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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the late Queen’s “enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country” ahead of the second anniversary of her death, saying she will “never be forgotten”.

The nation’s longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8 2022 at the age of 96.

Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned 70 years, dedicated her life to her royal duty.

The anniversary of her death, and of the King’s accession to the throne, falls on Sunday.

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Queen Elizabeth II, just three days before her death, waits in the Drawing Room to hold an audience with outgoing prime minister Liz Truss (Jane Barlow/PA)

Sir Keir said a new national memorial in her honour, which will stand in St James’s Park in the heart of London, will provide “everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish”.

The site, approved by Charles and the Prime Minister, was chosen because of its closeness to the ceremonial route of The Mall, and Buckingham Palace, and its historical and constitutional significance, but also because of a poignant personal connection to the late Queen – the nearby statues of her beloved parents.

The bronze tributes to King George VI, who died at the age of 56 in 1952, and the Queen Mother, who died aged 101 in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002, stand just a short distance along The Mall.

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Sir Keir said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.

“The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.”

The Queen travelled up and down The Mall in horse-drawn carriages and state cars watched by huge crowds countless times over the decades, making the journey for jubilees, state visits, on her coronation day, and for birthday celebrations, royal weddings and funerals.

Her former private secretary Lord Janvrin, who is chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: “The Mall and St James’s Park at the ceremonial heart of our capital provides a location closely identified with so many events of the late Queen’s life.

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The gold state coach carrying Queen Elizabeth II during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in The Mall (Barry Batchelor/PA)

“It is a fitting site for the national memorial in her honour to remember and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to our lives throughout her long reign.”

Architects, artists and designers will be invited to submit proposals later this year to fit the brief of providing a memorial, which will serve as a space for contemplation and community and be of appropriate scale and ambition to match the late Queen’s impact.

The memorial, depending on its form, will be located just a few hundred metres from the Palace, in the area of St James’s Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and on the east of the pathway which leads down to the lake near the park’s Blue Bridge.

The path also acts as a small section of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk – a seven-mile route through the capital in memory of the princess.

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The view of Buckingham Palace from across the lake in St James´s Park (Johnny Green/PA)

The aftermath of Diana’s death in a car crash in 1997 proved one of the most challenging times for the modern monarchy.

The Queen was perceived as being out of step with the feelings of mourners, with the public left wondering why the monarch, who was at Balmoral with Princes William and Harry, took so long to speak publicly about the tragedy.

But on the eve of the funeral, the Queen addressed the nation, saying everyone had been trying to cope in different ways and “What I say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart.”

Baroness Amos, Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee member and former Lord President of the Council, reflected on the Queen’s global leadership over the decades, saying she “knew how to connect to people and bring communities together”.

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The statues of the Queen´s parents King George VI and the Queen Mother on The Mall (Jamie Wiseman/PA)

“I admired her resilience and steadfastness, her belief in the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, her quiet diplomacy, her subtle use of power and common sense approach,” she added.

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee is the independent body tasked with considering and recommending proposals to the King and the Prime Minister.

Public funds will be used to pay for the memorial, but the UK Government will also make funding available for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday year in 2026.

The new wife of top designer Wayne Cooper has been banned by a court from stalking her own husband – despite her claims the couple are more in love than ever.

But Elizabeth Adams, 47, admits the shadow of Cooper’s ex-wife still looms over their marriage nine months after they wed, triggering a meltdown that landed her in court.

‘Like Princess Diana said, “There’s three of us in this marriage”, so it’s getting a bit crowded,’ Ms Adams told Daily Mail Australia at the couple’s home in Myocum, near Byron Bay in northern NSW.

‘But, despite the uncertainties, my commitment to Wayne is unwavering. Our love for one another is infectious and we’re more committed than ever.’

The former UBS banker and mum-of-two faced Byron Bay Local Court last month over an Apprehended Violence Order taken out by NSW Police for her husband’s protection.

Last month Magistrate Kathy Crittenden imposed the AVO for two years, preventing Ms Adams from assaulting or threatening her husband as well as stalking, harassing or intimidating him.

The order also includes intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging any property owned by Mr Cooper as well as harming an animal that belongs to or is in his possession.

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Elizabeth Adams, the newlywed wife of top designer Wayne Cooper has been banned by a court from stalking her own husband, despite her claims the couple are more in love than ever

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Fashion designer Wayne Cooper (left) proposed to  Elizabeth Adams (right) after eight months of dating

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Wayne Cooper told Daily Mail Australia that his wife’s AVO was ‘a storm in a teacup’

But this week both Ms Adams and Cooper insisted their fledgling marriage was still strong, and dismissed the impact of the court’s strict ruling on their relationship.

Cooper, 61, insisted that despite the court proceedings, the pair remain happy together.

‘Everything is fine,’ he told Daily Mail Australia. ‘It’s a storm in a teacup. We’re together and we’re happy and that’s it.’

Ms Adams has previously admitted Cooper’s continuing links to first wife and mother of his two children, Sarah Marsh, had created ‘immense pressure’ for the couple.

She admitted this week that it had driven her to the point of mental collapse.

‘My recent breakdown underscored the difficulties I thought I could overcome for Wayne to be creative again,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

‘It reiterates to me, like cigarettes’ warning sign, “Family court will kill your finances”. Leave your past grievances out of court. No one wins.

‘Amidst the chaos, the support I received from my daughters was a source of solace.

‘This support was especially meaningful, and reminiscent of a round table meeting, that served our girls well, allowing us to heal and find harmony today.’

But she added: ‘I would hope we can prioritise Australia’s domestic violence crisis over a minor legal matter and focus on what truly matters in our community.’

Cooper popped the question to Adams when he hid an engagement ring in a bowl of caviar during a romantic dinner at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney’s east.

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Despite the uncertainties, the pair are more in love than ever

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Sarah Marsh (above) seen leaving Waverly Court house in August 2023

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Cooper and Ms Marsh were married for 14 years (pictured, Wayne Cooper with his estranged wife Sarah Marsh in 2011)

They tied the knot in December in front of close friends and family after dating for eight months, following the breakdown of Cooper’s 14-year marriage to Ms Marsh.

His second marriage came after Cooper himself became the subject of an AVO, when police took one out on behalf of Ms Marsh, a former model.

But Cooper was acquitted of two charges of domestic violence-related common assault at Waverley Local Court, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, in August last year

Magistrate Emma Manea said she doubted Ms Marsh’s reliability and her allegations that he assaulted her twice in 2015 and 2016.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Marsh for comment.

Prince Harry has ‘no interest’ in leaving the United States and returning to royal duties in Britain, sources claim.

The Duke of Sussex has reportedly sought advice from trusted former aides on how to mastermind a return to the UK — nearly five years after he and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped down as senior royals and decamped to Montecito.

But sources close to Harry, who turns 40 next week, told the Daily Telegraph that he is settled in California with Meghan, 43, and their children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

They also claim that Harry has an ‘amazing’ new set of friends in the United States and several projects on the horizon.

He is currently preparing for a trip to New York where he will take part in engagements connected to his various charities, including the Halo Trust and the Diana Award.

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Sources close to Harry, who turns 40 next week, told the Daily Telegraph that he is settled in California with Meghan, 43, and their children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. Prince Harry and Meghan pictured with their children in December 2021

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The Duke of Sussex has reportedly sought advice from trusted former aides on how to mastermind a return to the UK

The Mail on Sunday revealed last week the Duke had turned away from his ‘Hollywood publicists’ and resorted to texting former confidantes ‘from his old life’ on how to mastermind a return from exile in the US.

It marks the first stage in a potential strategy to ‘rehabilitate’ Harry and repair his relationship with his father King Charles following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Sources stressed that Harry and Meghan, who have spent the past four years living in self-imposed exile in California with their two children, are not seeking a permanent return.

The newspaper also revealed that the couple have parted company with yet another American PR adviser. Christine Weil Schirmer joined the Sussexes in 2020 as head of communications but left quietly late last year.

She is the tenth staff member to have left the couple in three years and last month took up a job with PR giant Brunswick advising clients on reputation management.

Last month, it emerged that the Sussexes’ chief of staff Josh Kettler had suddenly quit his job after scarcely three months.

‘Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates,’ said a source.

‘He is clearly reaching out thinking, “I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working”. In short, he is rethinking the way he operates.’

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Harry and Meghan attend the cycling medal ceremony at the Cycling Track during day six of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 2023

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Harry and Meghan at an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens, Kensington Palace, in November 2017

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Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the ‘Afro Women and Power’ forum in Cali, Colombia, on August 18

Prince Harry’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

Ending his rancorous feud with his brother William is not seen as a realistic goal, but last week this newspaper revealed that the King may be open to healing the rift with his youngest son, and had consulted with faith leaders as he explores the nature of forgiveness.

At least one of the advisers approached by Harry is a trusted figure ‘from the old school’ known for loyalty and discretion.

One friend has already devised a strategy for how Harry might begin moving in UK circles again – even carrying out ‘very low-key royal duties’ – although the Duke is said to be open to ideas from many sources.

A source said the friend ‘believes if Harry comes back to the UK with zero fuss, and does zero publicity and attends very mundane events, he could prove himself and win over the British public again.

He would have to accept, though, that he might be reduced to ribbon cutting for a long period. But it would give him purpose to work again.’

But the source said it would only happen ‘if certain members of the family could find it in themselves to allow it’.

Separately, the Duke has sent conciliatory messages to a number of old friends in the UK on WhatsApp. They are ready and willing to help him smooth a path back to Britain, with some referring to their task as Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold.

Friends are hoping the Duke’s former private secretary Edward Lane Fox might spearhead a comeback. One said: ‘If anyone can do it, Edward can. Last time I saw him I wanted to take him by the shoulders and say, “Ed, please bring our boy home”. It’s the right time now.’

Asked about helping Harry, Mr Lane Fox told this newspaper: ‘It’s not something I’ve got a view on I’m afraid.’

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Prince William and Prince Harry walk beside each other after viewing the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pictured in 2018 attending the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House, London in 2018

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Kate, William, Harry and Meghan are pictured together at Windsor Castle in the days following the Queen’s death at Balmoral Castle

2004: Princes William and Harry with their uncle Robert Fellowes

Although Harry’s relationship with his brother is feared irreparably damaged, the Duke has seemed less embittered of late.

To his family’s relief, he has decided against updating his acrimonious memoirs, Spare, for its paperback edition, due out on October 24, and will not be giving interviews to publicise it.

On Thursday, the Prince flew from his Montecito mansion to join his estranged brother, The Prince of Wales, for a memorial service for their late mother’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes.

The service took place at St Mary’s Church close to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, but witnesses told The Mail the brothers ‘kept their distance’ and were not seen to speak to each other.

When Carolyn Pride got married on September 3, 1982, Princess Diana went to great lengths to ensure she was there to support her former flatmate on her big day.

The Princess of Wales left ten-week-old William at Balmoral and flew with Prince Charles to the wedding in London.

Diana’s old school friend Carolyn married brewery heir William Bartholomew at Chelsea Old Church 42 years ago today.

The Princess wore a hot pink sailor-style dress boasting a white collar that she paired with a white hat trimmed with navy and matching kitten heels.

After the ceremony, Diana is said to have waved and warmly exclaimed, ‘have a lovely honeymoon’, as the couple drove away together.

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Princess Diana wearing a hot pink sailor-style dress with a white collar to Carolyn Pride’s wedding in 1982

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The princess standing with Carolyn and her husband William Bartholomew after their wedding ceremony

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Diana greeting a bridesmaid at her friends wedding at Chelsea Old Church 42 years ago today

The bride’s mother, Mrs Sally Pride, said at the time: ‘It was jolly nice of the Princess to come – it put the crowning touch on a lovely day.

‘She chatted to all the bridesmaids and was her usual gorgeous self.’

The Daily Mail reported how Charles ‘gave the bride a warm hug’ after the ceremony, while Diana admired her friend’s wedding gown and ‘giggled’.

The couple did not stay for the reception afterwards – held at the Duke of York’s barracks in Chelsea – but instead travelled back to Scotland to be with Prince William.

Before Diana married into the Royal Family she lived with Carolyn and two other flatmates – Virginia Pitman and Annie Bolton.

Diana and Annie had their own bedrooms while Carolyn and Virginia shared. The flat was bought for the princess by her mother Frances and Diana charged the girls £18 a week rent.

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A Daily Mail newspaper report from the wedding detailing how Diana said to the newly wed couple, ‘Have a lovely honeymoon’

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Before Diana married into the Royal Family she lived with Carolyn and two other flatmates – Virginia Pitman and Annie Bolton

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Diana with her son, Prince William, in New Zealand when he was less than a year old

The trio were some of the princess’s closest friends.

They shared many secrets and stories with one another inside the apartment on the corner of Old Brompton Road and The Little Boltons in south-west London – including the details of Diana’s early relationship with Charles.

One of the flatmates, Virginia Pitman, previously told how Diana burst into the three-bedroom flat and said: ‘Just as I would be saying, “Oh my God, I met this guy last night”, Diana was going, “Oh my God I met this guy at the weekend but I have to call him Your Highness.”

Diana also shared the news of her engagement with her flatmates three weeks before it was officially announced.

Carolyn supported Diana during her own wedding preparations and the trio would visit Diana at Buckingham Palace after she moved there.

Virginia recalled: ‘The sweetest thing I can remember is when she moved into Buckingham Palace.

‘She liked to invite us round there sometimes. We were there when her wedding veil arrived.

‘I think it was Carolyn and me and Diana and we were taking it in turns trying it on and imagining what was coming. It was surreal, wandering around her bedroom in the palace wearing the veil.’

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The newly wed couple Carolyn Pride and William Bartholomew in September 1982

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Diana smiling at her close friend as they walk by following their wedding ceremony

When Carolyn lived with Diana, she was studying singing and piano at the Royal College of Music.

An accomplished sportswoman as well as a musician, it was reported that she had too many rosettes and that they wouldn’t all fit in the flat.

During an auction in 2017, ‘intimate letters’ that Diana sent to Carolyn fetched more than £93,000.

Carolyn is one of Prince Harry’s godmothers and attended his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.

Her husband is now a party organiser and the couple have two children together.

Prince Harry visited Althorp House – the ancestral home and final resting place of his late mother Princess Diana – during his trip to Britain last week, it was claimed today.

The Duke of Sussex stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer at the estate after going to the funeral of Diana’s brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes, according to People.

Harry made a surprise appearance at the memorial service in Snettisham, Norfolk, and is then reported to have travelled to the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire.

The funeral was also attended by Prince William, but witnesses claimed the estranged brothers kept their distance and sat apart at the back of St Mary’s Church.

One member of the congregation told People: ‘Most people were astounded that Harry came. He was on remarkably good form – and you could tell he was very pleased to see everybody. And he was very pleased that he had come over.’

Last Thursday’s service took place two days before the 27th anniversary of Diana’s death on Saturday. Her final resting place is on an island on the Oval Lake at Althorp.

The Duke has remained close to Diana’s family – and her brother Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, also attended a service in May for the tenth anniversary of Harry’s Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, when no senior royal was in attendance.

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Prince Harry stands next to his uncle Earl Spencer and aunt Lady Jane Fellowes at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 for the tenth anniversary service for the Invictus Games

Prince Harry chats with his uncle Earl Spencer at Invictus ceremony

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Prince Harry is reported to have stayed at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire last week

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Prince Harry’s aunt Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 for the tenth anniversary service for the Invictus Games

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Diana’s resting place is on an island in a lake at her family home at Althorp, Northamptonshire

MailOnline has requested comment from Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, and representatives of the Sussexes about reports that Harry stayed at Althorp. But the claims are likely to be true given the US publication’s close links to the couple.

Althorp – the 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters – is a hugely poignant location for Harry.

He revealed in his controversial memoir Spare in January last year that Meghan kneeled and put her palms on Diana’s grave at the estate in 2017 and asked his late mother for ‘clarity and guidance’.

On the 20th anniversary of her death, Harry and Meghan had rowed out to Diana’s final resting place on an island. After some time reflecting, he sensed Meghan wanted a moment to herself by the site.

‘When I returned, she was on her knees with her eyes closed and her palms flat against the stone,’ Harry wrote.

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Prince Harry chats with Earl Spencer ahead of the unveiling of a statue of his mother Diana at Kensington Palace in London on July 1, 2021, which would have been her 60th birthday

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Althorp is a 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters

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Charles and Diana with Harry and William, during a holiday on the Isles of Scilly in June 1989

In May, Earl Spencer revealed he was overcome with emotion when a friend gave him a hand-made canoe as a present for his 60th birthday.

The gift was constructed by the friend’s husband who said: ‘I just thought it would be useful when you visit your sister.’

Diana was buried on a small island in the middle of the lake, which can be reached only by boat.

Earl Spencer had originally planned to lay Diana to rest in the family tombs at a local church, but said he was concerned about her safety.

On Saturday, he marked the anniversary of his sister’s death in 1997 by paying tribute on on Instagram, sharing a series of newspaper cuttings from her early life.

Diana died in a car crash in Paris when Harry was just 12 years old.

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Prince Harry chats to Earl Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale after a service to celebrate the life of Diana ten years after her death, at the Guards Chapel in London on August 31, 2007

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A friend gifted Earl Spencer this canoe as a 60th birthday present so he can ‘visit’ Diana. The canoe is pictured on the bank next to the Oval Lake at Althorp, his sister’s final resting place

It comes as separate reports emerged last night that Harry has ‘no interest’ in leaving the US and returning to royal duties in Britain.

The Duke has reportedly sought advice from trusted former aides on how to mastermind a return to the UK – nearly five years after he and Meghan stepped down as senior royals.

But sources close to Harry, who turns 40 this month, told the Daily Telegraph that he is settled in California with Meghan, 43, and their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

They also claim that Harry has an ‘amazing’ new set of friends in the US and several projects on the horizon. He is preparing for a trip to New York where he will take part in charity engagements.

According to The Mail on Sunday, he has turned away from his ‘Hollywood publicists’ and resorted to texting former confidants ‘from his old life’ on how to mastermind a return from exile in the US.

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Then-Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Philip and Earl Spencer on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral in London on September 6, 1997

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Earl Spencer, Princess Diana, Charles, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale at Earl Spencer’s 21st birthday party at Althorp in 1985

They are reportedly willing to help him build bridges with his old life in Britain, with some referring to it as ‘Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold’.

It was said that marked the first stage in a potential strategy to ‘rehabilitate’ Harry and repair his relationship with King Charles.

Harry has also chosen not to update Spare ahead of its release in paperback next month, nor to give interviews to publicise it, which could be seen as an olive branch.

But William is still understood to be deeply hurt by Harry’s sustained attacks on his family.

According to friends, he does not discuss Harry, and is instead focusing on his wife, Kate – who is still undergoing treatment for cancer – their children and his work.

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Lord Fellows at the High Court in February 2008 to give evidence in Princess Diana’s inquest

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Queen Elizabeth II and Lord Fellowes aboard the royal yacht Britannia in Florida in May 1991

The brothers are not believed to have spoken properly for two years.

Harry flew out of Los Angeles on Tuesday and slipped into the UK without fanfare.

The prince, who is suing the UK Home Office for withdrawing his police protection when he quit royal duties and left the UK and says it is unsafe to bring his wife or family here, then travelled to Norfolk to attend the memorial.

Harry, whose PR team had previously briefed friendly media to say he would not be flying to the UK for the funeral, is not believed to have travelled on to meet with his father at Balmoral.

King Charles III has been in residence at his Scottish estate with Queen Camilla.

Harry and Charles last saw each other briefly back in February, when the prince flew to the UK from California for a meeting that lasted barely 30 minutes after Charles’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

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The funeral for Lord Fellowes was at the 14th century St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk

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The interior of St Mary’s Church in Snettisham is pictured last Friday, following the funeral

Harry then returned to London once more, in May, but his father’s diary was full with work and his cancer treatment, and they did not meet.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Harry and Meghan have parted company with another American PR adviser, Christine Weil Schirmer, the tenth staff member to leave in three years. She has joined PR giant Brunswick.

Lord Fellowes, who died on July 29 aged 82, was married to Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes.

He was a long-time Buckingham Palace courtier who worked for Queen Elizabeth II for 22 years until 1999.

This was a period which covered both the breakdown of his sister-in-law’s marriage to then-Prince Charles and her death in 1997.

Victoria and David Beckham spent a romantic weekend in Sardinia ahead of their 25th wedding anniversary this week.

The couple were spotted sunning themselves on board a yacht in early celebrations for their milestone anniversary on July 4.

David, 49, showed off the results of his daily workouts as he stripped down to a pair of green swimming shorts for a dip in the ocean.

Victoria, 50, meanwhile stayed on board, relaxing on deck in a chic sundress and wide-brimmed hat.

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Victoria and David Beckham spent a romantic weekend in Sardinia ahead of their 25th wedding anniversary this week

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David, 49, showed off the results of his daily workouts as he stripped down to a pair of green swimming shorts for a dip in the ocean

David showed off his own sense of style as he caught the rays next to his wife while sporting a straw bucket hat.

The couple were joined by middle son Romeo, 21, who recently split from his long-term girlfriend Mia Regan.

They are gearing up to celebrate their milestone silver wedding anniversary on July 4, 25 years after marrying in a £750,000 event at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland.

Posh and Becks, as they became known, sat on matching thrones and wore purple outfits at their nuptials.

They had eldest son Brooklyn at their side as he was just six months old and the flower girls were dressed as angels and the cake topped with a nearly nude sculpture of the newlyweds.

David and Victoria first met in 1997, when she came to watch him at a Manchester United football match and he said ‘hi from across the room’.

Victoria recalled the meeting in a letter for her 18-year-old self in Vogue, writing: ‘While the other football players stand at the bar drinking with their mates, you will see David standing aside with his family.

‘(He’s not even in the first team at this stage—you are the famous one.) And he has such a cute smile. You, too, are close to your family, and you will think how similar he feels to you.’

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The couple were joined by middle son Romeo, 21, who recently split from his long-term girlfriend Mia Regan

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Victoria, 50, meanwhile stayed on board, relaxing on deck in a chic sundress and wide-brimmed hat

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David showed off his tattooed physique as he enjoyed the Sardinia sunshine

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Posh was helped up by a trio of crew members, looking incredibly chic in her boat look

In her book, Victoria recalled how she took the reigns when it came to David’s January 1998 proposal at a country house.

David proposed with a £40,000 ring but she then presented him with a £50,000 diamond sparkler.

Recalling the moment, she said: ‘We were sitting in our dressing gowns when David pulled out the ring, got down on one knee and said, “Will you marry me, Victoria?”. I said, “Yes”, then produced my own ring and said, “Don’t forget Girl Power, will YOU marry ME?”.’

David meanwhile has revealed that ‘he always knew he was going to be’ with Victoria, even before they first met.

David, 49, told The Sun that he first saw Victoria, 50, in a Spice Girls music video, and told his Manchester United teammate Gary Neville that he was going to ‘be with her.’

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Romeo was spotted taking a jet ski out for a ride, sporting patterned purple swimming trunks

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The stylish pair matched their hats as they checked out the stunning scenery

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David’s vast tattoo collection was on show as he hiked up his swimming shorts to work on his tan

He said: ‘I always said that once I met Victoria, I would always be with her.

The couple now have four children, Brooklyn is now 25, Romeo is 21, Cruz is 19 and Harper is 12.

The Beckhams also cleverly turned their much-adored family into an ever-expanding business and property empire.

According to The Sunday Times Rich List 2024, Posh and Becks boast a combined fortune of £455million.

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Romeo proved that three’s not a crowd as he snapped a selfie with his dad on deck

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The 21-year-old larked around with his dad as they showered off after their swim

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Posh and Becks are gearing up to celebrate their milestone silver wedding anniversary on July 4, 25 years after marrying in a £750,000 event at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland

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David and Victoria first met in 1997, when she came to watch him at a Manchester United football match and he said ‘hi from across the room’

Speaking about their relationship to ELLE Spain in April, Victoria said: ‘My husband is an inspiration to me. Do we look like the couple seen in the Netflix documentary? Yes. We like to have fun, chat, dance, drink.

‘And laugh at each other. That’s what it takes to be happy. I believe a lot in laughter, family and friendship. I realize that we have become a model. People like to see relationships that last.’

The couple no doubt have a lavish celebration planned for their anniversary which comes shortly after Victoria marked her 50th with a huge London party

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Victoria recalled the meeting in a letter for her 18-year-old self in Vogue, writing: ‘While the other football players stand at the bar drinking with their mates, you will see David standing aside with his family

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In her book, Victoria recalled how she took the reigns when it came to David’s January 1998 proposal at a country house

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David proposed with a £40,000 ring but she then presented him with a £50,000 diamond sparkler

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The couple now have four children, Brooklyn is now 25, Romeo is 21, Cruz is 19 and Harper is 12

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Romeo was seen checking his phone as he holidayed with his parents and their pals

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David cooled off in Sardinia heat with his on deck shower before joining his wife

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Thrill seeker Romeo enjoyed some time on the waves

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Victoria needed a helping hand making her way around the boar in her chic mini dress

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David made the most of some rare time off, putting his feet up as he relaxed on a lounger

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The couple no doubt have a lavish celebration planned for their big day, which comes shortly after Victoria marked her 50th with a huge London party

David Beckham has shared a heart-breaking tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson on Instagram – featuring what the star says he knew would be his final meeting with the ex-England manager.

Becks’ social media post features a silent clip of him and the late Swede, 76, walking, talking and laughing at what appears to be Eriksson’s home in Sunne.

He issued the tribute after the football legend’s family announced his death earlier today following a long battle with pancreatic cancer, during which Eriksson inspired the world with his positivity.

The video did not have a date attached – but comes after Eriksson revealed earlier this year that Beckham had visited him with a personal chef and a crate of expensive wine drawn from significant years of the manager’s career.

Eriksson’s family were around the Swedish icon’s bed when he passed away earlier this morning – and the news has triggered a flood of tributes from across the footballing world and beyond.

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David Beckham and Sven-Goran Eriksson seen together in a post Beckham made on Instagram earlier this evening

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Becks’ touching tribute to his former manager has been liked hundreds of thousands of times

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Eriksson and Beckham in Portugal in 2004 during the European Championships. Eriksson brought England some much-needed panache but never saw them to a title

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Eriksson oversaw a refinement to England’s playing that saw them become a more competitive force on the world stage – including Beckham’s 2001 awe-inspiring free kick against Greece

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Eriksson breathing a sigh of relief after that free kick guaranteed England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup

Wembley Stadium pays tribute to ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson

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Eriksson applauding ahead of England’s fateful World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in 2006 – the match would ultimately prompt him to resign after England lost 3-1 on penalties

Looking back at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career as England manager

Beckham’s post has been liked almost 350,000 times since it was posted earlier this afternoon.

In the caption, the former England midfielder said that he knew that the meeting with his former coach would likely be his last.

He wrote: ‘We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye.

‘Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been: passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman.

‘I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family.

‘Thank you Sven and in your last words to me: “It will be ok”.’

It is not known when the video was filmed – but Eriksson revealed in June that Beckham had visited him after he announced in January that he had been given ‘at best’ a year to live.

During an interview with Radio Sweden’s P4 Varmland channel two months ago, the 76-year-old said Becks had visited him on his farm outside Sunne.

‘He came with six litres of wine from dates that were important to me,’ Eriksson had revealed.

‘He had wine from 1948 – the year I was born, very nice of him. He is genuine, he could have been a big diva, but he is quite the opposite.’

Beckham also brought wine from 1982, when Eriksson won the UEFA Cup with IFK Goteborg, and 2000, the year he won the Serie A title with Lazio.

Eriksson added: ‘The previous day he had sent a chef who fixed the food, and then he came and was here for a day, we sat chatting, a lot about football.

‘It confirms, in a way, how great he is. He didn’t have to come here. I felt proud that he came.’

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Eriksson quit the England post after the team was knocked out of the 2006 World Cup by Portugal during the quarter-finals (pictured with a dejected Beckham after the match)

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Eriksson and Beckham pictured in 2006 leaving for the World Cup in Germany

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Beckham and Eriksson pictured in 2002 ahead of the World Cup which saw the team reach the quarter finals before being knocked out by Brazil

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Eriksson pictured in January as he announced his cancer news to the world – prompting an outpouring of praise and love for how he was dealing with his diagnosis

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Sven Goran-Eriksson with Fernando Torres during the Liverpool Legends match in March – at which he fulfilled his lifelong dream of coaching the Anfield side

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Sven-Goran Eriksson was widely celebrated before his death – seen here at Stadio Olimpico, the home of ex-team SS Lazio, in May

He then became England’s manager in 2001 – the first foreign manager of the team – and brought with him some much-needed tough love, adapting the squad into a more sophisticated and tactically refined outfit.

While he was never able to take the Three Lions all the way to a trophy, his ice-cool demeanour and refusal to let the critics win – and his steady hand guided players like Becks, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney to legend status.

He took England to a resounding 5-1 World Cup qualifying triumph in 2001 against Germany – and a month later, Beckham’s last-gasp free kick that brought the team to level pecking against Greece

However, he had been praised for his inspiring and optimistic outlook on his diagnosis, in which he implored others to live life to the full.

Shortly after going public with his diagnosis, he revealed a lifelong dream to manage Liverpool – a goal he was able to fulfil in March when he coached the Liverpool Legends to a 4-2 win against Ajax Legends at Anfield.

Earlier this year, he told MailOnline Beckham had been among those he had spoken to after making the news of his cancer public in a Swedish radio interview.

He said: ‘It’s been really crazy. The telephone phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the radio interview was broadcast, I’m surprised by all this support, I didn’t expect it all. I never imagined this sort of reaction.

‘To be honest the broadcast shouldn’t have gone out until Sunday but it did and that’s OK there is nothing I can do but I have had so many calls, all the time, it’s nice.

‘I’ve spoken with David Beckham, I won’t say what he said but it was very good of him to call. We speak every now and then, every few months and I also heard from (ex Man City boss) Roberto Mancini.

‘I’ve heard from people who were at the Football Association when I was there, Wayne Rooney’s agent sent me a message and then there were surprise calls from people I hadn’t heard from in years but it’s like that.’

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Sven-Goran Eriksson in a recent Amazon Prime documentary about his life, entitled ‘Sven’

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Sven-Goran Eriksson with his partner Yaniseth Alcides in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 22

‘I know it’s there’: Former England manager shares emotional message

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Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Lina and Johan (pictured in Stockholm in June 2014) said today of their father: ‘He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end’

In a Prime Video documentary issued days before he died, Sven had opened up about the highs and lows of his life – including how he was coping with the news he had been diagnosed with cancer.

He said: ‘It was a shock. It’s one of those which will not go away.

‘But you can slow them down hopefully. I have no pain but I know it’s there.

‘One day it will take you. Before that day, live instead of sitting down thinking about what and when it will happen.’

Eriksson’s children, Lina and Johan, said in a statement: ‘Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end

‘Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.

‘Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe.

‘He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us.

‘He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.’

They included a quote from Sven himself, in which he said: ‘I get to hear it while I’m alive and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come.

‘I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It’s been fantastic.’

Lina and Johan added: ‘We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.

‘We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.’

His mother the Queen was a lover of bees, giving away jars of honey from her five Buckingham Palace hives to everyone from the Pope to President Barack Obama.

And that passion for bees has stayed with King Charles who has just taken delivery of 70,000 more at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Mystery surrounds where the tiny new workers have come from, but Charles is known to be pally with another famous beekeeper… David Beckham.

The King has been seen swapping beekeeping tips with the former footballer and they have even swapped jars of each other’s honey.

Beckham’s passion for beekeeping was revealed in a recent Netflix documentary which showed him in full apiarist gear to tend hives at his Cotswold home.

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King Charles has taken delivery of 70,000 bees at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk

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Mystery surrounds where the tiny new workers have come from, but Charles is known to be pally with another famous beekeeper… David Beckham, who is pictured offering the monarch a jar of his honey last year

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Pictured: David Beckham holding a jar of his own honey

Charles already has hives at his country home Highgrove House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Former Royal Beekeeper to the Queen’s bees John Chapple, who cared for up to 420,000 bees across the Palace’s hives, welcomed the news of Sandringham’s new bees but did not know where the King has got them from.

‘You buy them from another beekeeper but I don’t know who that would be,’ he said.

‘I just hope he bought them from this country and did not import them from abroad.

‘The main thing is to have local bees. They’re used to the conditions and that’s where it’s going wrong.

‘People bring bees in right now, let’s say from southern Italy, which are cheaper than buying English bees but they’re not used to our climate.’

Mr Chapple, who says he talks to the bees, revealed that the late Queen was ‘very proud’ of her royal bee colonies.

He added that their honey was served at her breakfast table every day.

Walliams’ puppy love

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David Walliams posing with rumoured girlfriend Keeley Hazell and their new baby… a fur baby named Eric

David Walliams is having a baby – a fur baby, that is.

The children’s writer and his rumoured girlfriend, Ted Lasso star Keeley Hazell, showed off gorgeous new puppy Eric in a picture taken on David’s doorstep.

The sweet border terrier is David’s third canine companion – he’s already a proud dog father to terriers Ernie and Bert. Looks like one yappy family to me!

She’s been ‘married’ to Bobby Kootstra since 2019, but Katherine Ryan told me at Magic Mike Live that she’s ‘getting worried’.

‘I think men are always one mistake away from imploding their whole lives – you can’t trust any of them.’

Jodie’s hot date with Pirelli calendar

Don’t lose your head, but that really is Anne Boleyn actress Jodie Turner-Smith, posing up a storm for the new Pirelli calendar. The British star, 37, radiates serenity in a figure-hugging metallic gown.

Jodie’s not the only British woman to shine in the famous calendar – Bridgerton beauty Simone Ashley, below, also appears, posing in a nude bathing suit on a riverbank.

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Jodie Turner-Smith, 37, radiates serenity in a figure-hugging metallic gown for the new Pirelli calendar

The new edition was shot by photographer Ethan James Green, who tells me getting ‘Anne Boleyn’ to pose for him is just the start of his royal ambition: he’d love to work with the Duchess of Sussex next. ‘I’m very American. I would work with Meghan – that would be really lovely. I’d just want to capture her. I’d want to take a portrait of her that represents who she is.’

The 2025 line-up of stars also includes French actor Vincent Cassel, Indian model Padma Lakshmi, in a wispy thin tulle dress, and the performance artist Martine Gutierrez, who poses naked with just a piece of driftwood covering her modesty.

Phil lassos his lady

Ted Lasso heartthrob Phil Dunster has got engaged, I can reveal.

The 32-year-old actor has been in a relationship with director Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Heydon for several years. The couple, right, live together in East London.

Eleanor was spotted at the Sag Awards earlier this year with a sparkler on her engagement finger.

Phil told the Off Menu podcast he had recently popped the question, referring to Eleanor as ‘my fiancee’.

For Zac’s eyes only!

Socialite Hum Fleming showed off her cheeky side on a recent yacht trip.

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Socialite Hum Fleming showed off her cheeky side modelling a £360 see-through net dress by resort wear designer Kalita on a recent yacht trip

Fashion PR Hum – the 34-year-old great-niece of James Bond author Ian Fleming – put on an eye-catching display, modelling a £360 see-through net dress by resort wear designer Kalita.

She has told her admiring Instagram followers her ‘perfect body’ was down to boxing classes. Hum is dating Tory peer Zac Goldsmith, who has referred to her as his ‘future wife’. No wonder!

Kate Williams, the TV historian, has admitted to being ‘obsessed’ with leading royal historical figures to the extent that they haunt her at night.

She said: ‘Once I was dreaming that I was being cuddled by Charles II and I woke up and my blanket had covered my head. I was smothering myself and I thought it was Charles II who’d landed on me!’

Oh, Baby! That’s not very much

You might think that Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd would be living like a king after giving Netflix one of its biggest successes.

Yet, amazingly, he paid himself just £50,000 after the show went out. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to how much Netflix would have made on the stalker drama, which drew 252million viewers.

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You might think that Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd (seen with costar Jessica Gunning) would be living like a king after giving Netflix one of its biggest successes, but he paid himself just £50,000 after the show went out

Gadd paid himself with a director’s loan, while his firm, RRSG, actually made less profit than last year.

Are British film director Guy Ritchie and American actor Stanley Tucci planning to work together?

I ask as the pair seem to have something of a summer bromance brewing.

Firstly, Ritchie’s wife Jacqui Ainsley hinted at a mutual holiday in Florence by tagging Tucci in a photo. Then Tucci followed by praising Ritchie’s Cashmere Caveman Co table as he demonstrated outdoors cooking in an Instagram post by his wife, Felicity.

Last month, Tucci’s cookware brand was signed up by John Lewis. Maybe a collaboration is cooking…

Gary Lineker has finally won over Croydon locals close to one of his development projects.

On his third attempt the pundit has been granted permission to demolish a four-bedroom bungalow and replace it with two semi-detached houses.

His first plans had 50 objections from residents, his second 24, before approval was given.

Rapper Skepta must be a glutton for punishment. The Tottenham-born grime artist has taken up the Russian practice of Parenie, which involves being pummeled with fistfuls of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs while lying face down on a pile of wet leaves in a steam room.

Devotees are then doused in buckets of ice and plunged into a freezing pool. Maybe hanging out in Hollywood with his friend Adele has given him the idea.

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Rapper Skepta (pictured) must be a glutton for punishment as he has taken up Parenie, which involves being pummeled with fistfuls of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs while lying face down on a pile of wet leaves in a steam room

Claudia clams up

Contestants on The Traitors are banned from speaking to host Claudia Winkleman off-camera… in case the others suspect them of being traitors.

Miles Asteri, who appeared in the second series of the hit show, told me: ‘We’re not supposed to have time with her. She’s not supposed to have favourites.’

He added: ‘If someone was talking to her too much, you’d think, “That’s a Traitor talking to Claudia…” so it’s all very limited. The time you do have is short and sweet.’

David Beckham left fans shocked by his youthful appearance in his latest behind the scenes Instagram video on Thursday.

The former England footballer, 49, showed off his smooth complexion while on set film a new advert for Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds.

David cut a dapper figure in a black high necked jumper which he tucked into a pair of smart trousers and wore a coordinated long coat.

The Inter Miami FC owner seemed in good spirits as he shared clips from behind the scenes as he walked on a treadmill in his socks while listening to music.

Fans were quick to the comments of the video to joke that the father-of-four just ‘doesn’t age’ and questioned how he is getting ‘more and more handsome’.

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David Beckham left fans shocked by his young looking appearance in his latest behind the scenes Instagram video on Thursday

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The former England footballer, 49, showed off his smooth complexion while on set film a new advert for Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds

‘The man doesn’t age; David is literally incapable of looking anything less than [fire emoji].

‘How this man can be more and more handsome??; He looks very James Bondish today, very dashing.’

David wrote: ‘Join me on set with @bowerswilkins for the launch of their new Pi8 earbuds. Love the sound! Even got some steps in… #BoundByExcellence’.

It comes after David’s son Romeo managed to beat him at a game of padel.

Romeo, 21, took to Instagram earlier this month to rub in his victory, sharing a snap of a defeated David laughing in the background.

The Brentwood FC forward held his hand up in an L to signify his dad was a ‘loser’ as David, 49, wearing an orange tank top and white Adidas shorts, shook his head and chuckled.

The pair took on Argentinian tennis star Deigo Schwartzman for the game of padel in the sunshine.

Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis played in pairs on small, enclosed courts  and first popularised in Mexico in the 1960s.

The intense sport was no doubt ideal for the tennis ace who went head to head with David and Romeo.

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He cut a dapper figure in a black high necked jumper which he tucked into a pair of smart trousers and wore a coordinated long coat

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David seemed in good spirits as he shared clips from behind the scenes as he walked on a treadmill in his socks while listening to music

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Fans were quick to the comments of the video to joke that the father-of-four just ‘doesn’t age’ and questioned how he is getting ‘more and more handsome’

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Romeo took to Instagram last week to tease his famous father David after beating him at padel and he gloated over his victory to his  four million followers

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The former England player didn’t seem to take his loss too badly as he re-posted Romeo’s picture, adding his own caption: ‘Had to let you win one game at least’

The trio took to their Instagram to share the results of the gruelling matches.

Gloating over his victory, David and Victoria Beckham’s second son wrote: ‘Don’t think there’s a better feeling than beating your dad’ with a strong arm and a laughing emoji while tagging his footballer father.

But the former England player didn’t seem to take his loss too badly as he re-posted Romeo’s picture, adding his own caption: ‘Had to let you win one game at least’.

David also posted another snap of the sporty trio outside the padel court.

Over the photo he wrote: ‘Fun Padel game against @dieschwartzman & @romeobeckham

‘Dad WON sorry guys England Win’.

In the photo, David was grinning as he sported a green Adidas tank top and a white cap while Romeo peeked over his shoulder.

Diego went topless for the photo and looked red-faced after a day of playing.

The Argentinian player, 31, also took to his Instagram to share his fun day with fans.

He posted a selfie for his 715,000 followers alongside Romeo as the two caught their breath in the shade.

Romeo was spotted wearing a backwards Nike cap and matching white tank top as he showed off his tattoo – looking the spitting image of his father.

He also joined in on David and his son’s rivalry and added his own comment to David’s snap, telling the pair ‘revenge coming soon’ with two laughing emojis.

David Beckham introduced football’s two GOATs to each other on Saturday night, after welcoming Tom Brady to see Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami in action.

Argentina star Messi also had to watch from the stands as he recovers from an ankle issue but met Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl winner, to celebrate after Miami beat Cincinnati 2-0 to qualify for Major League Soccer‘s playoffs.

And Brady joked that he was going to bring Messi to Birmingham after the game – the English team he owns a minority stake in. He wrote on Instagram: ‘I’m bringing Leo Messi back to Birmingham with me. Sorry David Beckham.’

 

Brady was also presented with his own pink Miami jersey by Beckham before the start of Saturday’s game.

‘THE GREATEST,’ Beckham captioned the picture, posting two ‘goat’ emojis and tagging Brady and Messi. ‘Doesn’t get any better to watch us go into the playoffs.’

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David Beckham introduced Lionel Messi to Tom Brady at Saturday’s Inter Miami game

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Brady joked he was going to take Messi to Birmingham with him after Saturday’s game

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Beckham also presented Brady with his own Inter Miami jersey before the MLS game

Brady, 47, and Beckham have been friends for years and their families have spent time together in Miami before. Former NFL star Brady lives in Florida – albeit four hours away from Miami, in a newly built $17million mansion in Tampa.

World Cup winner Messi, meanwhile, joined Miami last year in a move that has galvanized the game in the United States.

Beckham was the driving force in recruiting the former Barcelona player, who like Brady is considered the best ever in his sport, to America and onto the team he co-owns.

And Beckham rolled out the red carpet once he got his man – with a little help from Brady.

He unveiled Messi at a star-studded opening ceremony at Miami’s Freedom Park stadium last July and Brady was one of several stars who sent Messi a welcome message that was played out on the screens.

Later that year, Messi led Miami to win the Leagues Cup trophy – the team’s first since it was founded by Beckham – but they failed to make the playoffs.

Messi has been admired by Brady for years. Before the 2018 Super Bowl, which Brady’s New England Patriots lost against the Philadelphia Eagles, the quarterback underlined how Messi is an athlete who he follows away from his own sport.

‘I love Messi, he is a great player – however, I am a little older than him,’ Brady said, via Sports Illustrated.

‘I love soccer, I’ve watched it for a long time. I admire him, he’s a great athlete.’

Brady, who is about to start working as an NFL analyst for FOX on a $375million 10-year deal, ventured into the other football after becoming a minority owner of English team Birmingham last year.

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Brady and Beckham have been friends for years – here, Beckham and his daughter Harper are picture with Brady and his daughter Vivian

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The sporting duo are often seen spending time together when they are both in Florida

His first season involved with the team was a disaster – they were relegated from the second tier but have started the new season with two wins and a draw.

After winning 2-1 against Leyton Orient on Saturday, Brady took to Instagram with a message for the Birmingham fans: ‘Great Win! We need your support all year long!’

Messi, meanwhile, is definitely expected to be back for Miami by the playoffs in October.