Blog

  • David Beckham jumped into the Ten Hag defense, blaming the Man Utd star for the dismal season

    David Beckham jumped into the Ten Hag defense, blaming the Man Utd star for the dismal season

    David Beckham has surprisingly spoken out in support of Erik ten Hag, even though the Dutchman has taken charge of another hugely underwhelming season at Manchester United.

    During Ten Hag’s first campaign at Old Trafford, Man Utd won the League Cup, reached the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League.

    The Red Devils have once again reached the FA Cup final, but that is their only achievement this term.

    Ten Hag’s side have been knocked out of the Champions League and League Cup early on, while some disappointing results have seen them fall to eighth in the Premier League table.

    Man Utd are even below Chelsea, a club where there has seemingly been constant drama and controversy this season.

    Man Utd’s players are starting to come to terms with the fact that Ten Hag is highly likely to be replaced in the summer, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel both under consideration.

    Man Utd have also been urged to consider a blockbuster reunion with Jose Mourinho, though that move would be a big shock.

    Amid all the managerial speculation, ex-Man Utd and England star Beckham has been quizzed on the source of his former club’s problems.

    But rather than blaming Ten Hag, like a lot of Man Utd pundits have been doing, the 49-year-old icon thinks it is the players who are not showing enough motivation.

    “I think that’s the whole point of being a Manchester United player and playing in these big games, you should be motivated.

    “When you’re a professional footballer and you’re doing the job that you love and you’re at the club that you love, when you’re playing in any game whether it’s a regular season game or whether it’s an FA Cup final against your rivals, then that should be enough motivation.

    “If it’s not, then you’re in the wrong team and you’re playing the wrong sport so I think at the end of the day, we [Beckham’s former Man Utd team] went into every game whether it was a youth cup game, a friendly game, off-season or the European Cup final, with the same mentality and the same drive.

    “That’s what you’d hope at any team and any player for Manchester United, go into an FA Cup final against Manchester City with enough motivation that a manager shouldn’t have to say much.”

    Beckham continued: “We all know that Erik’s a very qualified manager and a good manager and he has the right motives.

    “But I think we were lucky in our day that we had Sir Alex Ferguson, we were lucky that we had Eric Harrison and Jim Ryan and Nobby Stiles and all of these great managers and motivators.”

    It has been reported that the significant cost of sacking Ten Hag – over £10million – could save the 54-year-old his job. However, Old Trafford chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe must decide whether Ten Hag is taking Man Utd in the right direction, and whether that £10m sack payment could be worth it to save the long-term future of the club.

  • Loose Women’s Judi Love willing to ‘slide into King Charles’ DMs’ to ask him to ‘save us’

    Loose Women’s Judi Love willing to ‘slide into King Charles’ DMs’ to ask him to ‘save us’

    Nadia Sawalha urged Liz Truss to donate her lifetime salary to foodbanks as the Loose Women panel reacted to the PM’s resignation – with Judi Love offering to contact King Charles and urge him to call a general election

    Judi Love is calling on King Charles to ‘save the nation’ and call a general election.

    The Loose Women panel reacted to yesterday’s dramatic day of British politics on today’s show, with Judi, Charlene White, Frankie Bridge and Nadiya Sawalha all offering their thoughts on Prime Minister Liz Truss ‘ recent resignation outside 10 Downing Street.

    Former EastEnders actress Nadia kicked off today’s discussion about the government, admitting the country is ‘still in a state of shock’ following the latest Tory saga and slammed Truss for not offering ‘a hint’ of an apology as she addressed the nation and stepped down from her position after just 44 days in the role.

    “The place is in a mess and she comes out looking a little bit annoyed that she couldn’t deliver a mandate,” the star fumed, going on to add: “There’s something a little bit dark going on – all the people she worked with for ten years didn’t spot that she didn’t have the intelligence for the job.”

    Nadiya Sawalha was fuming at the start of the show
    Nadia Sawalha was fuming at the start of the show 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Nadia went on to express her horror at Boris Johnson’s potential return to 10 Downing Street – branding his rumoured comeback as ‘laughable’ – before seemingly calling for a general election, saying: “Here we go again, someone is once again going to be anointed by these people who have messaged up the country for 12 years.”

    The Saturdays singer Frankie then mused just why the country can’t take to the polls once again to decide who will be the next prime minister, before Judi’s friendship with King Charles was brought up.

    Johnson and the King in June this year
    Johnson and the King in June this year 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    As the official Head of State, the monarch can technically call a general election by dissolving Parliament ready for an election, but in modern times the King would not do this without the request of the Prime Minister.

    The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 allows a Prime Minister to request a dissolution from the Sovereign which, if granted, would allow a Prime Minister to call a general election at a time. So, technically, King Charles could block a general election, but not call one.

    Judi is willing to use her connections for the good of the country
    Judi is willing to use her connections for the good of the country 
    Image:
    ITV)
    As the Loose Women panel pointed Judi has previously met the King at a charity function and jokingly implied she could use her connections to urge the Head of State to call a general election, Judi joked: “I will slide into King Charles’ DM to ask him to come save the nation.”

    Elsewhere on the show, Nadiya urged Truss to turn down the hefty £115,000-a-year fund she can claim for the rest of her life as a former prime minister – after just 44 days doing the job.

    Truss won't be out of pocket following her resignation
    Truss won’t be out of pocket following her resignation 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)The 47-year-old is eligible for the annual allowance until she dies, even though she was the shortest-serving PM in history.

    Separately she will also trouser an £18,860 payout for leaving office – double the £9,094 she was actually paid while on the job.

    Nadiya expressed her desire to see Truss turn down the payments or at the very least, donate the money to a foodbank in her constituency.

    *Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV and ITVHub

  • Loose Women’s Linda Robson shares racy dream about Elton John – and his hilarious response

    Loose Women’s Linda Robson shares racy dream about Elton John – and his hilarious response

    Loose Women star Linda Robson has opened up about the ‘naughty’ dream she had about Elton John, and she even went on to tell him what had happened in their dream encounter

    Linda Robson has opened up about the “naughty” dream she had about Elton John.

    The Loose Women panellist left her co-stars – Kaye Adams, Carol McGiffin and Judi Love – stunned as she revealed she once had a racy dream about the singer, and even admitted to telling him all about it. Linda recalled how she had a rather intimate dream about the singer, and then decided to pen a letter to him to reveal all what happened.

    Linda recalled how, in her dream, she ended up kissing Elton on a train trip, and quipped that she was desperate for her husband not to find out about her dream encounter. Her co-stars were shocked by her revelation.

    Linda stunned with her revelation
    Linda Robson stunned her co-stars with her revelation 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Speaking on the ITV lunchtime show, Linda revealed: “I had a bit of a naughty dream once because I had a crush on Elton John. I’d read his book Rocket Man and I had this dream we were on the Eurostar and we had a little bit of a kiss and cuddle.

    “And I woke up the next morning like oh my gosh, I hope my husband doesn’t find out.”

    Things took even more of a turn when Linda revealed to her fellow panellists that she had contacted Elton about the dream.

    Linda confessed to dreaming about Elton
    Linda confessed to dreaming about Elton 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    “Anyway, Simone, who works here actually works with Elton John as well, she does his make up and so I sent him a letter and I said, did you remember when he had a kiss and a cuddle on the Eurostar,” she added.

    Her co-stars were stunned and burst into laughter when she shared: “And he sent me back a letter and said, Linda, it wasn’t the Eurostar, it was the Orient Express and we made so much noise they chucked us off.”

    Carol was shocked by the confession
    Carol was shocked by the confession 
    Image:
    ITV)

    It comes after Linda admitted she has never undressed in front of husband in 33 years.

    “I’ve never undressed in front of my husband. My mum is Catholic and we never saw her undressed – I go in the bathroom,” she admitted, “My kids have seen me undressed but my husband hasn’t.”

  • I’m A Celeb’s Charlene White says taunts about her weight left her feeling ‘disgusting’

    I’m A Celeb’s Charlene White says taunts about her weight left her feeling ‘disgusting’

    ITV News presenter Charlene White will join the likes of Mike Tindall, Boy George, Chris Moyles and Corrie’s Sue Cleaver in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

    I’m A Celebrity campmate Charlene White Charlene White has told how she brushes off any negative comments about her weight after being left “so upset” when a viewer emailed to say her size was “unacceptable”.

    The ITV News presenter and Loose Women anchor, 42, was stunned when she received the blunt viewer message 15 years ago, just a year after she started on the channel, and it left her feeling “disgusting” about her body.

    But now she has learned to “tolerate” such abuse and knows she is “good at her job” regardless of her appearance.

    She said: “I’m comfortable in my skin. A year into starting at ITV, 15 years ago, I was working overnight shifts and an email came through at 10pm with ‘your weight’ in the subject line.”

    Charlene White
    Charlene is a well known face on ITV News and Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Get all the biggest showbiz news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror Showbiz newsletter.

    “The email said, ‘You can’t fail to notice that you’re bigger than other news presenters. It’s something that you need to deal with. It’s unacceptable that you are the size you are.’

    “I was so upset and it made me compare myself to other people, which, of course, is very unhealthy, but I couldn’t help but look at myself and think, ‘I’m disgusting.’

    “With age and confidence, I’ve learned to tolerate communication such as that. I’m good at my job, irrespective of what I look like. Comments about my weight now don’t bother me.”

    Charlene White
    Charlene says a viewer once emailed in about her weight 
    Image:
    WireImage)

    Charlene White
    The mum-of-two says it left her feeling ‘disgusting’ 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images)
    Speaking to Top Sante magazine, she added: “My weight has fluctuated since I was in my late teens, so training is not about me losing weight.

    “It’s about me feeling strong, and I definitely now feel stronger.

    “I love fitness and challenges. I love squatting a particular weight, then the following week trying to smash that barrier.

    “As I lift heavier and heavier, I realise I’m getting stronger. My brain works very well in that way.”

    Charlene White
    Charlene has touched down in Australia to film I’m A Celeb 
    Image:
    Mirror)Charlene arrived at Brisbane on Thursday and admitted the show would be a challenge.

    She said: “I think if I was ever to do a show such as Im A Celebrity the issues will mainly be the outdoors, I don’t do bugs, I don’t do spiders, I don’t do any of those things. So why would I sign up?!

    “There are several facets to me so perhaps I would surprise people. Who knows? Maybe you will see a different side.”

  • Loose Women’s Kelle Bryan poses naked to boost lupus battle that caused brain to swell

    Loose Women’s Kelle Bryan poses naked to boost lupus battle that caused brain to swell

    Kelle Bryan feared her children would be taken away after cerebral lupus left her with swelling on the brain and causing a seizure as the after effects left her kids ‘scared’ of her

    Brave Kelle Bryan says was more than happy to take her clothes off as she raised £10,000 to help fight the brain-swelling condition that left her unable to talk.

    The former Eternal singer told the Loose Women about her fight against lupus which totally changed her life, causing a seizure and leaving her living in fear that he children would be taken away.

    The star told how she lost the ability to walk when she was struck down by the autoimmune disease, a long-term condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy parts of the body.

    Kelle had to have speech therapy and she vowed to do all she can to publicise the illness on the final day of lupus awareness month.

    Kelle Bryan
    Kelle Bryan was emotional as she opened up on Loose Women, discussing her battle with lupus 
    Image:
    ITV)

    When her daughter Kayori had a cold in 1998, Kelle caught it and ended up in intensive care with pneumonia – and it was just the start of her torment.

    She says she posed naked because there wasn’t much ‘tolerance or understanding’ of the blood disease.

    “At the moment there is no cure – there’s no reason why you get it and there’s limited research,” she said.

    “It’s difficult times to raise money, but I have managed to raise £10,000 – but I haven’t done it alone!

    “Some GPs aren’t even aware of the symptoms and they need to be.

    “I posted naked because I wanted people to understand the starkness of the disease. People think it’s not severe.”

    Kelle said her hair started to fall out and she struggled to speak as she developed ulcers in her mouth.

    Now she wants to help others – and says putting pressure on doctors to check is half of the battle.


    She says she feared her children would be taken away from her“It went to my brain but I didn’t release at the time. I thought it was mental health problems,” she said.

    “I used to bolt on a regular basis, my children were scared of me. I was worried they would be taken away.

    “I didn’t know what I was capable of – if you are wondering what is wrong with you, it could be lupus.

    “Go to your GP, demand they check for the symptoms. It started in my mouth and it got to the point where I could move and I couldn’t speak.”

    *Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV

  • Janet Street-Porter recalls clash with ‘thin-skinned’ I’m a Celebrity MP Matt Hancock

    Janet Street-Porter recalls clash with ‘thin-skinned’ I’m a Celebrity MP Matt Hancock

    Following Matt Hancock’s name being added to the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! line-up, the Loose Women ladies had a lot to say about the politician’s venture into reality TV

    Janet Street-Porter hit out at Matt Hancock on today’s edition of Loose Women, as the Tory MP prepares to appear on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

    The ITV panelist joked the former Health Secretary must be ‘having a mid-life crisis’ after agreeing to appear on the reality TV show, and recalled a past experience she had with the ‘thin-skinned’ politician.

    The Conservative Party politician has been stripped of the Tory whip after signing up for the long-running series, as he joins the likes of Chris Moyles, Love Island star Olivia Attwood and royal Mike Tindall preparing themselves for a stint in the Australian jungle.

    A political ally close to the former health secretary has revealed the politician’s reasons for signing up for the reality TV show and claimed Mr Hancock – who receives a £84,144 yearly salary as an elected MP – will declare the cash he receives for appearing on I’m a Celebrity.

    Janet Street-Porter shared a juicy anecdote on today's edition of Loose Women
    Janet Street-Porter shared a juicy anecdote on today’s edition of Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Shortly after the news broke Mr Hancock will possibly be subjected to Bushtucker Trials later this month, Loose Women aired on ITV – with the four women on the panel having a lot to say about the latest I’m a Celebrity signing.

    The West Suffolk MP was forced to quit as health secretary in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by conducting an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.

    After watching a video message from panelist Charlene White – who is already Down Under ready for the show to start on Sunday – talk then turned Hancock’s possible cameo alongside their co-star.

    The former health secretary's political career has been tainted with scandals
    The former health secretary’s political career has been tainted with scandals 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    The Tory MP was caught kissing Gina Coladangelo at work when Covid-19 restrictions were in place
    The Tory MP was caught kissing Gina Coladangelo at work when Covid-19 restrictions were in place 
    Image:
    The Sun)
    “He’ll be picked to do every challenge without a doubt,” Janet declared when discussing Mr Hancock’s upcoming camping experience.

    “Having a mid life crisis,” she quipped, as he co-stars pondered why the disgraced politician has agreed to go on the ITV show.

    Janet then went on to reveal: “Also, you might not know this, but he have a very, very thin skin because I once wrote something about him.

    “I wrote a rather sneering piece about him. Next thing, his P.A is ringing my agent saying ‘Matt’s not very happy. He wants to take Janet for a coffee’.”

    Janet didn't hold back when discussing the Tory MP's chances in the jungle
    Janet didn’t hold back when discussing the Tory MP’s chances in the jungle 
    Image:
    ITV)Laughing, she added: “Well he’s going to learn what it’s like to be disliked.”

    As it was revealed Mr Hancock will be swapping political duties for Bucktucker Trials later this month, Chief WhipSimon Hartsaid the situation was so serious he should have the right to sit as a Conservative suspended.

    “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect,” Mr Hart said as it was revealed Mr Hancock would be appearing on the ITV show.

    A political ally of Hancock’s believes the former health secretary has made the right decision by signing up to appear on the ITV show – claiming it’s a way for the politician to engage with voters.

    Mr Hancock has also been accused of ‘cashing in’ on his past political position, amid the former health secretary’s memoirs being released later this year.

    *Loose Women airs weekdays on 12.30pm on ITV and ITVHub

  • Loose Women’s Linda Robson confesses she wet herself on I’m a Celebrity due to fear

    Loose Women’s Linda Robson confesses she wet herself on I’m a Celebrity due to fear

    Linda Robson confessed wetting herself while camping on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! warmed her up, as the Loose Women ladies discussed Charlene White’s upcoming stint on the ITV show

    Linda Robson made a candid confession as she recalled her time on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! earlier today on Loose Women.

    The presenter, 64, admitted to wetting herself due to fear at one point during experience as a celebrity camper.

    The Birds of a Feather actress joined Christine Lampard, Janet Street-Porter and Brenda Edwards on the show’s panel this afternoon, as the four women discussed fellow panelist Charlene White’s upcoming stint in the Australian jungle.

    A video message from Charlene played to the panel and viewers watching at home on the ITV show, as she joins the likes of Chris Moyles, Love Island star Olivia Attwood and royal Mike Tindall preparing themselves to rough it Down Under.

    Linda Robson looked back on her own jungle stint ahead of Charlene White appearing on the show
    Linda Robson looked back on her own jungle stint ahead of Charlene White appearing on the show 
    Image:
    ITV)

    As Brenda branded Charlene ‘crazy’ for agreeing to sleep in the Australian outback due to her fear of spiders and creepy crawlies, Linda looked back on her own time on the show.

    In 2012, the actress took part in the twelfth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, coming in ninth place. EastEnders star Charlie Brooks was crowned Queen of the Jungle that year, with Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts coming in second place.

    Linda has some tales from her time in the Australian jungle
    Linda has some tales from her time in the Australian jungle 
    Image:
    PA)
    “I had an amazing time – I loved it,” Linda recalled when chatting with her fellow panelists about her I’m a Celebrity days 10 years ago.

    “The worst night was the first night I went in because I was so scared,” she continued when taking a trip down memory lane.

    Linda went on: “They put you in your sleeping bag and show you were the dunny is and then at about 9pm, all the lights go off.

    “Charlie Brooks told me if I wanted to go to the toilet to nudge her and she would go with me. I remember nudging her but she was fast asleep!”

    Laughing, Linda then revealed: “In the end, instead of going to the toilet I just wet myself. I was so scared!”

    “At least it warmed me up a bit,” she quipped, as the studio broke out into fits of giggles.

    Charlene and the other stars will brave the jungle when the show returns on Sunday
    Charlene and the other stars will brave the jungle when the show returns on Sunday 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Elsewhere on today’s edition of Loose Women, the panel discussed the reports Matt Hancock is set to following in the footsteps of Nadine Dorries and become the latest politician to appear on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

    Janet Street-Porter joked the former health secretary must be ‘having a mid-life crisis’ after agreeing to appear on the reality TV show, and recalled a past experience she had with the ‘thin-skinned’ politician.

    “He’ll be picked to do every challenge without a doubt,” Janet declared when discussing Mr Hancock’s upcoming camping experience.

    The Tory MP's upcoming appearance on the ITV show has sparked an outrage online
    Matt Hancock’s upcoming appearance on the ITV show has sparked an outrage online

    “Having a mid life crisis,” she quipped, as he co-stars pondered why the disgraced politician has agreed to go on the ITV show.

    Janet then went on to reveal: “Also, you might not know this, but he have a very, very thin skin because I once wrote something about him.

    “I wrote a rather sneering piece about him. Next thing, his P.A is ringing my agent saying ‘Matt’s not very happy. He wants to take Janet for a coffee’.”

    Laughing, she added: “Well he’s going to learn what it’s like to be disliked.”

  • Just like the Duke of Windsor in 1970, I fear Prince Harry will find the royal door is slammed shut despite rehabilitation attempts, writes CHRISTOPHER WILSON

    Just like the Duke of Windsor in 1970, I fear Prince Harry will find the royal door is slammed shut despite rehabilitation attempts, writes CHRISTOPHER WILSON

    The story was quite a scoop. In October 1970, I was in Paris as a 23-year-old reporter for the Daily Mail when the young Prince of Wales made an unheralded visit to his great-­uncle, the former Edward VIII, who was living there in exile.

    The ex-king – then the Duke of Windsor – and his wife, the former Mrs Wallis Simpson, were desperate to win back their regal status and Prince Charles, as he then was, arrived at the duke’s home in the Route du Champ d’Entrainement with the British ambassador, Sir Christopher Soames, in tow.

    ‘This was a surprise visit,’ a member of the Windsor staff told me. ‘I don’t think the duke was expecting it but he was very, very pleased.’

    The memory of that visit came surging back to me following the revelation in yesterday’s Mail on Sunday that another duke in self-inflicted exile, Prince Harry, was eager for rehabilitation.

    The Duke of Sussex is said to be consulting former aides on how he can find a route back into royal life. Due to turn 40 in two weeks, and with his father the King undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, Harry appears to have realised that life in California is not enough for him, however much he loves his wife and two children.

    Prince Harry and Prince William attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at The Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021
    +10

    Prince Harry and Prince William attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at The Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021

    Edward became a royal outcast in December 1936, when he gave up the throne after just 11 months so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Above: The pair arriving in Britain in 1967 for a visit as guests of the Queen
    +10

    Edward became a royal outcast in December 1936, when he gave up the throne after just 11 months so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Above: The pair arriving in Britain in 1967 for a visit as guests of the Queen

    In October 1970, the 21-year-old Prince Charles met his great-uncle, the erstwhile Edward VIII, at his Paris home. Above: Prince Charles accompanying his mother the Queen when she met the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson just ten days before his death
    +10

    In October 1970, the 21-year-old Prince Charles met his great-uncle, the erstwhile Edward VIII, at his Paris home. Above: Prince Charles accompanying his mother the Queen when she met the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson just ten days before his death

    Charles's meeting with his great-uncle, the former King Edward VIII, was dramatised in the third series of The Crown. Edward was portrayed by Derek Jacobi and Charles by Josh O'Connor (above)
    +10

    Charles’s meeting with his great-uncle, the former King Edward VIII, was dramatised in the third series of The Crown. Edward was portrayed by Derek Jacobi and Charles by Josh O’Connor (above)

    The Duke of Windsor marries Wallis Simpson in 1937

    But the parallels with the past are not encouraging.

    The Duke of Windsor never did win forgiveness from ‘the Firm’ and, 18 months after that meeting with Charles, he died in France from throat cancer at the age of 77.

    Earlier this year, palace sources suggested that King Charles was willing to consider a rapprochement with his younger son. Always a spiritual man, he has consulted religious leaders and is keen to leave past arguments and insults behind.

    It was his initiative, back in 1970, to offer an olive branch to the Windsors in Paris too. His first idea was to invite them for a weekend visit to England. When that suggestion met with a flat refusal from senior courtiers, he proposed making a visit himself, saying: ‘It would seem pointless to continue the feud.’

    But he had reckoned without the deep animosity his grandmother, the Queen Mother, nursed towards the duke and duchess. She blamed them for the early death of her husband, who ascended reluctantly to the throne as George VI after the Abdication.

    Her daughter the Queen was equally implacable. Devoted to her father’s memory, she knew that George had always resisted schemes to bring the Windsors back into the fold.

    William and Harry pictured in 2021 arriving for the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales
    +10

    William and Harry pictured in 2021 arriving for the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales

    The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their Paris home during filming of a scene for A King's Story, the 1965 documentary about his life
    +10

    The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their Paris home during filming of a scene for A King’s Story, the 1965 documentary about his life

    Edward abdicated in December 1936 so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Above: The King giving his abdication broadcast
    +10

    Edward abdicated in December 1936 so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Above: The King giving his abdication broadcast

    During the Second World War, the duke and duchess were sent to govern the Bahamas, and while out there they made repeated demands to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, pleading for more official recognition. Angry at what he saw as his brother’s betrayal, George refused, right up till his own death from cancer in 1952. He knew allowing the Windsors to return would invite endless headlines about their showboating, their parties and their politics: that toxic sideshow would make his own role impossible.

    Today, Prince William can see the identical risks of pardoning Harry and Meghan. Their capacity for generating negative royal publicity is limitless, whether through books, TV series or high-profile celebrity interviews.

    In the wake of the Queen’s death two years ago, the Royal Family is fragile, especially given the serious illnesses of both the King and the Princess of Wales. Harry’s return would hit all of them like a wrecking ball.

    Charles may be willing to consider it, but William is not. And as heir to the throne, it is very much William who is calling the shots.

    The abdication notice signed by Edward VIII at his Fort Belvedere home. His brothers Albert, Henry and George also signed the document
    +10

    The abdication notice signed by Edward VIII at his Fort Belvedere home. His brothers Albert, Henry and George also signed the document

    On June 3, 1937, Edward married Wallis Simpson in a French chateau while a businessman who the American divorcee actually loved watched on.
    +10

    On June 3, 1937, Edward married Wallis Simpson in a French chateau while a businessman who the American divorcee actually loved watched on.

    The lifelong loathing between Wallis and the Queen Mother is mirrored by the deep division between Meghan and Princess Catherine. After that poisonous allegation of racism made by the Duchess of Sussex during her television interview with Oprah Winfrey – and amplified by Harry in his autobiography, Spare – how can the couple ever rejoin royal life… and how could they ever be trusted if they did?

    Harry clearly hopes a way will be found. His announcement that the paperback edition of Spare will contain no new material, and that he will not be giving interviews to publicise it, must be seen as a peace offering.

    His wife, who was so vehement in her hatred for everything royal, might be reviewing her

    options. Her Netflix deal appears to be in abeyance, her Spotify contact was terminated amid humiliating recriminations (one senior executive dismissed Meghan and Harry as ‘grifters’) and her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has so far proven fruitless.

    While Harry might want to come back for emotional reasons, she may have more business-like ambitions. But for both of them the door to the palace, as it was for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, is likely to remain securely barred and bolted.

  • Beckham’s text message to Tom Brady was suddenly leaked, were the words too cruel?

    Beckham’s text message to Tom Brady was suddenly leaked, were the words too cruel?

    David Beckham’s text to Tom Brady following his Netflix roast encapsulates the ‘cringe-worthy’ show.

    After witnessing the brutal roasting of his pal on Netflix, Becks felt compelled to reach out. The pair share a close bond, often engaging in friendly banter on social media and catching up in person.

    They both have daughters of similar ages and last year they enjoyed a family dinner together in Miami. Their camaraderie extends to public birthday wishes too.

    Brady has even shown support for Beckham’s team, Inter Miami, and has followed in his friend’s footsteps by becoming a minority owner of English club Birmingham City.

    However, their paths diverge when it comes to participating in roasts, with Beckham making his stance clear.

    During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live! “, when asked about Brady’s roast and if he’d ever consider doing one himself,

    Beckham responded with a resounding “Definitely not,” accompanied by laughter.

    However, he did share his thoughts on the show. “The whole concept is quite funny. It was very funny. I know Tom quite well, and I must admit, I did fire him a message just to check he was OK. He’s more than OK, but, yeah, it was hard to watch.”

    In the interview, Beckham also gave a nod of approval to Taylor Swift, who was mentioned during the roast, and Travis Kelce. “I think [Kelce] can handle it,” he said, referring to the scrutiny that comes with a high-profile relationship. “We know Taylor can definitely handle it.”

    Brady even took aim at Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs and Swift, during the show. “Kansas City, you say your stadium is the loudest. It helps when your fans are 14-year-old girls,” he quipped. “And in honour of TayTay, let’s take a look at the Chiefs’ Eras. Terrible for 50 years, good for five. Shake it off!”

    Kelce, however, found the show as entertaining as Beckham did. “That was unbelievable, first off,” he commented on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast.

    “Everybody involved, hats off. I have been in tears the whole, like, last day just watching the clips and everything. I commend everybody, because nobody seemed to get their feelings hurt. It just looked like everybody was having fun with it… that had me rolling because of how at everybody’s neck people were going.”

    His brother, Jason, though, didn’t entirely share the same sentiment and echoed Beckham’s opinion. “I mean, it was pure entertainment, and I was really happy they did it, but I just do not get the roast,” he expressed.

    “I do not understand why people do them. Maybe I take myself too seriously.”

    Jason continued: “I really don’t get it. I don’t get why people do roasts. I don’t get why it’s a thing. ‘Hahaha, yeah, my family is ruined! It’s so funny! Everyone is laughing, it’s great! Yeah, we’re all having fun, right? ‘”.

  • Prince Harry ‘showed he feels at home with the Spencers’ by staying with Uncle Charles on UK visit, royal experts say – after he turned down King Charles’ invite to stay at Buckingham Palace

    Prince Harry ‘showed he feels at home with the Spencers’ by staying with Uncle Charles on UK visit, royal experts say – after he turned down King Charles’ invite to stay at Buckingham Palace

    Prince Harry ‘showed he feels at home with the Spencers’ by staying with his uncle at Althorp House during his trip to the UK last week, a royal commentator said today.

    The Duke of Sussex is thought to have visited Charles Spencer at the ancestral home and final resting place of his late mother Princess Diana in Northamptonshire.

    Harry stayed with Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, at Althorp after going to the funeral of Diana’s brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes last Thursday, according to People.

    And royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline today that Harry staying at Althorp ’emphasises his links with his mother’s family’ – far more so than with his father King Charles III as he remains estranged from most of the Royal Family.

    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.

    It was claimed by The Times on August 15 that Harry decided to stay in a hotel during this trip in May after turning down an offer of lodging at Buckingham Palace.

    Today, Mr Fitzwilliams said that Harry’s decision to stay at Althorp last week ‘is, of course, understandable so near to the anniversary of his mother’s death’.

    Prince Harry with (from left) his aunts Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer at the unveiling of a statue of Diana at Kensington Palace on July 1, 2021
    +17

    Prince Harry with (from left) his aunts Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer at the unveiling of a statue of Diana at Kensington Palace on July 1, 2021

    Prince Harry is reported to have stayed at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire last week
    +17

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

    Prince Harry chats with his uncle Earl Spencer at Invictus ceremony

    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
    +17

    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

    Diana's resting place is on an island in a lake at her family home at Althorp, Northamptonshire
    +17

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

    But he continued: ‘It does, however, throw into sharp relief the apparent breakdown in relations not only with his brother, to whom he has reportedly not spoken for two years, but with his father, who is fighting cancer.’

    People magazine has now replaced Omid Scobie as the Sussexes’ unofficial source to disseminate news.

    It has reported that after his surprise visit to Britain to attend the memorial service of his uncle Lord Fellowes, he stayed at the Spencers’ family home of Althorp where his mother Princess Diana is buried.

    This is, of course, understandable so near to the anniversary of his mother’s death on August 31.

    It does, however, throw into sharp relief the apparent breakdown in relations not only with his brother, to whom he has reportedly not spoken for two years, but with his father, who is fighting cancer.

    Reports are unanimous that William and Harry did not speak at the memorial service.

    As soon as he heard of his father’s cancer diagnosis Harry flew over, though he only spent under an hour with him.

    On his second visit, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Invictus at St Paul’s Cathedral, there were contrary briefings as to why the two of them, despite being in close proximity, failed to meet.

    What made it bizarre is that Harry, having called Britain ‘too dangerous’ for him and his family, rejected an offer of Buckingham Palace from his father and stayed in a hotel instead.

    The Spencers supported him at St Paul’s, Earl Spencer attended, as did his aunt Lady Jane Fellowes to whom the late Lord Fellowes was married. No member of the royal family was present.

    The announcement of his staying at Althorp after the memorial service intentionally emphasises his links with his mother’s family.

    Perhaps it will be they, and not members of the Royal Family, who will support him when the Invictus Games are held in Birmingham in 2027.

    It has apparently been clarified that Harry is not seeking some form of role within the royal family.

    Although the paperback of Spare, published in October, contains no new material and he will be giving no interviews promoting it, it will nonetheless attract more publicity which will be detrimental to the royal family.

    It remains to be seen if and when Harry will return again to Britain during his father’s illness.

    What is clear is that he feels at home with the Spencers and who can forget Earl Spencer’s oration at his mother’s funeral. Who knows where that might lead in the future?

    RICHARD FITZWILLIAMS is a royal commentator and public relations consultant

    Harry made a surprise appearance at Lord Fellowes’s memorial service at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, and is then reported to have travelled to Althorp.

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

    And Mr Fitzwilliams added: ‘The announcement of his staying at Althorp after the memorial service intentionally emphasises his links with his mother’s family.

    ‘Perhaps it will be they, and not members of the Royal Family, who will support him when the Invictus Games are held in Birmingham in 2027.’

    He also said: ‘It remains to be seen if and when Harry will return again to Britain during his father’s illness.

    ‘What is clear is that he feels at home with the Spencers and who can forget Earl Spencer’s oration at his mother’s funeral. Who knows where that might lead in the future?’

    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.

    Last month, The Times reported that Harry was offered lodging at Buckingham Palace while visiting the UK in May but turned the rooms down to stay in a hotel.

    Prior to this report it had been believed that Harry had asked his father to stay in a royal residence on the trip, but appeared to change his mind and instead opted for a hotel.

    But the Times article suggested Harry was offered rooms in Buckingham Palace while his father was staying at nearby Clarence House.

    A source told the newspaper at the time: ‘I don’t know what more the King could have done. He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace but that it seems even that wasn’t good enough.

    ‘It was far from clear what the duke’s plans were. When it came to it there was no space in the King’s diary in between treatment and other scheduled events.’

    Harry did not see the King during the trip, with the Duke releasing a statement that said his father did not have time to meet with him.

    The source added: ‘It makes Harry’s decision to stay in a hotel all the more strange when the Palace would naturally offer all the security you could wish for.

    ‘It would also have made more sense from a point of view of seeing his father as it would be easier for the King to see his son if they were staying nearby.’

    On his latest trip, Harry chose to stay at Althorp – the 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters – which is a hugely poignant location for him.

    Harry 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.

    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
    +17

    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

    Althorp is a 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters
    +17

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

    Charles and Diana with Harry and William, during a holiday on the Isles of Scilly in June 1989
    +17

    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.

    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
    +17

    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

    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
    +17

    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

    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
    +17

    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

    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.

    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
    +17

    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

    Earl Spencer, Princess Diana, Charles, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale at Earl Spencer's 21st birthday party at Althorp in 1985
    +17

    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.

    Lord Fellows at the High Court in February 2008 to give evidence in Princess Diana's inquest
    +17

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

    Queen Elizabeth II and Lord Fellowes aboard the royal yacht Britannia in Florida in May 1991
    +17

    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.

    The funeral for Lord Fellowes was at the 14th century St Mary's Church in Snettisham, Norfolk
    +17

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

    The interior of St Mary's Church in Snettisham is pictured last Friday, following the funeral
    +17

    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.