Blog

Carol McGiffin did Loose Women make-up free today as she opened up about her painful health diagnosis and the cause of her red face

Loose Women star Carol McGiffin did the show make-up free today as she opened up about her painful health diagnosis.

Carol is a regular feature on the Loose Women panel, and today she appeared alongside Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Brenda Edwards. Before the show properly kicked off, Carol quickly explained why her faced looked different today.

She admitted she woke up this morning with a very red face and explained how itchy it was as she puzzled over what might have caused it. However, she was adamant she wanted to do the show but would do it without make-up on.

Carol chatted about her red face with the panel ( 
Image:
ITV)
Revealing what was the cause of her red face, she said: “It looks like I’ve had a cosmetic procedure of something but I haven’t. I woke up with a seriously red face, itchy, so I’ve got no make-up on.”

“It’s gone better from this morning though. You had a antihistamine didn’t you?” her co-star Kaye then added.

She decided to go make-up free for the show ( 
Image:
ITV)
Carol then replied: “Yeah, which. made me feel weird. It’s not pleasant and I’m fine not to have any makeup on,” before Kaye chimed in to share: “Joking aside it’s a horrible thing and we’re really glad you’re here. We’d rather you here then not here. Hopefully the wee tables will work and you’ll be fine and dandy,” as all the panellists gave their well wishes.

Fans of the show rushed to social media at the start of the show, worrying what might be wrong.

“What’s wrong with Carol’s face??? #LooseWomen,” one penned, whilst another added: “I genuinely that she was just sunburnt. Bless Carol #LooseWomen.” A third added: “Carol looks burnt to a crisp! Is she ok?! #LooseWomen.”

Carol is a regular panellist on Loose Women

However, once it was revealed, viewers praised Carol for going on the show regardless.

One wrote: “Good on Carol, women shouldn’t have to coat themselves in make up, or feel like they have to #loosewomen,” whilst another shared: “Good on Carol for carrying on regardless of her skin issue.

“Many wouldn’t and would have gone into hiding if even a spot appeared #LooseWomen.” A third added: “Poor carol looks like allergy. hope you feel better soon Xx @McGiff #LooseWomen.”

Coronation Street actress Elle Mulvaney – who plays Amy Barlow on the ITV soap – has warned of some long-lasting effects on her character going forward amid the non-consensual sex storyline

Coronation Street’s Amy Barlow will be hit by devastating and long-lasting effects following a harrowing rape storyline.

In Friday’s episode, Amy and Aaron find themselves drinking together following his argument with girlfriend Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) and soon he finds himself seeking solace with Amy, and the pair begin to knock back the alcohol.

However, things turn dark when Aaron (James Craven) makes the decision for Amy ( Elle Mulvaney ) to have sex after the pair have had too much to drink. The soap is hoping to raise the awareness of consent with the tricky and heartbreaking storyline.

Elle explained how the storyline will affect her character ( 
Image:
ITV)
Speaking on Loose Women, Elle said: “I think it’s a very difficult thing to bring up, especially with Amy being in such a prominent family. Amy’s at a crossroads, she doesn’t know who she can tell or how she can start processing this.”

Elle has also warned this will have long-lasting effects on Amy going forward and says it will affect all her storylines long into 2023.

The actress had previously explained that the dynamic of the friend group will also change.

Elle spoke to the Loose Women today ( 
Image:
ITV)
She previously told The Mirror: “The dynamic will definitely change [for the friendship group] because you’ll find that people are going to almost pick sides. With Amy being how she is you can’t be friends with them both because that’s going to be really difficult because what happens when they all want to go out or they all want to go on holiday together?”

The actress teased that there won’t be a future for Amy and Aaron on the cobbles together.”That’s when it becomes really difficult because Amy isn’t one going to want to be in the same room as Aaron,” Elle continued, “She feels like he’s a threat to her now so I feel like that will definitely have an impact on the wider group because they’re in the middle

Amy and Aaron will be part of a non-consensual sex storyline on the soap ( 
Image:
ITV)

Elle believes this will have a long-term effect on her feelings towards men.

“She’s been dumped by a boyfriend who lied to her supposedly, Amy obviously doesn’t know the truth and then by Aaron, who was one of her best mates,” she said, “I feel like her trust in general is going to go down because even though Aaron is a boy he was primarily a friend so I feel like it’s just more of a general thing.”

The first name to be linked to the 2023 line up of Strictly Come Dancing is Loose Women panelist Sophie Morgan – who would be the first wheelchair using contestant on the show

Strictly Come Dancing may have found its first contestant for the 2023 season – and it would be a historic first for the dance show.

Reports have suggested that Loose Women star Sophie Morgan is on the cusp of signing a deal to appear on the hit BBC dance show.

The 38-year-old presenter would make history on the show as she would be the first ever wheelchair user to star on the show.

Sophie has been paralysed from the chest down since being involved in a car accident at the age of 18 – and she would follow in a line of other pioneering contestants on the show.

Loose Women star Sophie Morgan is tipped to compete on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A source told The Sun: “She is the ideal star to take on the role.

“Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes.

“She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity.”

The source went on to claim that negotiations with the ITV star are still at the “very early” stages – but production of Strictly’s 21st season are expected to begin in the coming months.

Sophie would be the first wheelchair using contestant on the BBC show ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won Strictly in 2018 ( 
Image:
PA)
The Mirror has contacted representatives of both Strictly and Sophie for comment.

Last year, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds wowed the judges, live audience, and those watching from home as she took part in the series.

While in 2021, EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis romped to victory on Strictly – becoming the first ever deaf contestants to take part, and going on to win.

While back in 2017, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock became the first disabled contestant to ever take part.

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds wowed on Strictly in 2022 ( 
Image:
Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke were the 2022 judges of Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)THe 2022 judging panel consisted of original judge Craig Revel Horwood, dance legend Shirley Ballas, fan favourite Motsi Mabuse and pro-turned judge Anton Du Beke.

It is so far unconfirmed if all the judges will return for the 2023 season – and if both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to host.

Brooklyn and Nicola tied the knot in a black-tie ceremony at her family’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida on April 9, 2022

Natasha Dye is a writer-reporter for PEOPLE covering sports. Her previous work appears in The New York Post and Popstar! Magazine.

People Editorial Guidelines

David Beckham; Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham. Photo: Jeff Spicer/WireImage; Leon Bennett/Getty

David Beckham posted an adorable shout-out to his son Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz on their second wedding anniversary
Nicola and Brooklyn married at her family’s estate in Palm Beach on April 9, 2022
“Love you both,” David wrote over a photo of the couple on Instagram Stories

David Beckham is sweetly celebrating his son’s second wedding anniversary.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham celebrated their second year of matrimony on April 9, and David, 48, shouted out his son and daughter-in-law in two adorable posts on his Instagram Stories.

Brooklyn, 24, and Nicola, 29, married in a ceremony at her family’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 9, 2022.

“Love you both,” David wrote in pink text over a photo of the couple as they soaked up the sun on a boat, adding two pink heart emojis for some flare.

“Happy anniversary you 2,” the retired soccer legend added in white text below, with two more color-coordinated hearts and tags for both Nicola, 29, and Brooklyn, 24.

David Beckham posts on Instagram Stories.David Beckham/Instagram

Nicola Peltz Beckham Jokes Brooklyn Beckham Is ‘Really Upset’ She Cut His Cameo from Her New Movie

In a second post on his Stories, David had some fun with Instagram’s gifs feature to add an animated “Happy Anniversary” gif and two white heart emojis over a photo of Brooklyn and Nicola on the beach.

In the sweet photo, Brooklyn is giving his wife a piggyback ride on the sand as they both smile for the camera.

David Beckham on Instagram Stories.David Beckham/Instagram

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

One day before their anniversary, PEOPLE caught up with Nicola at the Snapple® Solar Speakeasy event, where she spoke about her relationship with Brooklyn and revealed he may have a surprise in store for her on the big day.

“I feel like when you’re on a sleepover or a play date and it’s like you’re always like, ‘oh, can they sleep over again?’ And you just are on a never-ending sleepover play date,” Nicola said. “That’s how we feel. He really is my best friend. I feel like that.”

When asked if she had any plans to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, she shared, “[Brooklyn] told me he was going to surprise me … What the surprise is… maybe it’s another dog who knows! My love language is dogs. God no, we have five already.”

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Premiere of “Lola” at Regency Bruin Theatre on February 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Nicola Peltz Says in-Law Harper Beckham Is Her ‘Dream Little Sister’: ‘I’m So Blessed’ (Exclusive)

Nicola and Brooklyn, whose mom is former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, have been dating since October 2019. They took their relationship official in January 2020 with a post on Nicola’s Instagram. In July of that year, they announced their engagement.

This July, David will celebrate his and Victoria’s 25th wedding anniversary, which he told PEOPLE he’s really looking forward to earlier this year.

The milestone will come just two months after he also marks 25 years since Manchester United won the Treble in 1999.

“For me, personally, I am also looking forward to celebrating — it will be 25 years since Manchester United won the treble — including the Champions League of course! — and Victoria and I will also celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary,” Beckham told PEOPLE in February. “So lots to look forward to!”

nued in the first video, after David thanked her for the compliment.

“Happy weekend!!!!” Victoria wrote in text overlay in the first video.

A second clip featured David taking the roses he’d dug a hole for out of the pot and transferring them into the ground near a fence, all while barefoot.

David Beckham Says Key to 27 Years with Victoria Is Having ‘Each Other to Feed Off’ in ‘Difficult Times’

David Beckham using a shovel.Victoria Beckham/Instagram

“Here we go, we have some action,” Victoria said in the second video, as the athlete went about his work, breathing hard from the task. “Oh, it’s crumbling.”

David eventually did successfully transfer the pink rose plant into the ground, packing dirt around it for stability before looking straight into his wife’s camera.

“By the way, that’s impressive,” he praised himself.

David Beckham Reveals Why He ‘Chose’ Wife Victoria Beckham — and His Favorite Spice Girls Song!

David Beckham digging.Victoria Beckham/Instagram

“It is impressive,” Victoria agreed. “Very impressive.” The word “Impressive!!” was also written in text overlay on the clip.

“You look good,” she told him one last time, zooming in on his bum again for good measure.

The final piece of footage documenting David’s gardening adventure was a photo of her husband kneeling on the grass next to the roses with a shovel in his hand.

David Beckham posing with roses.Victoria Beckham/Instagram

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

When he isn’t gardening, the Inter Miami soccer team co-founder has been spending time with their 12-year-old daughter, Harper.

The pair kicked off the month together by watching the Miami team play against St. Louis City SC in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Sunday, June 1.

Victoria and David Beckham in 2023.Gareth Cattermole/Getty

David and Victoria are also parents to Harper’s older brothers Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 19.

Linda Robson has reportedly told friends about a rough patch she and husband Mark Dunford have gone through, and has been ‘open behind the scenes’ about the problems

Loose Women star Linda Robson has reportedly told pals about her and their husband Mark Dunford hitting a rough patch.

Linda and Mark married in 1990 and live together in London, but have reportedly had marital problems of late.

Reports claim that the couple have been experiencing marital troubles in recent months, with Linda confiding in those closest to her.

This however, isn’t the first time Linda has opened up about her marital issues as she’s been extremely open about the problems she and Mark have faced in the past.

A TV source claimed: “Linda has been quite open behind the scenes about problems in her marriage.

Linda Robson and her husband Mark Dunford have reportedly hit a crisis in their marriage ( 
Image:
WireImage)
They went on to tell The Sun on Sunday: “They hit a bit of a rough patch before Christmas but they’ve managed to work through it.

“Linda turned to her family and close friends who supported her through it all.”

Linda previously opened up about how her social media addiction nearly ended her marriage.

Speaking in 2021, she said: “It is really addictive. I was addicted to social media, do you remember? I wouldn’t go anywhere without my phone. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and be looking at social media.

Linda and Mark have been married for 33 years ( 
Image:
Getty)
“I mean, it nearly ended my marriage because we’d be sitting watching a film and I’d be on my phone. He would be like, ‘Are you going to watch with me or not?’ and then he’d go out.”

In the past, Linda has opened up about her ex-boyfriend cheated on her, claiming one ex, named Tony, has cheated on her with multiple people.

““I caught my ex several times cheating on me — even when I was pregnant with Lauren,” she claimed on Loose Women.

She went on to say: “I’d found letters, I’d followed him. I was waiting outside the house and he went into this girl’s house.”

Linda is known for appearing on Loose Women ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Last week, Linda spoke about being cheated on by two loved ones.

She said: “It’s intuition, it’s happened to me twice.

“Two partners have cheated on me, and both times I’ve known something was wrong in the relationship and I’ve confronted them and they’ve always denied it.

Christine Lampard was in the Loose Women host hotseat on Tuesday, as she was joined on the panel by Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan as well as Gloria Hunniford

Loose Women turned tense on Tuesday morning as Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan exchanged barbs during a panel discussion.

Christine Lampard was in the host hotseat on Tuesday, as she was joined on the panel by Coleen and Janet as well as Gloria Hunniford.

The panel were discussing whether the general public is more broad-minded than ever before when Janet reflected on her own upbringing, declaring she was not a ‘prude’.

She said: “What is that word ‘prude’? I can’t even say it properly. I’m not a prude. I’m more or less the same generation as Gloria, but with a very different upbringing, because obviously I grew up in central London.

“I did go to a religious school, but it was a church in England and we all know that’s a bit mix and match these days,” she added, to laughter from the live audience in the studio.

The panel were discussing whether the general public is more broad-minded ( 
Image:
ITV)
She continued: “I did want to get married, because coming from a working class background that’s what you want to do, but when it didn’t work I just moved on.”

Janet then added: “I didn’t see any stigma attached to it at all,” to which Coleen next to her quipped: “Obviously. You’ve been divorced four times.”

Laughing with mock outrage, Janet replied: “I was wondering when the spiteful side would come in!” as Coleen insisted: “I was just waiting to speak.”

Donna has been working on the show for 20 years ( 
Image:
ITV)

Ruth sat alongside Donna May and said it was a privilege to be working with her all these years, as they all thanked her for helping them look the best every day with her makeup artist skills.

Speaking at the end of the show, Kaye said: “Before we go, we have to say after 20 years, this is the last day of our dear friend Donna May. The heart of our make up room. She’s sat there with Ruth, I don’t think Ruth’s going to let her go.”

Donna then revealed she would be making the leap to work on her business full time, as Ruth told her: “Look at those four gorgeous women there, you do that,” as Kaye told her: “You are and will continue to be a wonderful friend to us all.”

On a stunning summertime night in Los Angeles, a crowd of track enthusiasts gathered at an outdoor venue to enjoy a night of jazz classics performed by Prince and his band, with the orchestra of St. Luke’s providing backing.

As Prince mesmerized the audience with beloved tunes like “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Swanee River,” Meghan and Harry made a stylish entrance, arriving late and taking their seats in a VIP section close to the stage. Meghan was captured in photographs wearing a fashionable white dress and diamond jewelry, while Harry looked dapper in a navy suit.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed, as many in the crowd began whispering and pointing in their direction. However, the mood quickly shifted from curiosity to mockery.

During Prince’s rendition of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” a male voice from the audience shouted derogatory comments, followed by loud gasps. Meghan visibly blushed and looked down at her lap, while cheers and laughter erupted around her.

Harry tried to identify the perpetrator in the darkness but couldn’t. Sensing the attention, Prince paused his performance momentarily and gave a disapproving look to silence the crowd. He then addressed the audience, urging them to continue celebrating love and music without insults. Polite applause followed, and the focus shifted back to the performance.

However, the mockery had only just begun.

During an upbeat number, women near the front started chanting “One of us, one of us,” while waving their arms. More people joined in the mocking cheer, which spread through sections of the audience.

Cameras captured Meghan’s pained expression, and Harry gripped his armrest tightly in frustration. The final straw came towards the end of the performance.

As Prince played the famous love song “Someone to Watch Over Me,” a group of millennials in the rear rows stood up, turned their backs to the stage, and held up phones displaying edited images of Meghan superimposed onto Mount Rushmore with the caption “America’s new royalty.” Laughter and cheers drowned out the music for a few moments until security intervened, and the group sat back down.

When the concert concluded with thunderous applause, Meghan and Harry quickly exited, avoiding post-concert mingling. Meghan kept her head down, concealing tears, while flashing cameras documented their hasty retreat to their waiting car. As they sped away, the echo of booing and mocking cheers still resonated from the dispersing crowd.

This was an incredibly uncomfortable experience for Meghan, who has faced ongoing criticism from sections of the British and American public since marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

Controversy surrounding their decision to step back from royal duties and move to California amid allegations of bullying royal staff has polarized opinions about the couple.

While some defend Meghan and decry the attacks as racism, others believe she has damaged the reputation of the royal family and question her understanding of royal protocols after her life in Hollywood.

The mocking concert ambush, which occurred just days after the release of their daughter Lilibet’s heavily scrutinized first birthday photos, will only fuel more bad press. It remains to be seen if Meghan and Harry will attend public events like this in the future, given the obvious security and emotional risks involved.

Hello, Body Language Buddies! Welcome back to another intriguing analysis with me, Jesús Enrique Rosas, the Body Language Guy. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating moment between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during a meeting with young leaders of the Commonwealth.

This moment not only reveals Meghan’s piercing looks but also highlights a critical instance where Harry seems to forget to ask permission to speak. Let’s break it down!

Setting the Scene

This event took place when Harry and Meghan were still working royals. They were engaged in a discussion with young Commonwealth leaders, exchanging ideas in an outdoor setting. The atmosphere seemed charged with tension even before Harry started speaking.

The Facial Expressions

Both Harry and Meghan are initially seen listening to a woman whose back is to the camera. Their facial expressions are quite telling—Meghan tries to smile but doesn’t quite succeed, while Harry looks noticeably tense and even shows signs of disgust. These reactions suggest that the conversation topic might be sensitive or controversial, which is typical in discussions involving the challenges faced by Commonwealth nations.

Meghan’s Up-and-Down Look

One of the most striking moments is Meghan’s up-and-down look at the woman speaking to them. This gesture, which involves lowering her gaze without moving her head, comes off as scrutinizing and somewhat hostile. It’s the kind of look that makes people feel uncomfortable, as if they’re being judged. This is contrasted by Harry and another man behind them, who do not mirror this gaze, indicating that there was no clear reason for Meghan’s scanning look.

The Transition to Harry Speaking

As Harry begins to speak, we observe a shift in Meghan’s demeanor. Typically, when Meghan is the center of attention, her facial muscles remain relaxed. However, when someone else takes the spotlight, her face displays clear signs of tension. This includes a tightening of the jaw and a jutting of the chin, which are common indicators of stress or irritation.

Analyzing Meghan’s Reaction

Meghan’s reaction to Harry speaking is particularly telling. Her jaw muscles tense, and her chin juts forward—a classic sign of concealed frustration. This reaction pattern is consistent whenever Meghan is interrupted or when the attention shifts away from her.

Conclusion

This brief but revealing interaction offers a glimpse into the dynamics between Meghan and Harry, as well as Meghan’s responses to losing the spotlight. The body language displayed here highlights underlying tensions and provides insight into how both royals handle public engagements and sensitive discussions.

Thank you for watching, Body Language Buddies! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell for more fascinating analyses. Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for our next deep dive into the world of body language.

Meghan Markle in Panic Mode as King Charles Issues Final Ultimatum Over Archie and Lili’s Existence

King Charles, bless his royal heart, seems to be at his wit’s end with the whole “Are they real or are they more?” situation regarding h…

King Charles, bless his royal heart, seems to be at his wit’s end with the whole “Are they real or are they more?” situation regarding his supposed grandkids. And honestly, can you blame him? At this point, these kids are more mythical than unicorns prancing through Buckingham Palace.

We have Prince Harry, the former royal golden boy turned Hollywood wannabe, telling us he won’t bring his family to the UK because of safety concerns. Really, Harry? Safety concerns in the UK? Last time I checked, Britain wasn’t exactly the Wild West. The most dangerous thing you’re likely to encounter there is a strongly worded letter or maybe a passive-aggressive tweet. Apparently, in Harry’s mind, it’s too risky for his precious family. Give me a break.

Here’s where it gets juicy. There are whispers, rumors, and dare I say, conspiracy theories that Archie and Lilibet might not be real at all. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but in this day and age, anything’s possible, right? When was the last time anyone actually saw these kids? I mean, really saw them, not just in some blurry photo released by Team Sussex.

It’s like they’re playing a game of Where’s Waldo with the royal babies. And let’s not forget Meghan’s background in acting—who’s to say she couldn’t pull off the performance of a lifetime? I’m not saying she is, but wouldn’t it be the plot twist of the century if it turned out to be true?

 

Here’s the real kicker. King Charles, bless him, is apparently at the end of his rope. Word on the street is that he’s given an ultimatum: prove these kids exist or face the consequences. 

Can you imagine being Charles? You’re the king of England, and you can’t even confirm if your own grandkids are real or just figments of your son’s California imagination. It’s like something out of a bad soap opera, except it’s playing out on the world stage.

The last time these elusive munchkins were supposedly spotted in the UK was back in June 2022, for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Even then, it was like trying to spot Bigfoot—glimpses here, rumors there, but nothing concrete. It’s enough to make you wonder if they were ever really there at all.

And poor King Charles, the man’s 75, not in the best of health, and instead of enjoying his golden years with his grandkids, he’s left wondering if they even exist. It’s like a twisted version of Schrödinger’s grandchildren: Are they real or aren’t they? We won’t know until we open the box—or, in this case, until Harry and Meghan decide to grace us with their presence.

But wait, it gets better. Apparently, it’s just too darn difficult for the king to pop over to California for a visit—too much diplomacy involved, they say. Oh, come on! He’s the king of England. If he can’t arrange a trip to see his grandkids, real or imaginary, then what’s the point of being king at all? And let’s not forget about Harry’s potential summer plans.

There’s talk of him maybe, possibly, potentially showing up at Balmoral in August—but of course, it would have to be after everyone else has left. Heaven forbid he actually interacts with his family. It’s like he’s playing some weird game of royal hide-and-seek, except he’s the only one playing, and everyone else is just tired of his antics.

Now, I’m not saying Harry and Meghan are definitely lying about their kids. I’m just saying if I had a pound for every time they made an excuse not to bring them to the UK, I’d be able to buy my own castle by now.

But here’s the thing that really gets my goat: if these kids are real, think about what Harry and Meghan are doing to them. They’re denying them the chance to know their family, their heritage, their roots, all because Mommy and Daddy can’t play nice with the rest of the royals. That’s not just sad; it’s downright cruel.

And let’s talk about the impact on the rest of the family for a hot second. Prince William and Kate are raising their kids to be proper little royals, doing their duties and showing up at events, while their cousins are MIA, existing only in the realm of speculation and rumor.

How do you explain that to a kid? “Sorry, George, your cousins can’t come play today because Uncle Harry’s afraid someone might say something mean to Aunt Meghan.” Give me a break.

But you know what really takes the cake? The audacity of it all. Harry and Meghan want all the perks of being royal—the titles, the attention, the ability to cash in on their connections—but none of the responsibility.

They want to play the victim card while living it up in their California mansion. They cry about privacy while splashing their lives all over Netflix. It’s hypocrisy at its finest.

And now, with this ultimatum from King Charles, the plot thickens even more. What’s going to happen? Will Harry and Meghan finally cave and bring the kids to the UK? Will they produce some ironclad proof that Archie and Lilibet are real, or will they double down on their excuses, leaving us all to wonder if these kids are nothing more than elaborate PR stunts? Personally, I think it’s high time for some truth.

If Archie and Lilibet are real, then bring them to meet their grandfather. The man’s not getting any younger and is battling health issues. Is their pride really worth denying their children a relationship with their grandfather?

And if, and I stress if, there’s any truth to the whispers that these kids might not be real, well, that would be a scandal of epic proportions. We’re talking Earth-shattering, monarchy-shaking levels of drama. It would make the abdication crisis look like a minor hiccup.

But here’s the real tragedy. While Harry and Meghan play their games, make their excuses, and continue their crusade against the evil British media, the irony is that real relationships are being damaged and real people are being hurt. King Charles, whatever you might think of him, is a grandfather who just wants to see his grandkids.

Prince William and Kate’s children are growing up without knowing their cousins. The entire royal family is left in limbo, never knowing when the next Sussex bombshell will drop—and for what? So Harry and Meghan can keep playing the victim? So they can use their kids as bargaining chips in whatever game they’re playing? It’s selfish, it’s shortsighted, and frankly, it’s just sad.

But you know what? At the end of the day, the monarchy will survive. It’s weathered worse storms than the Sussex squall. The British public, bless them, are pretty much over it all. They’ve got real problems to worry about, not the made-up dramas of a couple of ex-royals living in self-imposed exile.

So, what’s the end game here? Will we ever know the truth about Archie and Lilibet? Will Harry and Meghan ever stop their crusade against the royal family long enough to let their kids have a relationship with their relatives? Only time will tell.

But one thing’s for sure: this drama isn’t ending anytime soon. As long as Harry and Meghan keep playing their games and dangling the possibility of reconciliation while simultaneously burning bridges, we’ll be here, watching it all unfold like the world’s most expensive, most dramatic reality show.