImage

    Azagury arrived at his shop to find a member of her staff waiting with a parcel. “Inside was a framed picture of Diana wearing three of the famous five dresses, with a message saying; ‘To Jacques, lots of love Diana’ — that I will be keeping all for myself,” he said.

  • Unheard Story of Princess Diana Helping a Mom with a Crying Baby on Flight Revealed: ‘Happens to the Best of Us’

    Unheard Story of Princess Diana Helping a Mom with a Crying Baby on Flight Revealed: ‘Happens to the Best of Us’

    Carrie Lloyd, whose father worked closely with Princess Diana, shared how the late Princess of Wales helped calm a crying baby — even though it meant revealing herself to an entire plane

    Diana, Princess of Wales, wears an outfit in the colors of Canada during a state visit to Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband

    Princess Diana during a state visit to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

    Princess Diana knew just what to do to help a fellow mother in a pinch.

    On a recent episode of the Storia Podcast, Carrie Lloyd — whose father Tony Lloyd worked closely with the late Princess of Wales as the director of her patronage The Leprosy Mission — shared a previously unknown tale showcasing Diana’s warmth toward children.

    Carrie explained in a clip shared on Instagram on July 7 that Princess Diana was in the first-class area of a flight, and “there was someone just behind the curtain with a baby crying and screaming, and you could tell this mother was just on her own.”

    “Diana was looking through the crack in the window, and she turns to Ken, her bodyguard, and says, ‘Please Ken, can I just go back there and go and help her?’ And he says, ‘No ma’am, you really cannot go through. No one knows you’re on this flight,’ ” she continued.

    After getting a second opinion from Tony about the situation, to which he said, “Well, I don’t really see why there would be a problem,” Princess Diana made her way to the mother and child. As the mom of Prince William and Prince Harry moved through the curtains, Carrie said that her father “just saw these faces, kind of wide-eyed, at who just come through.”

    “And she goes, ‘Can I help you for a minute? I’ve got more room up there,’ ” Carrie said, motioning her arms as she said that the woman “just passed this baby up” to the royal.

    “Diana took the baby, went behind the curtain. Five minutes later, just walking up and down, just nursing this baby, [who] fell straight to sleep,” she said. “Handed the baby back over to the mother, who was now crying her eyes out by this point. And Diana turned and said, ‘It happens to the best of us.’ “

    Richard Branson, who Carrie said regularly set Princess Diana up on flights for her charity events, commented on the video, “Lovely story and memories, thanks for sharing.”

    Diana, Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997) attends a dinner at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, November 1985. She is wearing an evening dress by Murray Arbeid and the Queen Mary tiara.

    Princess Diana in Washington, D.C. in November 1985.Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty

    Princess Diana ‘Wished People Could See Love Letters’ from King Charles in Happy Times, Biographer Says

    In January 2023, Carrie wrote about the close connection her father and the late Princess of Wales shared for Premier Christianity.

    “My late father was Diana’s charity advisor and director of The Leprosy Mission, one of the six charities that she held patronage to until her death. Rumor has it that she continued in the role because she trusted the confidentiality of my father’s friendship,” she said of their relationship.

    In another snippet of the show shared to Instagram, Carrie recapped how they crossed paths. The author and pastor said that during Princess Diana’s visit to see Mother Teresa, the Nobel Prize-winning nun suggested she go to see the leprosy patients “at the local rehabilitation hospital, which was my father’s hospital.”

    Carrie told the Storia Podcast hosts Fabiano Altamura and David Noroña that Princess Diana made a “coup” with the paparazzi, who photographed her time inside. At the center, the royal removed her gloves and started touching “every single hand and every single face, which blew the stigma off around the world,” Carris said.

     Princess Diana Shaking Hands With A Leprosy Patient At Sitanala Leprosy Hospital Jakarta Indonesia

    Princess Diana shaking hands with a patient at Sitanala Leprosy Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

    The next day, the tabloid headlines read, “Don’t do it Di,” and Tony contacted Kensington Palace to express his gratitude because “what she’s done in five minutes, we’ve been trying to do for 120 years.”

    From there, Carrie said the royal’s private secretary Patrick Jephson passed the phone to Diana.

    ” ‘Tony, what you’re doing out there is extraordinary. How can I help?’ ” Carrie cited Diana as saying.

    Diana, Princess of Wales is greeted upon her arrival by the Reverend Tony Lloyd, to give an aaddress to the 30th anniversary meeting of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations in London.

    Princess Diana and the Rev. Tony Lloyd at the 30th anniversary meeting of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations in London.Rebecca Naden/PA/Getty

    The Leprosy Mission’s website states that Princess Diana became a patron soon after a trip to Indonesia in November 1989 and stayed on with the cause after reducing her patronages from 100 to six in 1996. She remained the patron until her death in 1997 at age 36 from a Paris car crash.

  • 31 of Princess Diana’s Most Inspiring Quotes on Motherhood, Kindness and More

    31 of Princess Diana’s Most Inspiring Quotes on Motherhood, Kindness and More

    Nearly three decades after her death, Princess Diana’s charitable efforts and words of wisdom continue to leave their mark on the world

    Princess of Wales Diana poses, 27 January 1988, during her visit to the Footscray Park in suburb of Melbourne.

    Princess Diana in 1988. Photo: PATRICK RIVIERE/AFP via Getty

    Princess Diana left behind a legacy that continues to be felt more than 27 years after her tragic death on Aug. 31, 1997.

    The late Princess of Wales is widely hailed for her revolutionary humanitarian work during her lifetime, which included helping to change the stigma around HIV and AIDS, opening the conversation surrounding mental health and eating disorders, advocating for the homeless and working for the removal of landmines. The Diana Award, the only charity to bear Princess Diana’s name, now honors young philanthropists who continue to carry on her spirit of giving in the world.

    In addition to Princess Diana’s charitable efforts, her spirit is also kept alive through her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The brothers have both spoken about how even though she’s not physically here, “Granny Diana” is still a strong presence in the lives of their children: William’s sons, Prince George and Prince Louis, and daughter, Princess Charlotte, and Harry’s son, Prince Archie, and daughter, Princess Lilibet.

    “I see my mum’s legacy when I look at my own children every day,” Prince Harry told Diana Award recipients in 2021.

    Prince William shared a similar sentiment in the 2017 documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy: “It’s important that they know who she was and that she existed.”

    Princess Diana’s Final Year: From Her Famous Landmine Walk to Summer in St. Tropez

    Beyond her charitable efforts and her children (and now grandchildren), Princess Diana’s memory lives on in the moving words she spoke throughout her lifetime. Read on for a collection of Princess Diana’s most inspirational quotes on motherhood, kindness and more.

    Princess Diana on Motherhood

    princess-diana-17.jpg

    A.G. Carrick/Diana Memorial Fund/Getty

      “If we all play our part in making our children feel valued, the result will be tremendous.” — speaking at the European Drugs Conference in 1992
      “We have an obligation to care for our children in ways which clearly show our children we value them. They, in their turn, will then learn how to value themselves.” — speaking on eating disorders in April 1993
      “A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” — speaking on motherhood
      “Family is the most important thing in the world.” — speaking on motherhood
      “I want [my boys] to have an understanding of people’s emotions, people’s insecurities, people’s distress and people’s hopes and dreams.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview on BBC’s Panorama
      “We, as a part of society, must ensure that young people — who are our future — are given the chance that they deserve.” — a July 1995 speech to the charity Centrepoint
      “For those mothers and children already living under the dark shadow of AIDS, we need to help them back into the light. To reassure them. To respect and support their needs. And maybe we will learn from them how to live our own life more fully — however long it is.” — speaking at the International Conference on HIV/Aids in Mothers & Children in September 1993

    Princess Diana on Love and Kindness

    Diana, Princess of Wales, wears an outfit in the colors of Canada during a state visit to Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband

    Princess Diana during a state visit to Canada.Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

      “Hugging has no harmful side effects.” — speaking at the European Drugs Conference in 1992
      “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” — a famous quote shared by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a tribute on Instagram
      “Health and happiness taken at the cost of other’s pain and suffering cannot be acceptable.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993
      “I think the biggest disease this world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved, and I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give — I’m very happy to do that and I want to do that.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “Each person is born with individual qualities and potential. We, as a society, owe it to women to create a truly supportive environment into which they too can grow and move forward.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993
      “Everyone of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.” — speaking on motherhood
      “Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back, if only they had the chance.” — a July 1995 speech to the charity Centrepoint
      “If you find someone you love in life you must hang on to it and look after it, and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you then one must protect it.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it.” — speaking against the stigma of AIDS and HIV at the Children & Aids Conference in 1991
      “Let’s not wait to be prompted. Let us go out today, tomorrow and the days that follow and let us demonstrate our humanity.” — accepting the Humanitarian of the Year award in New York in December 1995 

    Princess Diana on Being a Role Model

    Diana, Princess Of Wales, Visits A Minefield Being Cleared By The Charity Halo In Huambo, Angola, Wearing Protective Body Armour And A Badge For The Red Cross Charity

    Princess Diana visiting a minefield in Angola.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

      “I don’t go by a rule book … I lead from the heart and not the head.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “Don’t call me an icon. I’m just a mother trying to help.” — speaking on motherhood
      “I’d like to be queen of people’s hearts, in people’s hearts.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “I can do this job so much better on my own.” — Princess Diana: In Her Own Words
      “Each time I was knocked down, I came back up again.” — Princess Diana: In Her Own Words
      “Someone’s got to go out there and love people and show it.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “People think that at the end of the day a man is the only answer. Actually, a fulfilling job is better for me.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “I am not a political figure, I am a humanitarian figure, and always have been and always will be.” — speaking during a 1997 Red Cross trip to Angola

    14 Heartbreaking Quotes About Princess Diana from Prince William and Prince Harry

    Princess Diana on Womanhood

    Princess Diana at home, sitting on the steps of Highgrove House.

    Princess Diana sitting on the steps of Highgrove House.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

      “A woman’s instinct is a very good one.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “Those women who have taken on the heavy burden of attending to others need also to be attended — not just for their own sake, but for the good of us all.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993
      “Every strong woman in history has had to walk down a similar path and I think that it’s the strength that causes the confusion and the fear.” — Martin Bashir’s 1995 interview with Princess Diana on BBC’s Panorama
      “Women have a right to their own peace of mind.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993
      “Isn’t it normal not to be able to cope all the time? Isn’t it normal for women as well as men to feel frustrated with life? Isn’t it normal to feel angry and want to change a situation that is hurting? Perhaps we need to look more closely at the cause of the illness rather than attempt to suppress it.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993 
      “If we as a society continue to disable women by encouraging them to believe they should only do things that are thought to benefit their family even if these women are damaged in the process … If they feel they must sacrifice everything for their loved ones even at the cost of their health, their inner strength and their own self worth, they will live only in the shadow of others — and their mental health will surely follow.” — speaking on mental health at a Turning Point conference in January 1993
  • Former captain DeAndre Yedlin became a victim in Inter Miami’s power struggle, where David Beckham was willing to use him as a bargaining chip to secure advantageous deals for his team (video)

    Former captain DeAndre Yedlin became a victim in Inter Miami’s power struggle, where David Beckham was willing to use him as a bargaining chip to secure advantageous deals for his team (video)

    The ambition of Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham to establish the Herons into a world power is already established and he has shown he is not afraid to make some tough calls

    Former Premier League star DeAndre Yedlin has fallen victim to David Beckham’s unbridled ambition at Inter Miami as he faces being traded to FC Cincinnati.

    The right-back represented a major coup for the Herons when he was signed by then-head coach Phil Neville back in February 2022 as a free agent from Galatasaray.

    After eight years in Europe which took him to such climbs as Tottenham and Newcastle, he was described as ‘almost a DP signing’ by his new boss as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

    However, just two seasons into that agreement, the 81-time US international is set to make the move to Ohio as the Herons look to move on without him.

    In the interim period since he was signed, superstars such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been lured to Chase Stadium, with the franchise now happy to let Yedlin move to a MLS rival.

    According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, a trade which will see the 30-year-old depart Vice City is now being thrashed out, with the deal set to be agreed imminently. Although the exact details are yet to be ‘finalized’, the report contends that Miami can expect to earn $172,000 of General Allocation Money.

    No players will be going the other way to Florida, with Yedlin expected to instead effectively replace the departed Santiago Arias in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Miami will see $683,000 freed up from their current salary cap, leaving some $855,000 to use for potential reinforcements moving forward..

    Yedlin earned $873,750 via his guaranteed salary at the Sunshine State outfit in 2023, making 40 appearances in total as Miami won silverware for the first time. Aside from contributing to their Leagues Cup success last term, he made 80 outings for the club in total across his spell. He was also the team’s captain prior to Messi’s arrival, such was his standing in the team.

    The decision to part company with the defender does come as something as a surprise, with Yedlin having also appeared twice in the club’s opening MLS fixtures so far in 2024. Moreover, head coach Tata Martino earmarked the full-back as a standout performer in their 5-0 demolition of Orlando City this weekend.

    This decision also comes after sporting director Chris Henderson also spoke in glowing terms about the former Premier League defender’s qualities, who previously alluded to Yedlin having been signed on his brother’s recommendation. He said: “I remember my brother Sean said to me, ‘You’ve got to come look at this kid that I have’.

    “I just remember how quick he was and aggressive and brave. He had this energy. When you’re watching him play, your eyes are drawn to him. There are certain players you notice right away. He’s got personality and flash. Beyond his speed and bravery, DeAndre’s a winner and cultivates a culture you want on your team.”

    Meanwhile, he earned national recognition for his reliability with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter having previously praised the full-back as a ‘glue guy’ in the dressing room. Earmarking Yedlin as a standard-bearer, he explained: “He creates atmosphere for the team. Sometimes he’s a shoulder to cry on or talk to, other times he’s a motivator.”