Queen Elizabeth II Had a Cryptic 9-Word Response When Prince Harry Told Her He Loved Meghan Markle Prince Harry asked Queen Elizabeth for …

Queen Elizabeth II Had a Cryptic 9-Word Response When Prince Harry Told Her He Loved Meghan Markle

Prince Harry asked Queen Elizabeth for permission to propose to Meghan Markle, promoting his grandmother to deliver an unexpected response.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in a widely televised ceremony back in May 2018. The two had somewhat of a whirlwind relationship, and Meghan was an American actress — probably not exactly who Queen Elizabeth II thought one of her grandsons would end up with.

Still, when it came time for Harry to ask his grandmother’s permission to propose to Meghan, the queen replied with a cryptic nine-word message.

Prince Harry’s request to Queen Elizabeth prompted 9 telling words

Prince Harry’s request to Queen Elizabeth prompted 9 telling words
 

 
Harry and Meghan first began dating in 2016, but things moved pretty quickly. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex first met in the summer of 2016 and kept their relationship under wraps for about three months. But by late 2017, Harry was ready to start a life with Meghan. It was fairly quick compared to Prince William’s lengthy eight-year relationship with Kate Middleton prior to their marriage proposal.

Harry wrote in his “Spare” memoir that he was quite nervous when asking the queen if he could have permission to propose to Meghan. “I stood completely still, as motionless as the birds in my hands,” he wrote. “I stared at her face, but it was unreadable.” But it was the next line of Harry’s book that was the most interesting: “At last she replied, “’Well, then, I suppose I have to say yes.’”

The nine-word response certainly would cause concern for anyone. The queen, apparently, was not jumping for joy. Rather, it seemed more like she was relenting because she loved her grandson. But perhaps that has less to do with who Meghan was as a person and more to do with the fact that they had only been publicly dating for one year.

Even Harry knew it wasn’t exactly the response he wanted. “Who cares how she words it, just know when to take yes for an answer,” he wrote in the book.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their daughter after the queen

Despite what people think, Harry and Meghan always did have a good relationship with the queen. They had nothing but good things to say about her during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, and when they welcomed their second child, they honored both the queen and Princess Diana by naming her Lilibet Diana.

Harry and Meghan have not been back to the UK since the queen died. The two happened to be in the UK at the time, and they extended their trip by eight days in order to properly grieve the loss. Meghan even recalled during the Oprah Winfrey interview that the queen made her feel welcomed when they first attended a royal engagement together, so it’s safe to say that Harry did earn his grandmother’s blessing when he wanted to propose.

Kate Middleton’s shock new message breaks Meghan Markle As Kate confirms she’s finished her chemotherapy treatment, insiders say sister-in…

 

Kate Middleton’s shock new message breaks Meghan Markle

As Kate confirms she’s finished her chemotherapy treatment, insiders say sister-in-law Meghan is struggling with ‘complicated feelings’

Kate Middleton delighted the nation last week when she announced that she’s completed chemotherapy and is now ‘focusing on staying cancer-free’.

In a poignant video, the Princess of Wales – who was joined by husband Prince William and their three children during a family holiday in Norfolk – expressed her relief at finishing her treatment and revealed she was looking forward to heading back to work.

But while she’s been showered with praise and well-wishes, her estranged sister-in-law has been left with ‘complicated feelings’. Sources have revealed that despite being pleased about Kate’s health update, Meghan can’t help but feel upset over the position she and Prince Harry are in.


‘Meghan is incredibly relieved that Kate’s healthy again, but when it comes to the video announcement, her feelings are pretty complicated,’ an insider tells Closer. ‘There’s still an element of guilt that she and Harry are grappling with. They both have regrets over going so public with their complaints about the family and Kate in particular.

‘When they spoke out, Meghan felt they had no other choice, but now that time has passed and those heightened feelings have cooled off, she realises things could have been handled more discreetly. It’s not something she likes to dwell on, but of course watching Kate’s video brought it all to the surface and it really broke her. It’s undoubtedly agonising for both her and Harry.’

Kate, 42, announced to the world in March that, following abdominal surgery in January, further tests found that cancer had been present and that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. In her update last week, she told how the last nine months have been ‘incredibly tough’ for them as a family.

 


Opening up about navigating ‘the stormy waters’ with William, 42, and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, Kate said, ‘The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has, above all, reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.’
She added that her ‘path to healing and full recovery is long’ before thanking everyone for their support. She concluded, ‘To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright.’
And according to our source, seeing how well the video has been received has only reinforced Meghan’s belief that there’s a ‘double standard’ when it comes to her and Kate.



‘When you compare the way Kate’s treated by the press and the public to the way Meghan’s treated, it’s impossible to deny there’s a huge disparity,’ our insider says.
‘People might argue that Kate has put in her time and earned the respect of the British people but, for Meghan, it really feels like she simply can’t win, no matter how hard she tries. When she sees the way Kate is adored, whereas anything she does is mostly torn down, it does leave her feeling pretty low.’
Earlier this year, Meghan, 43, faced a backlash after sharing a teaser video for the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which showed her cooking, arranging flowers and walking through her and Harry’s Montecito mansion in a ballgown. But fans were left unimpressed, with many slamming her for being ‘out of touch’ and ‘cashing in’ on the royal brand.
Our source adds that Meghan ‘envies’ how easy it seems to be for Kate to connect with the public.

‘Any time Meghan tries to open up and share her truth, the way Kate did in her video, she seems to get slammed for it. Seeing the way Kate’s video has been received by the public and the press has highlighted how differently they are viewed and there’s no getting around the fact that Meghan has been put in one category and Kate in another. It feels very unfair and like there’s simply no way out,’ the source continues.

‘The video has left her feeling like she’s backed into a corner where there’s no way she can have that rapport with the public that Kate does. She’s genuinely happy that Kate is better, of course, but she’s feeling pretty hopeless about the future and this episode has triggered a lot of painful memories.’

In a groundbreaking revelation that has taken the media by storm, Ulrike Grunewald’s new documentary has unveiled a shocking secret abou…

In a groundbreaking revelation that has taken the media by storm, Ulrike Grunewald’s new documentary has unveiled a shocking secret about Meghan Markle.

The film, which has been described as a must-see, exposes previously unknown details about a secret daughter that Markle has kept hidden from the public eye.

Grunewald’s documentary dives deep into the life of Meghan Markle, unearthing startling information that has captivated audiences and stirred significant buzz.

 

The film provides compelling evidence and interviews that shed light on the existence of Markle’s daughter, a topic that has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation. 

The revelation has sparked widespread interest and discussion, as it challenges the public’s perception of Meghan Markle and her personal life.

With exclusive footage and insider accounts, Grunewald’s documentary presents a detailed look at the circumstances surrounding Markle’s secret daughter and the reasons behind the secrecy.

 

As the documentary gains traction, it raises questions about the impact of this revelation on Markle’s public image and personal life. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting further developments and responses from those involved. 

Overall, Ulrike Grunewald’s documentary offers a dramatic and revealing glimpse into Meghan Markle’s hidden world, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the latest celebrity exposés.

Royal drama that’s more explosive than a firecracker factory on the Fourth of July. Unless you’ve been living under a rock (and hey, no judg…

Royal drama that’s more explosive than a firecracker factory on the Fourth of July. Unless you’ve been living under a rock (and hey, no judgment if you have), the gossip surrounding our favorite Royal troublemakers, Harry and Meghan, has been pretty wild lately. But hold onto your crowns, because this story just took a turn that’s more dramatic than a telenovela on steroids.

Picture this: Prince Harry—the guy who once couldn’t wait to ditch his Royal duties faster than a cat escaping a bath—is now reportedly screaming for divorce louder than a football fan at the Super Bowl. That’s right, folks! The fairy tale romance that had us all swooning just a few years ago is now looking more like a nightmare.

 

Harry seems to have had an epiphany bigger than Newton’s apple moment. He’s realizing that maybe, just maybe, turning his back on his family, his country, and his entire way of life for a woman he barely knew wasn’t the smartest move. Who would’ve guessed, right? 

According to our sources—those mysterious Royal insiders who seem to know more about their lives than they do—Harry feels more trapped than a claustrophobic in an elevator. His California dream is morphing into a nightmare faster than you can say “avocado toast.” But wait, it gets better. Harry has finally put two and two together, realizing that Meghan might be the reason he’s been estranged from his family. I mean, who would’ve thought that constantly bashing your in-laws on international television might cause some tension? It’s like he cracked the Da Vinci Code of family dynamics.

I can just picture the conversations in the Sussex household: Harry pacing around their Montecito mansion like a caged lion while Meghan frantically tries to FaceTime Oprah for another tell-all interview. “Listen here, Meghan,” I imagine Harry saying in his posh accent (which has likely picked up a slight Californian twang by now). “This isn’t what you promised me! Where’s all the freedom and happiness? All I have is a bunch of lawsuits, a dwindling bank account, and more family drama than a season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians!”

And Meghan, trying to calm him down while Googling how to save a failing marriage, might respond, “Now, Harry, darling, let’s not be hasty. Remember all the good times we’ve had? Remember our Netflix deal?” But apparently, Harry isn’t buying it anymore. He’s planning a trip back to London faster than you can say, “God Save the King.” And let me tell you, folks, this isn’t just a quick visit to see Big Ben and grab some fish and chips. No, sir—this is a man on a mission.

Harry’s desperate to reconnect with the country and family he’s bashed harder than a piñata at a kid’s birthday party. Why? Well, obviously he’s not happy. Who would have thought that airing dirty laundry in public and burning every bridge you’ve ever built might not lead to eternal bliss?

But here’s where it gets really juicy: Harry has realized he’s become nothing more than Meghan’s ambitious plus one. Ouch! That’s got to hurt more than stepping on a Lego barefoot. He feels like he’s only being trotted out for camera-ready FaceTime appearances. Can you imagine going from being a prince of one of the world’s oldest monarchies to being a glorified Instagram husband? Talk about a fall from grace.

Now, let’s discuss those grand plans for a moment. Remember all those big ideas they had when they first left the Royal family? The philanthropy, the podcasts, the world-changing initiatives? According to our insider, almost nothing they’ve tried has succeeded financially. The only thing that’s made any money is, and I quote, “blasting Harry’s family with outrageous accusations of racism, cruelty, and violence.”

I’m not one to point fingers, but if your only successful business venture is trashing your own family, maybe it’s time to rethink your career strategy. Just saying. But here’s the kicker: Harry’s not just unhappy; he’s angry and frustrated. He’s finally had enough of what our source calls “evil mastermind gold digger Meghan” and her schemes.

Now those are some strong words! It’s like we’re watching a real-life soap opera unfold before our very eyes. Can you blame him? This guy gave up everything for love—his family, his titles, his home, his entire way of life—thinking he was going to live an idyllic life of freedom and happiness, only to find himself in the middle of more drama than a Shakespeare festival.

This isn’t just about Harry and Meghan; it’s about the very nature of modern relationships—the clash between personal happiness and duty, the price of freedom. Harry’s story is more than just a Royal drama; it’s a cautionary tale about how the grass always seems greener on the other side. It’s about the dangers of making life-altering decisions in the heat of the moment.

And let’s not forget the role of the media in all this. Harry and Meghan have been under a microscope since day one. Every move, every word, every facial expression has been analyzed, criticized, and sensationalized. That kind of constant scrutiny would drive anyone to the brink. But here’s the thing: they asked for it. They chose to leave the relative privacy of Royal life for the glaring spotlight of celebrity culture, trading the constraints of monarchy for the equally demanding world of Hollywood. Now it seems they’re realizing that freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “But isn’t this just another rumor?” And you’re right to be skeptical. After all, the rumor mill around Harry and Meghan has been working overtime since they first got together. But here’s why I think this time might be different. First off, the sources seem more credible than usual. We’re not just talking about random tabloid gossip here; these are insiders close to the couple who are risking a lot to speak out.

Secondly, the timing fits. Harry and Meghan’s popularity has been on a steady decline both in the UK and the US. Their Netflix endeavors didn’t exactly set the world on fire, and let’s not even discuss the disaster that was Prince Harry’s memoir. It’s like they’ve been hemorrhaging goodwill faster than a leaky faucet.

Then there’s Harry’s planned trip to London. If I were happily married and living my best life in sunny California, I wouldn’t be rushing back to rainy old London—especially not after spending the last few years trashing my family. Perhaps the most telling sign is Harry’s apparent realization that Meghan might be to blame for their family troubles. That’s a big shift! Up until now, he’s been Meghan’s staunchest defender, always ready to fight her battles. For him to suddenly see her as the problem is like a plot twist in an M. Night Shyamalan movie.

Now let’s talk about Meghan for a second. Our sources are calling her an “evil mastermind gold digger.” Those are some harsh words! While I’m not here to vilify anyone, it’s worth noting her trajectory: from a relatively unknown actress to a duchess and now one of the most talked-about women in the world. She managed to snag a prince, convince him to leave his family and country behind, and set herself up as a global influencer. If that was her plan all along, you’ve got to admit it was pretty masterful.

But here’s the catch: plans don’t always work out the way we expect. Meghan might have thought she was setting herself up for a life of fame, fortune, and influence, but instead, she finds herself at the center of a global controversy with her popularity plummeting and her husband apparently ready to jump ship. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of chess where Meghan thought she was the queen, only to find herself in checkmate.

But let’s not paint Meghan as the sole villain in this piece. After all, it takes two to tango. Harry’s not some naïve schoolboy led astray; he’s a grown man who made his own choices. If he’s unhappy now, he needs to take some responsibility for that. And we can’t forget the role of the British press. They’ve been relentless in their pursuit of Harry and Meghan, often crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed. Is it any wonder that Harry, who lost his mother to the paparazzi, might have wanted to escape that world?

But here’s where it gets complicated. In trying to escape the British press, Harry and Meghan threw themselves into the equally voracious world of American celebrity culture. They traded one fishbowl for another and are now finding that the water’s just as murky on this side of the pond.

So what’s next for our Royal Rebels? If the rumors are true, we might be looking at the divorce of the century. Can you imagine the media frenzy? The tabloids, the competing Netflix documentaries—it would make the War of the Roses look like a playground scuffle! But even if Harry and Meghan do split, that’s not the end of the story. There’s still the question of what happens next. Does Harry go crawling back to the Royal family, tail between his legs? Does Meghan double down on her influencer career? And how do the kids, Archie and Lilibet, fit into all this?

It’s like we’re watching a real-time rewrite of a fairy tale. The prince and the actress who were supposed to live happily ever after are instead facing a very unhappy ending. It’s a stark reminder that real life isn’t a Disney movie and that even the most picture-perfect couples can fall apart.

But perhaps the most interesting question is what this means for the monarchy. If Harry does return, how will he be received? Will the Royal family welcome back the prodigal son, or will they keep him at arm’s length? And what does this say about the institution of monarchy itself?

Harry and Meghan’s story isn’t just about them; it’s about the clash between tradition and modernity, between duty and personal happiness. It’s about the struggle to find one’s place in a world that’s changing faster than ever before. In many ways, they represent a generation questioning everything—tradition, hierarchy, and the very structures that have held society together for centuries. Their story resonates because it’s not just about Royal drama; it’s about the fundamental questions we’re all grappling with in the 21st century.

But their story also shows the pitfalls of throwing away tradition too hastily. It’s a reminder that sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Sometimes, the constraints we chafe against are the very things that give our lives meaning and purpose.

 

As we wrap up this Royal rollercoaster, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer drama of it all. We’ve seen love, betrayal, family feuds, and culture clashes. It’s like Shakespeare for the Instagram age! But beneath all the gossip and speculation, let’s not forget that we’re talking about real people—people with hopes, fears, dreams, and disappointments. People who, for all their wealth and privilege, are struggling with the same fundamental human issues we all face. 

So what’s the takeaway from all this? Maybe it’s that there’s no such thing as a perfect life, whether you’re a prince or a commoner. Maybe it’s that happiness isn’t found in titles or fame, but in the relationships we build and the choices we make. Or maybe it’s just that life is complicated, messy, and unpredictable—no matter who you are.

As for me, I’ll be right here, popcorn in hand, ready to dissect every twist and turn in this Royal saga. Because in this grand soap opera of life, every character has a story to tell, every plot twist has a lesson to teach, and sometimes, just sometimes, real life is more dramatic than any fiction we could dream of.

PRINCESS Diana left an inimitable legacy following her tragic death 27 years ago.

Not only does her force-of-nature “Diana effect” live on through the charity work she did but Princess Kate keeps her memory alive in numerous ways, says royal legend Jennie Bond.

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This month is the 27th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic deathCredit: Getty

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This beautiful shot of the Wales family at Anmer Hall shows Kate giving Charlotte a piggybackCredit: Matt Porteous

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Diana also ‘broke tradition’ to give William a fun piggybackCredit: Getty – Contributor
Prince William himself stated that “Catherine will carve her own destiny and make her own future”, but there are ways she keeps “Diana’s memory very much alive”, claims Jennie.

The former BBC royal correspondent told Fabulous: “I don’t think Catherine thinks every day, ‘I must emulate my mother-in-law.’

“Of course, she never knew Diana, but she has stated publicly that she is inspired by her, finding her an inspirational woman.

“I think we have to remember that both William and Catherine are keen to keep Diana’s memory very much alive, particularly for the children—the granny they never knew.”

Here are some of the ways that Princess Kate respectfully pays tribute to the powerhouse mother-in-law she never met…

1) £390K ENGAGEMENT RING

Jennie pointed out that Prince William was keen to pay tribute to his mother when he proposed to his university sweetheart in October 2010 in Kenya.

The royal prince popped the question with arguably the most iconic ring in the royal family – his mother’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring.

He told ITV: “It’s my mother’s engagement ring and it’s very special to me, as Kate is very special to me now as well.

“It was only right the two were put together.

He continued: “It was my way of making sure mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement and the fact that we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.”
The secret nod to Princess Diana in Kate Middleton’s Christmas card – but did you miss it-

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Kate was given Diana’s sapphire engagement ring when William proposedCredit: AP:Associated Press

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Diana’s ring had belonged to Prince Harry but he reportedly selflessly sacrificed this to let William use it for KateCredit: Getty – Contributor

2) MIRRORED PARENTING

The royal expert claims there are “lots of similarities in the way that William and Catherine are bringing up their kids, similar to how Diana broke the mould.”

One of Princess Diana’s main focuses was on splitting “play days and work days” for William and Harry.

Jennie shared: “She [Diana] sat in a drawing room telling me how she wanted these royal princes to have an upbringing that was unlike any other royal princes before them.

“There would be play days and work days, she said.

“She loved to give them on their play days the opportunity to wear what they wanted—jeans, baseball caps, eat a burger smothered in ketchup, or go go-karting, just laugh about and have fun.

“ But she understood that they must learn as royal princes that they have to wear suits and ties and behave in that way on work days.

“I don’t think Catherine and William divide it like that, but I think they both have that idea that they want their children to enjoy something outside the strictures of royal life.”

Jennie pointed out how the Prince and Princess of Wales have “made their children the absolute priority”, even when they have been “criticised” for it.

She explained: “William has certainly taken quite a lot of criticism for putting his family before his perceived duty.

“I applaud him. I think it’s fantastic that he and Catherine want to bring up these children in a bubble of love and fun and laughter, while always acknowledging that their futures are going to be very different from most other kids on the block.”

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Kate has been pictured numerous times enjoying a laugh with her childrenCredit: Splash News

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Diana also enjoyed a warm relationship with Harry and WilliamCredit: Rex Features

3) KATE AND DI’S GOLDEN RULE

Kate’s golden rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.

According to HELLO! Online’s Royal Correspondent: “Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.

“Kate is often seen holding her children’s hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.

“There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair.

“When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.”

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Kate likes to get down on eye level to comfort her kids if they are upsetCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Diana was also a fan of playing and interacting with her boys at eye-levelCredit: Getty – Contributor

4) FASHION NODS

When Princess Kate presented Prince Louis to the world outside the Lindo Wing in 2018 in a red Jenny Packham dress, it was the spitting image of the frock Diana wore following the birth of Prince Harry in 1984.

And it’s not the first time she has taken style inspiration from Diana…

When Kate welcomed Prince George, in 2013, she wore a blue spotted Jenny Packham dress, which was very similar to the gown Diana wore as she presented newborn Prince William.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Kate wowed onlookers at Royal Ascot as she arrived in a stunning polka dot dress that was remarkably similar to one worn by Diana.

The Princess of Wales has regularly been pictured in Diana’s jewellery pieces – from necklaces to tiaras.

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Kate wore this gorgeous red dress as she introduced her third child to the worldCredit: Rex Features

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She was the spitting image of Prince William’s late mum Diana after the birth of Prince Harry in 1984Credit: Photoshot

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The Princess of Wales paid a touching tribute to Princess Diana at King Charles’ coronation, wearing her diamond and pearl earrings

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Princess Diana wearing the extravagant earringsCredit: Getty

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Kate looked radiant at Royal Ascot in 2021 as she attended with husband Prince WilliamCredit: PA

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Diana wore a very similar ensemble to Ascot in 1988Credit: Getty

Who inherited Princess Diana’s jewellery?

AFTER her death, Diana’s sons Prince William and Prince Harry were left three-quarters of her £21 million estate — with the other quarter going to her 17 godchildren.

In a special “letter of wishes”, Diana explained that she was leaving her jewellery to her sons’ future wives.

The letter reads: “I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.

“I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion.”

Some of Diana’s most iconic gems were on loan from the royal collection, while others were not included in her estate.

5) MILESTONE EVENTS

Aside from subtle tributes, William and Harry ensure they keep Diana’s legacy going within their own families.

Royal fans were moved as Princess Charlotte and  Princes George and Louis wrote touching Mothers’ Day cards to ‘Granny Diana’ in 2021, which were shared online.

In a heartbreaking note, written on green paper, Prince George wrote: “Dear Granny Diana. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you very much and think of you always.

“Sending lots of love from George.”

Meanwhile Princess Charlotte wrote in a pink card with a colourful heart drawn on the front: “Dear Granny Diana. I am thinking of you on Mother’s Day.

“I love you very much. Papa is missing you.

“Lots of love Charlotte. Xxx.”

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Prince George and Princess Charlotte write Mothers Day card to ‘Granny Diana’Credit: kensingtonroyal/Instagram

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The Wales family often pay tribute to Diana at milestone eventsCredit: AP

6)CHRISTMAS CARDS

Last December, the Prince and Princess of Wales revealed their elegant family Christmas card and a royal whizz claimed it was a poignant nod to Diana.

The stylish black-and-white snap of Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children showed the fashionable family in matching white shirts and dark trousers.

Royal fan @matta_of_fact was quick to point out a possible link to Princess Diana with the photo choice.

She claimed: “They are hearkening very strongly to the nineties in this photo, which, when you think of the royals and the nineties, where do you immediately go… Princess Diana.

“So many black and white photoshoots of Diana exist.”

The royal fan pointed out that Diana and her two boys, Prince William and Prince Harry, had dressed for photoshoots together in a “Ralph Lauren aesthetic” similar to the new Christmas card attire.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton have released their Christmas card for 2023Credit: Josh Shinner

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TikToker @matta_of_fact claims the card gave a nod back to Diana, who had number black and white photoshootsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

7) PRINCESS OF WALES LEGACY

Following the late Queen Elizabeth II’s death, King Charles bestowed a new title upon Kate – the ‘Princess of Wales’ honour.

Understandably, given Princess Diana had last held the title, Prince William’s wife thought “long and hard” before taking it on, claims Jennie.

In his new royal book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, biographer Robert Jobson alleged that the “prospect of becoming the Princess of Wales held little appeal.”

He wrote of Kate’s views ahead of her 2011 royal wedding wedding: “She knew she’d inevitably be compared with Diana, whose untimely death had provoked such a tsunami of anger and grief.

“And she was right. The similarities and differences between the two women were dissected ad infinitum, and even discussed in the royal household.”

Jennie echoed those thoughts saying: “We talk about the Princess of Wales, and that was a title that was a very difficult one for Camilla to even consider taking on.

Everything you need to know about Princess Diana’s final years

After years of separation, Prince Charles and Princess Diana divorced in 1996.

In 1997, Princess Diana spent her summer in the south of France and Italy. During August, she visited Sarajevo, Bosnia, to highlight the fight against landmines.

By the end of the month, the Princess of Wales and Dodi Al-Fayed travelled to Paris together.

It was revealed that Princess Diana stayed longer than planned in Paris due to a row over her land mine campaign.

Travelling in a black Mercedes Benz, Princess Diana was involved in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel on August 31, 1997.

The Princess of Wales died at the age of 36.

Her funeral was held on September 6, 1997. As her coffin made the journey from Kensington Palace to Westminister Abbey, Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind their late mother.

Princess Diana’s mother, Frances Shand Kydd, and sisters, Jane Fellowes and Sarah McCorquodale, also attended the funeral.

The Princess of Wales was buried at her childhood home – Althorp House

If it wasn’t for her tragic death, Princess Diana would have been 62 today.

“I don’t think she did consider for a moment being called Princess of Wales, though she was entitled to do so.

“I think Catherine thought long and hard about it before taking the title Princess of Wales.

“I think Catherine was somewhat nervous about taking on the Princess of Wales title, and totally understandable.”

However, Jennie claims that Princess Kate has gone on to make “that role and title her own for the current generation.”

She added: “This is a new era, a new century, a new generation, and we have a new princess, a new Princess of Wales.

 

“Personally, I think she’s absolutely brilliant at the role. I’m sorry we haven’t seen much of her this year, for clear reasons.

“But for the younger generation, Princess of Wales is Catherine.”

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are “very difficult to work for” and “it’s not a coincidence” staff are jumping ship, claimed a royal expert.

Esteemed royal historian Hugo Vickers believes the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a “very serious” problem as another senior employee quits.

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A royal expert claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are ‘difficult to work with’Credit: AFP

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The couple have lost 18 staff members since their wedding in 2018Credit: PA

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan in Lagos with Josh KettlerCredit: Instagram / @aisha_achimugu
Their Chief of Staff, Josh Kettler, threw in the towel after just three months, ahead of the controversial Colombia tour, a source told The Sun.

It marks a long string of resignations under Harry and Meghan’s employ, with 18 staff members leaving since their marriage in 2018.

Mr Vickers told The Sun: “Well, it’s certainly not a coincidence.

“Obviously they are very difficult to work for, and it’s always in the sense it’s always the worst possible sign.

“If people can’t keep members of staff or household secretaries, advisors, and so forth, this invariably means that there’s a clash of personalities, and if they’ve lost 18 people which doesn’t actually surprise me.

“I think it’s definitely their fault, and not the fault of the these people who come in.

“And the interesting thing, of course, is that it’s being suggested the latest casualty Josh Kettler is not leaving on account of the Columbia tour, which again, is worse, because it implies that he’s leaving for another reason.

“You could imagine that it would have been a very good excuse. That looks very serious to me.”

Mr Kettler, a seasoned Public Relations professional, was with Prince Harry on his recent and rare visit to London to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He was pictured entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the ceremony attended by Harry’s uncle and Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, but no other Royal Family members.
Harry & Meghan’s aide QUITS after 3 months – so why have 18 of their staff left?
Mr Kettler was also a key figure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day “tour” of Nigeria and was by Harry’s side as he met government officials.

Touching on the Colombia tour, which has garnered a lot of criticism from fellow royal experts, Mr Vickers claimed the couple are “doing it for their own causes”, in his opinion.

“Whereas the royal family are working for the nation and the common wealth, and doing things on behalf of other people. That’s the big difference,” he harshly claimed.

The royal expert alleged Harry and Meghan’s business moves make it “quite complicated” for staff to handle.

I suspect they’re difficult to work for is because there isn’t really a set of goal posts, they’re moving the whole time, and nobody quite knows where they are – and that’s to be charitable to them

Hugo VickersRoyal Historian

He highlighted their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, and the duke’s sensational memoir Spare.

“It does seem to be to be as though they’re clutching at straws,” Mr Vickers said in a particularly stinging comment.

The historian claimed: “I mean, even when she was in England there were bad stories about rudeness to gardeners and staff leaving, and things, and some people are very bad with staff and household and secretaries.

“And there are some who are very good, Prince Philip, for example, kept people for over 50 years, and people were incredibly loyal to him likewise the Queen.

Sussex staff resignations

By Robert Jobson

AN astonishing 18 members of staff have quit working for them in just a few years — nine since they moved to Montecito, California.

In late 2018, Meghan’s personal assistant Melissa Toubati quit.

It also emerged senior communications secretary Katrina McKeever left the Press team the same month.

Not long after, private secretary Samantha Cohen resigned.

In January 2019 Meghan’s female bodyguard of six months, who has never been named for security reasons, also quit.

By March, senior communications secretary Jason Knauf jumped ship and went to work for Prince William and Kate’s Royal Foundation.

Meghan also went through three nannies in just six weeks after baby son Archie was born in May 2019.

Harry and Meghan’s PR chief Sarah Latham left the couple after they quit the UK in 2020.

Meghan parted ways with talent agent Nick Collins, of The Gersh Agency, who was with her since she was a struggling actress.

And her close friend Keleigh Thomas-Morgan, a partner at Hollywood PR firm Sunshine Sachs, split from Meghan after the couple moved to the US.

The Sussexes recruited Toya Holness, former communications chief for New York City Department of Education, but she lasted 18 months and left shortly after the Invictus Games in 2022.

Just a year after their Megxit dash, Catherine St-Laurent was ousted as chief executive of their charitable foundation Archewell.

Meanwhile, Mandana Dayani, who was made president of Archewell, stepped down after less than 18 months in her role.

Oscar-nominated film producer Ben Browning was named head of content at Archewell in March 2021. The foundation was supposed to be producing documentaries and podcasts.

But podcast Archetypes was dropped by Spotify and he left in January 2023.

Two months earlier, Rebecca Sanares left her role as head of audio at Archewell.

“But it’s a very bad sign if people can’t keep staff, because it shows that they are difficult to work for, and one of the reasons I suspect they’re difficult to work for is because there isn’t really a set of goal posts, they’re moving the whole time, and nobody quite knows where they are – and that’s to be charitable to them.”

Mr Kettler joins a long list of staff who have left the Sussexes in the lurch.

Last month, Prince Harry’s charity chief Dominic Reid quit his role as chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation.

His departure came just days after Harry was blasted for choosing to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS.

Meanwhile, Bennett Levine, their manager of Archewell Productions, left earlier this year.

And, the Oscar-nominated producer Ben Browning, quit as head of internal content at the company in January last year.

Meanwhile, despite any backlash the pair faced over their “faux royal” tours, the historian did praise Harry’s popularity, especially in the Caribbean countries.

“But the difference always comes down to this crucial fact is that it’s one thing to be doing it on behalf of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and another thing to be doing it on behalf of yourself,” he said when asked of his opinion.

“And so they’re relying to some extent on celebrity based on royal titles, and you know they therefore they have to keep reinventing themselves.”

It comes as the Duke and Duchess are set to fly to Colombia tomorrow.

Harry and Meghan’s latest tour is said to include trips to capital Bogotá, and Pacific regions Cartagena and Cali.

The pair are set to “experience the rich heritage of Colombia” in a visit that has been branded a “faux-royal” tour after an invite from the country’s Vice President Francia Márquez.

And the Vice President even said she is “confident” the Sussexes’ visit will “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.

Ahead of the planned trip to Colombia, Francia Márquez said: “I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

“During their trip, The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.

“Their visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November.

“The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

“The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world.”

The Sun contacted Archewell for comment.

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle cuddled students and enjoyed tea and cake with Colombia’s scandal-hit VP as their ‘faux royal tour’ kicked off today.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez at 9am local time.

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Meghan Markle grins as she’s hugged by students at a local school in ColombiaCredit: BackGrid

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Harry leans in for a photo with young pupils at the schoolCredit: BackGrid

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meeting Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner, Rafael Yerney PinillosCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

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They headed into Marquez’s residence for coffee, tea, and traditional pan de bono, a cheesy Colombian bread.

After meeting with Marquez and her partner, the pair headed on to a local school to meet with students and staff.

The Duke and Duchess grinned as crowds of young pupils embraced them on the visit.

Harry leaned in with a group of kids as they posed for a happy photograph.

Harry and Meghan stayed at the official VP residence for half an hour, greeting Marquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo with a gift.

Marquez told the couple of her personal admiration for Harry’s mum Princess Diana over tea, Harper’s Bazaar reports.

They later went on to the Colegio Cultura Popular, a local children’s school, for a meeting about creating a healthier digital landscape.

The Duke and Duchess spoke to children in a session where the class talked about their favourite and least favourite parts of social media, technology and dealing with life on the internet.

Meghan said the group should aim to be “self-reliant and not tech-reliant” while Harry about asked the conversations they have with their families around managing social media and literacy.

Meghan wore a stylish navy summer suit with a white handbag and black heels for day one of their tour.

Harry opted for a navy suit with an open-necked blue shirt and black shoes.

Afterwards the school visit the couple were treated to a theatre performance as well as a music and dance show at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Pasto.

And this evening they are set to kick off a three-part conference on internet safety.

In speech before they arrived, Marquez said: “I learned their story through Netflix and I was moved by it.

“Meghan is a woman who deserves to come to the country and tell her story.

“Last year we held a meeting on July 25, the day of Afro-descendant women.

“We wanted to invite Meghan, an Afro-descendant woman, to that meeting so she could share her experiences.

“We sent her a letter inviting her, and she replied saying that she couldn’t come, but that she really wanted to get to know the country.

“Since then, we have been working for a year for this visit.”

Marquez was asked about a trip Princess Diana had planned to make to Colombia shortly before she died in 1997.

She said: “I think that Prince Harry being here today after that dream of his mum’s of visiting this country is an opportunity to show the best of our nation, to show who Colombians are.

“We are people who in the midst of adversities do everything possible to give the best of ourselves.”

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The couple at a music and dance show at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de PastoCredit: AFP

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Harry and Meghan watch a performance in BogotaCredit: AFP

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Harry greets a performer after the show, next to his wife MeghanCredit: AFP

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The pair grin as they arrive at the school on Thursday morningCredit: Splash
It comes after a top lawyer said Meghan and Harry are being “manipulated” by the Colombian government.

The prominent lawyer in the Colombian capital Bogota said the vice-president hosting the couple has been hit by a string of scandals.

Harry and Meghan are set to jet off to Colombia today before touring Bogota and the coastal regions of Cartagena and Cali.

The pair were invited to the Latin American country by its Vice President Francia Márquez.

A prominent Bogota lawyer told the Mail: “I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well.

“But everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.

“Of course, their star-power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia.

“But the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago.

“They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.”

The Sussexes’ representatives have been contacted for comment.

Colombia’s left-wing government has recently faced opposition in Congress and on the streets over its social reforms.

Play Video

Harry & Meghan’s aide QUITS after 3 months – so why have 18 of their staff left?
President Gustavo Petro’s approval rate has been stuck at 34% for months.

Petro has sacked centrist figures in his cabinet who opposed his expensive pension and healthcare plans.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in April to protest the reforms and Congress blocked the bill.

Tax collection has in fact slumped and in June Colombia’s finance minister blocked spending on new projects, The Economist reports.

Violence and corruption are also on the uptick – with shootings and kidnappings a common occurrence in the country’s south.

Colombia’s former disaster-response chief and a number of officials face a bribery probe over pork-barrel spending in the poor region of La Guajira.

Previously, Francia Marquez said: “I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

“The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.”

Francia Márquez added: “Their visit comes at a particularly significant time.

“It precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November.

“The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

“The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces.

“It will tackle issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world.”

It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chief of staff quit days before the couple’s Colombia trip.

Josh Kettler has left his role as the couple’s fixer after only three months.

Veteran PR supremo Kettler had reportedly been brought in to “guide Harry through his next phase”.

Kettler was hired on a trial basis and left by mutual consent after both sides agreed he wasn’t right for the job, People reports.

But it’s understood Kettler’s departure is not related to the upcoming trip.

Kettler joined Harry on his recent visit to London to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He was pictured entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the ceremony.

Kettler was also a key figure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day “tour” of Nigeria.

Last month, Prince Harry’s charity chief Dominic Reid quit his role as chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation.

Reid’s resignation came just days after Harry was blasted for choosing to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

The duke thanked Reid for his “dedication and leadership” in a heartfelt note after his resignation.

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Meghan Markle meeting Colombian VP Francia MárquezCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell.

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Harry wore a navy suit with an open-necked blue shirt and black shoesCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

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They were welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia MárquezCredit: Reuters

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But a lawyer in the country’s capital Bogota said they are being ‘manipulated’

MEGHAN and Harry were invited to Colombia because the country’s Vice President was so MOVED by their ridiculed Netflix doc.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez at 9am local time.

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Meghan Markle meeting Colombian VP Francia MárquezCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell.

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They were welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia MárquezCredit: Reuters

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Harry and Meghan will tour ColombiaCredit: AP

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But a lawyer in the country’s capital Bogota said they are being ‘manipulated’Credit: Getty

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In speech before they arrived, Marquez said: “I learned their story through Netflix and I was moved by it.

“Meghan is a woman who deserves to come to the country and tell her story.

“Last year we held a meeting on July 25, the day of Afro-descendant women.

“We wanted to invite Meghan, an Afro-descendant woman, to that meeting so she could share her experiences.

“We sent her a letter inviting her, and she replied saying that she couldn’t come, but that she really wanted to get to know the country.

“Since then, we have been working for a year for this visit.”

Marquez was asked about a trip Princess Diana had planned to make to Colombia shortly before she died in 1997.

She said: “I think that Prince Harry being here today after that dream of his mum’s of visiting this country is an opportunity to show the best of our nation, to show who Colombians are.

“We are people who in the midst of adversities do everything possible to give the best of ourselves.”

Harry and Meghan headed into Marquez’s residence for coffee, tea, and traditional pan de bono, a cheesy Colombian bread.

Meghan wore a stylish navy summer suit with a white handbag and black heels.

Harry wore a navy suit with an open-necked blue shirt and black shoes.

Marquez told the couple of her personal admiration for Harry’s mum Princess Diana, Harper’s Bazaar reports.

Harry and Meghan stayed at the official residence for half an hour, greeting Marquez and her husband Rafael with a gift.

This morning they will visit the Colegio Cultura Popular, a local children’s school.

Next they will watch a theatre performance as well as a music and dance show at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Pasto.

And later today the couple will kick off a three-part conference on internet safety.

It comes after a top lawyer said Meghan and Harry are being “manipulated” by the Colombian government.

The prominent lawyer in the Colombian capital Bogota said the vice-president hosting the couple has been hit by a string of scandals.

Harry and Meghan are set to jet off to Colombia today before touring Bogota and the coastal regions of Cartagena and Cali.

The pair were invited to the Latin American country by its Vice President Francia Márquez.

A prominent Bogota lawyer told the Mail: “I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well.

“But everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.

“Of course, their star-power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia.

“But the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago.

“They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.”

The Sussexes’ representatives have been contacted for comment.

Colombia’s left-wing government has recently faced opposition in Congress and on the streets over its social reforms.

President Gustavo Petro’s approval rate has been stuck at 34% for months.

Petro has sacked centrist figures in his cabinet who opposed his expensive pension and healthcare plans.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in April to protest the reforms and Congress blocked the bill.

Tax collection has in fact slumped and in June Colombia’s finance minister blocked spending on new projects, The Economist reports.

Violence and corruption are also on the uptick – with shootings and kidnappings a common occurrence in the country’s south.

Colombia’s former disaster-response chief and a number of officials face a bribery probe over pork-barrel spending in the poor region of La Guajira.

Previously, Francia Marquez said: “I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

“The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.”

Francia Márquez added: “Their visit comes at a particularly significant time.

“It precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November.

“The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

“The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces.

“It will tackle issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world.”

It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s chief of staff quit days before the couple’s Colombia trip.

Josh Kettler has left his role as the couple’s fixer after only three months.

Veteran PR supremo Kettler had reportedly been brought in to “guide Harry through his next phase”.

Kettler was hired on a trial basis and left by mutual consent after both sides agreed he wasn’t right for the job, People reports.

But it’s understood Kettler’s departure is not related to the upcoming trip.

Kettler joined Harry on his recent visit to London to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He was pictured entering St Paul’s Cathedral with the Duke for the ceremony.

Kettler was also a key figure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day “tour” of Nigeria.

Last month, Prince Harry’s charity chief Dominic Reid quit his role as chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation.

Reid’s resignation came just days after Harry was blasted for choosing to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

The duke thanked Reid for his “dedication and leadership” in a heartfelt note after his resignation.

MEGHAN Markle has relied on a classic celebrity technique to look “elegant and special” on her “faux royal” tour of Colombia, a body language expert says.

Harry and Meghan arrived in South America ahead of their four-day trip of the country today.

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Harry tows Meghan along by the hand as they make their entrance in Colombia this morningCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

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Harry greets Vice President Francia Márquez as Meghan smiles on

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Harry and Meghan holding hands later on in the day as they appear at a local children’s schoolCredit: Splash

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Harry, Meghan, Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo

The beaming pair touched town in South America before they were greeted by Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo.

As they headed to greet the VP at around 9am, Harry grasped Meghan’s hand firmly as she walked just a step behind him.

Body language expert Judi James told The Sun how the “tow-along hand clasp” is a “signature look” for celebrity couples leaving exclusive nightclubs and restaurants.

She said: “it is made clear who the star of the show is and it’s his elegant, beaming wife at the end of his arm”.

“Her spine is pulled upright and her arms are held with the elbows pulled into her torso, which is a celebrity trick to create a look of elegant specialness,” Judi explained.

The overall effect is “added to here by the large designer bag she carries in her right hand”.

The Sussexes headed into Marquez’s residence for coffee, tea, and traditional pan de bono, a cheesy Colombian bread.

Meghan wore a stylish navy summer suit with a white handbag and black heels for the days events.

Meanwhile Harry donned a navy suit with an open-necked blue shirt and black shoes.

Marquez reportedly told the couple of her personal admiration for Harry’s mum Princess Diana, according to Harper’s Bazaar.

Judi James said of the Prince’s entrance this morning: “Harry arrives walking ahead here and his facial expression is complex and rather thoughtful.”

She added: “with a hint of a polite eye-smile topping slightly sucked-in lips that give a whiff of wariness or reserve”.

Whereas Meghan’s expression “involves a gleaming, excited-looking eye expression and a regal, symmetric ‘Duchenne’ mouth smile”.

“As she bursts out of the tunnel she looks delighted to be there and full of anticipation for their tour,” Judi said.

“Her cheeks are rounded in another signal of delight and those bare arms look almost prepped for her signature warm hug greetings that will clearly be a feature of this visit.”

Harry and Meghan stayed at the official residence with the VP for half an hour, greeting Marquez and her husband Rafael with a gift.

They went on to visit the Colegio Cultura Popular, a local children’s school.

Later they attended a theatre performance as well as a music and dance show at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Pasto.

And this evening the couple are set to kick off a three-part conference on internet safety.

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Harry and Meghan smile on during the first day of their Colombia tourCredit: Reuters

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The pair pose for a group photoCredit: Supplied

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The pair first met with Colombia’s Vice President before pressing on with a day of engagementsCredit: Splash

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Meghan hugging Francia Márquez after her arrival on Thursday morning

PRINCE Harry last night took an apparent swipe at X boss Elon Musk for allowing misinformation on social media.

The Duke of Sussex called for those in “positions of influence” to stop the spread of lies online.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photo at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata during a visit to ColombiaCredit: Getty

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Harry and Meghan next to Colombia’s vice-President Francia MarquezCredit: AFP

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Harry and Meghan spent their first day visiting a local schoolCredit: AFP

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The Sussexes joined a summit about creating a healthier digital landscapeCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

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The Duchess of Sussex poses with a performer at the National Centre for the ArtsCredit: The Mega Agency
It comes after X was blamed for fuelling the recent riots in England and Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has clashed with tech tycoon Musk over the unrest and hinted the government will further toughen up social media laws.

Speaking during a four-day trip to Colombia with wife Meghan Markle, Harry said: “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets.

“People are acting on information that isn’t true. It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake.

“In an ideal world those with positions of influence would take more responsibility. We are no longer debating facts.

“For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass, then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down.”

Harry was speaking at an event to promote a “responsable digital future”.

Meghan told the gathering at Bogotá’s EAN University: “It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“Either you personally or someone you know is a victim to what’s happening online.

“And that’s something we can actively work on every day to remedy.”
Harry & Meghan’s aide QUITS after 3 months – so why have 18 of their staff left?
A wave of violent disturbances were stirred by fake news online claiming the alleged teen knife murderer of three young girls in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Musk likened Britain to the Soviet Union over its crackdown on riot thugs spreading lies online.

He had replied to a Tommy Robinson tweet falsely claiming Muslims were responsible for the riots saying “civil war is inevitable”.

The Sussexes will today meet with students in Bogota before being hosted by the country’s Vice President Francis Marquez for a luncheon.

PIERS MORGAN One word springs to mind when I think of deluded Meghan and Harry ‘prancing around’ on fake royal tour of Colombia

By Piers Morgan

My all-time favourite theatre review was about a play called: Why?

The critic wrote one word: “Exactly.”

I thought of this when I heard that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will embark on a four-day tour of Colombia this Thursday.

They’re going at the invitation of the country’s first black Vice President, Francia Marquez, who gushed that the renegade royal duo “have the exceptional opportunity to engage with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians . . . and illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.

Meghan and Harry aren’t real royals these days.

They don’t do any actual duties for the institution which conferred their titles on them — they just line their pockets with cash in America by constantly trashing their families, and the monarchy, in the media.

So, what gives them the right to prance around the world pretending to be proper  royals, on quasi- official visits?

There are so many things wrong about this.

First, the laughable hypocrisy of them going to one of the world’s most dangerous places — both the UK and US government websites warn travellers to Colombia about the elevated risk of terrorism, kidnapping, rape and robbery — after all of Harry’s whiny demands for taxpayer-funded royal security when he comes to the UK to “protect his family”.

Second, their decision to go and prop up a Colombian government that’s been bedevilled by scandal since coming to power.

President Gustavo Petro, a radical socialist who once fought in a rebel guerrilla group, has  seen his foreign minister suspended for alleged cor- ruption, his son Nicolas charged with pocketing cash from drug traffickers meant for his father’s presidential campaign, and his brother Juan accused of seeking payments from jailed drug dealers in exchange for judicial benefits from the government.

Petro’s also faced recent allegations that he cheated on his wife with a transgender TV host.

As for his Vice President, there’s been growing public anger over her hypocrisy at being Colombia’s minister for equality while simultaneously using luxury helicopters like taxis and spending millions on a new home where she now lives instead of her official residence.

Opposition politician Miguel Polo Polo posted on X: “Francia Marquez is the biggest fraud in our black community.

“She’s been in office for two years and has done nothing, only play the victim and travel around in helicopters.”

Sound familiar?

But what I’m most annoyed about is the Sussexes’ delusion that they can somehow operate as a rival royal family on the global stage, enjoying all the benefits from that regal status but without any need to fulfil their obligations to their King and country.

It’s completely unacceptable, and unsustainable, for estranged members of the Royal Family to conduct official trips like this.

The King should strip Meghan and Harry of their titles that they trade off so cynically, and instruct Palace officials to tell heads of foreign governments that they must stop issuing formal tour invitations of this nature to this greedy two-faced pair who want to have their royal cake and eat it.

Later in the day they will meet with Colombia’s team for the Invictus Games competition that Harry started for wounded veterans.

It came after the couple were met in the capital Bogotá on Thursday by Colombia’s vice-president Francia Marquez and her husband Rafael Yerney Pinillo.

They spent around half-an-hour at the vice-president’s residence, where they exchanged welcome gifts and were offered tea, coffee and traditional pandebono – Colombian cheese bread.

The Sussexes are being given a full security detail throughout their visit alongside Ms Marquez, who invited the couple to travel to Colombia for what has been dubbed a DIY royal tour.

Ms Marquez said she was inspired to ask Harry and Meghan to visit the country after being moved by their Netflix documentary.

“I saw the Netflix series about their life, their story and that moved me and motivated me to say that this is a woman who deserves to come to our country and tell her story and her exchange will undoubtedly be an empowerment to so many women in the world,” Ms Marquez said.

The Sussexes’ controversial six-part Netflix show, aired just three months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, laid bare their troubled relationship with the royal family and the struggles which led to their decision to step back from the working monarchy.

Ms Marquez described the Sussexes’ trip as a “very special visit” aimed at building bridges and joining forces against cyber-bullying and online digital violence and discrimination, as well as promoting women’s leadership in Colombia.

The Sussexes’ team has not confirmed how the trip is being funded, whether privately, through Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, by the Colombian government or other means.

The quasi-royal tour, which has many similarities to the programme of an official royal overseas visit, is the Sussexes’ second this year, after their three-day visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the West African nation’s chief of defence staff.

Harper’s Bazaar magazine, covering the trip as the only words pool, said Ms Marquez shared her personal admiration for Harry’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Meghan and Ms Marquez were pictured embracing as they greeted each other warmly, with Ms Marquez clasping Harry’s hands in her own as they were introduced.

The Sussexes were colour co-ordinated style-wise, with the duchess in a navy halterneck top and trousers and Harry in a dark blue suit and light blue shirt.

During the sit-down chat, Ms Marquez said she shared the same ideals and goals as Harry and Meghan amid their campaign to make the digital world safer for children.

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Meghan dances at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia ZapataCredit: Getty

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Meghan said the group should aim to be ‘self-reliant and not tech-reliant’Credit: Getty

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Harry speaks during the ‘Responsible Digital Future’ forum as his wife Meghan Markle listens in BogotaCredit: AFP

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The Duke of Sussex greets a performing artist during the welcome presentationCredit: Getty

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Meghan and Ms Marquez were pictured embracing as they greeted each other warmlyCredit: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

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José David, Prince Harry, Leonel Umaña Parra, Meghan and Ms MárquezCredit: Getty

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The Sussexes were colour co-ordinated style-wiseCredit: Getty

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The quasi-royal tour is the Sussexes’ second this year