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Loose Women star Carol McGiffin has explained her absence on the ITV lunchtime show, admitting she is locked in a ‘row’ with ITV over contracts on the programme

Carol McGiffin has explained her absence from Loose Women, after ‘rowing’ with ITV over contracts.

The presenter and TV personality hasn’t been on the show for a couple of months, with fans wondering where she has got to. Now, Carol has opened up about the contract clash she is locked in with ITV, which has prevented her from starring on the show.

Carol explained she has experienced a lot of “stress” from what has happened so far and feels “quite upset” by it all, as she feels she has been forced to make a decision to step back from the programme due to the “unjust” contract.

Carol doesn’t hold back when it comes to her opinions
Speaking to Best magazine, she said: “I haven’t been on the show for two months now because I’ve had to step away from it. It was causing me too much stress, which was mostly down to a difficult contract issue I’d been challenging since January.

“The problem was, ITV were insisting, for the first time since I went back in 2018, that if I wanted to carry on doing the show, I would have to sign a contract that was totally unjust and unworkable for me, so I had to say ‘no thanks.’”

Carol went on to admit she felt “quite upset” about what had happened – and won’t be joining the Loose Women on tour.

“I feel quite upset about it, if I’m honest, because although it is my decision, I felt like it was one I was being forced to make. No one in their right mind would have signed that contract. And I can’t see a way back from it.”

Carol used to appear on the show regularly ( 
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ITV)
Carol’s words come as ITV has been hit by changes by HMRC to tax legislation.

It is now up to ITV to decide whether a role is employed or self-employed for tax purposes from April 2021.

It is understood some panellists on the daytime show work freelance, declaring themselves self-employed.

But now some have been told to go on a PAYE contract – meaning that instead of corporation tax at 19%, they will have to pay 40% on earnings between £50,271 and £150,000, plus National Insurance.

ITV sources say the broadcaster has communicated the change to all those concerned across the channel and that assessments are done on a “case-by-case basis”.

An ITV spokeswoman has previously said: “ITV complies with HMRC legislation when assessing the tax status of individuals. ITV will not comment on or disclose any individual’s specific circumstances.”

Carol isn’t shy of saying how she feels, and is known for her frank opinions about various topics. Earlier this year, she fumed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over their Netflix documentary, as the other panellists rushed to defend them.

“I’m boycotting it, not actively, but I’m just not really interested. I’m just fed up with these two,” Carol fumed at the time, “They originally left the UK to preserve their privacy and what they’ve done is sell it to Netflix. This is what annoys me about it. If they want to tell it, I don’t care but don’t try and manipulate me into wanting to watch it.”

Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter has spoken out in support of Meghan Markle following her father’s latest comments made during a bombshell interview

Janet Street-Porter told her Loose Women co-stars she “felt sorry” for Meghan Markle following her estranged family’s decision to speak about the duchess in an explosive interview.

Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, her sister Samantha and brother Thomas Jnr sat down with Australia’s 7NEWS Spotlight on Sunday to share all about their estranged relative.

The bombshell interview was the topic of conversation on Tuesday’s episode of the ITV panel show with Janet defending the duchess over her decision to keep her distance from certain family members.

She began: “I had a very difficult relationship with my sister and then I thought her behaviour was quite challenging at times but I did forgive her towards the end of her life.

“But with this particular interview with the Markles, I find it very spiteful and they can only be motivated by spite and maliciousness, there can be no other reason.”

Janet Street-Porter defended Meghan Markle ( 
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ITV)
Janet continued: “I’ve never put myself as a big fan of Meghan Markle but I feel sorry for her now that she’s got these uncontrollable relatives and they really are uncontrollable.”

Janet noted that despite the interview airing in Australia “it’s been picked up online and you can see it easily and that’s the problem”.

Host Ruth Langsford remarked: “He claims it’s his last interview,” as Janet and Denise Welch both added: “It’s not going to work.”

The Loose Women host questioned why Thomas would continue to give interviews if he truly wanted to reconcile with his daughter.

The panel discussed the topic of forgiveness ( 
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ITV)
During the interview, Thomas said: “She killed me and then mourned me.”

He added: “I refuse to be buried by her.”

Thomas did not attend his daughter’s wedding and, in 2018, leaked part of one of her private letters to Associated Newspapers Limited.

Meghan later sued the publisher for reproducing parts of the letter.

In their Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex opened up on learning her father wouldn’t be attending her wedding from a TMZ report.

“The unravelling happened that week when he wouldn’t pick up my call,” Meghan said. “And instead you’re talking to TMZ . And I’m finding out that you’re not coming to our wedding through a tabloid.”

Denise Welch slammed Thomas Markle’s explosive tell-all interview in which he lifted the lid on Meghan Markle on Tuesday’s Loose Women

Denise Welch told Loose Women viewers that Meghan Markle shouldn’t have to forgive her father Thomas Markle following another bombshell interview.

Loose Women anchor Ruth Langsford asked the panel whether family members were always entitled to forgiveness after the Duchess’ estranged father, her half-sister Samantha and half-brother Thomas Jnr spoke with Australia’s 7NEWS Spotlight.

Denise began: “This is a broader talk than just about the Markles but I just feel I have to say this. Anyone watching [the interview] out of context, it would pull on the heartstrings of a father deserted by his daughter.”

“All I feel is that Meghan knows how despised she is, I’m a Meghan Markle supporter and have been for a long time, but she is despised by a lot of the British press and a lot of the US press.

Denise Welch shared support for Meghan Markle ( 
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ITV)

“It would be very, very easy for her to go and visit her father, have a photograph taken and so much of the world would go, ‘Oh my God, she’s made peace with him, she’s amazing, she’s marvellous.’

“She doesn’t do that for the simple reason that there is more that goes on there that we know about.”

As Ruth interjected to suggest this may not be the case, Denise continued: “Why on earth would she allow herself to be so demonised by people, why would she?”

Denise later added if Thomas hopes his interviews will lead to a reconciliation this “won’t work” before questioning “the point” of talking to the press.

Denise argued Meghan had the right not to contact her father ( 
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ITV)
Janet Street-Porter agreed with Denise and also defended the Duchess of Sussex.

She began: “I had a very difficult relationship with my sister and then I thought her behaviour was quite challenging at times but I did forgive her towards the end of her life.

“But with this particular interview with the Markles, I find it very spiteful and they can only be motivated by spite and maliciousness, there can be no other reason.”

Janet continued: “I’ve never put myself as a big fan of Meghan Markle but I feel sorry for her now that she’s got these uncontrollable relatives and they really are uncontrollable.”

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary presented This Morning live from Coronation Street in a special tribute to King Charles

This Morning joined forces with Coronation Street on Friday in a special tribute to King Charles ahead of his Coronation on Saturday.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary hosted Friday’s instalment live from Weatherfield as part of ITV’s coverage in the lead up to King Charles’ Coronation.

This Morning began with David and Shona Platt, played by Jack P. Shepherd and Julia Goulding turning on the TV to watch Alison and Dermot but were interrupted by Max (Paddy Bever) as they tried to enjoy the show.

“Get away from the window,” David told his legal parents as he replied: “But it’s outside!”

This Coronation Street party included Phil Vickery’s ‘royal rolls’, ITV soap icons Ken Barlow star William Roache and Barbara Knox, who has played Rita Sullivan since 1964 and Coronation cocktails.

Alison and Dermot hosted a Coronation special ( 
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ITV1)
This Morning viewers were left baffled by the special episode and took to Twitter to complain as one viewer wrote: “This is gonna be awful #ThisMorning.”

“#ThisMorning Nope, not sure I can be doing this, had enough all week already,” another tweeted and a third added: “I’m sorry my toes are curling already #thismorning.”

Someone else remarked: “3 minutes in and I’ve pretty much had as much cringe as I can tolerate. #ThisMorning.”

However, other viewers with the different take on This Morning as one Coronation Street fan said: “Already loving this @itvcorrie @thismorning mash up #thismorning,” and another shared: “Best episode of #ThisMorning already. On the set of @itvcorrie love it.”

Viewers weren’t entirely convinced by the episode ( 
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ITV1)
Elsewhere, ITV’s Coronation programming got off to a start with Lorraine’s Coronation party.

Host Lorraine Kelly dedicated the entire programme to Coronation content including the best food for Coronation street parties to the most fashionable party looks.

Loose Women will continue the Coronation theme with a celebration fit for a King as the studio is transformed into a great British garden party.

Joining in with events happening up and down the country, the live studio audience will be invited to take part in a green-themed royal knees up, in honour of His Majesty The King.

The panel will be joined by Royal super-fans and showbiz guests throughout the episode to honour the Coronation.

Loose Women star Kaye Adams has said she wouldn’t want to curtsy to Queen Camilla because she isn’t a blood member of the royal family

Kaye Adams had admitted she would find it ‘difficult’ to curtsy to Queen Camilla.

The Loose Women star said she felt ‘a bit uncomfortable’ having to do it as Camilla is not part of the royal bloodline.

Speaking during a segment ahead of this week’s Coronation, the 60-year-old explained: “How would I feel if she came in here as a Queen and I had to curtsy to her?

“To be honest, I’d find it difficult.”

The TV presenter continued: “The monarchy, it’s there, it’s part of our history etc, but I think once you’re bringing in somebody who is not part of that bloodline, then I don’t know.”

“The whole entitlement and privilege. I do feel a bit uncomfortable with it,” Kaye added.

Kaye Adams gave her views on Queen Camilla in a special Coronation episode of Loose Women ( 
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Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Some of her Loose Women co-stars agreed, with Nadia Sawalha saying: “I would do it, but I wouldn’t want to do it. I don’t believe that anybody is better than anybody else.”

Earlier in the week fellow panellist Denise Welch – whose son Matty Healy is said to be the new boyfriend of Taylor Swift – said she would rather back Harry and Meghan than King

Asked if she would ‘cry out and swear allegiance’ to the King during his Coronation on Saturday, June 6, Denise replied: “What do you think?”

Explaining her reasons, she said: “Listen, I’ve got nothing against the Royal Family. However, of late, I’m pledging allegiance, if any, to Harry and Meghan. Because of that, I won’t be pledging any allegiance. I don’t even know what you’re pledging for.

“I am loyal and would pledge allegiance to my family. That’s all. I think it’s very outdated. I’m just not a fan of what’s going on at the moment… I wish them all the best in their King and Queen-ness.”

Some of Kaye’s Loose Women stars agreed, saying they wouldn’t want to curtsy either ( 
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Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The Loose Women stars’ opinions seemed to echo that of the nation’s – with many believing Camilla would never be Queen.

There was a public outcry when Charles split from Princess Diana in 1992 and Camilla was labelled the ‘third person’ in their marriage.

Married herself, Camilla and Charles eventually ended up together and went on to tie the knot in April 2005.

Since then, the public has warmed to Camilla but it appears not everyone is keen to treat her like a Queen.

Charles will officially be crowned as King this weekend, making his wife Camilla, Queen ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Taking to Twitter, one Loose Women fan wrote: “Well done Kaye Adams for speaking your mind about the King and his Mrs. She will never be my Queen. I am not a huge royalist but love William and Kate wish it was their Coronation #LooseWomen #RespectDiana.”

Another wrote: “Well done Kaye Adams. I wouldn’t curtsy to Camilla either. She is NOT the Queen of my country. Shame on others with short memories.”

A third commented: “Kaye was right. Others were wrong. Camilla is not our Queen. They have short memories.”

According to a poll on the Loose Women Twitter feed, only 40% who answered are excited for the upcoming King’s Coronation this weekend.

Ahead of the Coronation, Zoe Delaney looks back on Stacey Solomon’s past comments about the Royal Family and explains how the Loose Women presenter has unwittingly become the People’s Princess for British republicans

As the United Kingdom prepares to foot the bill for King Charles’ Coronation, many stars have been taking advantage of the supposed jubilant mood sweeping the nation – cashing in with Instagram adverts flogging tatt to their fans looking to throw a Corrie Nash bash at home.

But Stacey Solomon, whose wholesome brand is ideal for brands looking to shift some Union Jack paraphernalia, has been ignoring the state-funded celebration of a man whose personal wealth is an estimated £1.8bn.

When Queen Elizabeth died last year, royalists got their knickers in a twist over an old clip of Stacey discussing the fact an entire nation has no choice but pay for palaces and pomp as millions struggle to make ends meet.

“I don’t get why we’re so obsessed with these humans that are exactly the same, it could be us sitting there,” Stacey mused during a debate on Loose Women back in 2018.

Stacey Solomon has never shied away from sharing her thoughts on the Monarchy ( 
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Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

“It’s freezing cold outside, and people are homeless, and these people have houses to spare, and it does sometimes become a little bit frustrating because I don’t see the purpose of all that money going to this entire family.”

The Sort Your Life Out presenter went on to discuss the resurfaced clip in September last year, telling The Guardian how she “has nothing against the monarchy and the Queen seemed like a lovely lady”.

“But I don’t understand why we pay a contribution to one of the wealthiest families in the world,” she added.

“Some of our kids weren’t even getting school lunches, and to know a huge amount of money is going to somebody who doesn’t need it, I just couldn’t get my head around that.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation is costing hundreds of millions ( 
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Getty Images)
The mum-of-five, 33, went on to sensibly suggest that a new system could be implemented which would allow British taxpayers to choose if they want their money to go towards King Charles and his family or to another cause.

“It would be cool if there was an opt-in opt-out version and you can opt to give it to somebody else,” the DIY guru mused.

Stacey is sadly only one of the few celebrities brave enough to stick their head above the parapet and ever so politely suggest the concept of the British Royal Family is outdated in the 21st century, particularly during a cost of living crisis.

King Charles inherited over £300m (tax-free) when his mother passed away, yet his subjects – many of which are choosing between heating or eating – are the ones having to pay for his £100 million work party this weekend.

I hope Stacey’s comments resurface over the Coronation weekend ( 
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ITV)

It shouldn’t be deemed so controversial to suggest we could perhaps change how we fund one family’s lavish lifestyle.

But having a regional accent, coupled with the fact she was once a teenage mother, made Stacey an easy target for snobs looking to mock the former X Factor contestant for simply sharing her opinion last year.

Hardcore royalists would rather take aim at a young woman who seems perfectly pleasant for daring to have a different opinion to them, rather than maybe take a step back and examine why so many people are sickened by the concept of monarchy.

I hope Stacey’s iconic 2018 ‘rant’ does resurface once again on social media this weekend and prompts a few more people to take a second to really consider what exactly the country is celebrating this weekend.

But whether it does or not, Stacey still needs praise for being one of the only high-profile celebrities with the balls to tell Britain it’s time to ‘Sort Your Life Out’ when it comes to paying for the Royal Family.

Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards has sent a heartfelt message to her late son Jamal’s close friend Ed Sheeran after he won his copyright trial

Loose Women star Brenda Edwards has sent a sweet message to Ed Sheeran after he won his copyright case.

The hitmaker, 32, celebrated his victory on Thursday after spending almost two weeks in New York for the trial, where he was accused of copyright infringement for his 2014 track Thinking Out Loud.

He was sued by the heirs of the late Ed Townsend, who is credited as having written Marvin Gaye ‘s song Let’s Get It On, which was released in 1973.

The jury decided Sheeran hadn’t plagiarised the other tune’s harmonic progressions as well as melodic and rhythmic elements.

A joyful Ed took to his Instagram account to share his victory.

Brenda Edwards sent a heartfelt message to Ed following his victory ( 
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Getty)
The Shape of You singer shared a clip of his speech from outside the courtroom and wrote: “It’s all over, back to what I love doing.

“New album out tomorrow, USA tour starts Saturday in Dallas, love you all xxxx”.

Brenda Edwards, who is the mum of the late Jamal Edwards, commented: “I love you so much, and know how stressful this was for you sweetheart.

“Congratulations Ed, I’m happy to know that your creativity and songs will continue to help to build hopes and dreams for others.

“Keep Smiling in the face of adversity [blue heart emojis] #comon #nobodyownsthecolourblue.”

Ed was a close friend of Brenda’s son Jamal who tragically died in February 2022 at the age of 31.

Ed was found not guilty in a music copyright trial ( 
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Getty Images)
The entrepreneur founded the music platform SBTV in 2006 which helped launch Ed’s career.

Ed and Jamal were close friends and the Perfect singer opened up about losing him in his documentary series, Ed Sheeran : The Sum Of It All.

He admitted he “hadn’t experienced grief and loss” until Jamal’s death and said it “took over his whole life”.

Ed’s wife revealed the singer wasn’t able to process his death as it came weeks after her cancer diagnosis.

“I basically lived in his bedroom. His mum thought we were having a relationship,” Ed explained.

Ed and Jamal were close friends ( 
Image:
Jamal Edwards/Instagram)

Jamal helped to launch Ed’s career ( 
Image:
Jamal Edwards/Instagram)“Jamal died in the morning. I was at his mum’s house at midday. It’s Caribbean culture, you go to the family home for nine days and nine nights. On the ninth night, they throw a big party.

“Grief instantly ends your youth. The funeral was like 30 people but he knows like 10,000 people.”

A scene from the docuseries showed Ed attending a cookout in memory of Jamal and he sobbed as he sat in the back of a car while thinking about celebrating his birthday without him.

When Jamal died, Ed rushed to Brenda’s house to look after her and Jamal’s sister Tanisha for a whole week.

“There wasn’t anything that he wasn’t sorting out and doing if we needed anything, and everybody has been so so wonderful and so supportive,” Brenda previously revealed on Loose Women.

The TV star – who has been a panelist on the ITV show first from 2000 to 2013, then again from 2018 – has shared eyebrow raising views about the Covid-19 pandemic in the past

Carol McGiffin quit Loose Women after she made comments in public about the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been reported.

A disagreement is said to have broken out between 63-year-old Carol and ITV bosses over the question of free speech and expression.

It is alleged that an interview Carol gave to TNT talk radio prompted the disagreement due to comments she made to suggest that news organisations had been ‘brainwashing’ the public over the risks of Covid in order to spark widespread mental health breakdowns.

She also suggested the then health secretary Matt Hancock attempted to bring Covid patients from France to the UK to fill empty hospital beds while the pandemic raged.

Carol McGiffin has waved goodbye to ITV’s Loose Women ( 
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ITV)

The Mail on Sunday suggests that ITV has been flooded with complaints following Carol’s radio interview and pressure had been mounting for her to be fired.

The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.

She told James Freeman’s The Freeman Report: “I always look back at when I started working in television and radio as the good old days because they were much less policed, I suppose. Much less restricted and it was a freer place to be.

“When I look back at the old Loose Womens I used to do from 2000 all the until I left in 2013, they’re completely different. There is so much offence. People take so much offence at so much and they never used to.”

It has been suggested Carol’s departure has come after she made controversial comments about the Covid-19 pandemic ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Last Thursday, Carole announced she would not return to Loose Women following a disagreement with ITV bosses over her contract which is said to have been in renegotiation since January.

She said: “The problem was ITV were insisting, for the first time since I went back in 2018, that if I wanted to carry on doing the show, I would have to sign a contract that was totally unjust and unworkable for me, so I had to say, ”No thanks”.

“No one in their right mind would have signed that contract.”

Meanwhile, an ITV spokesman said: “ITV will not comment on speculation around individual contracts.

“We understand Carol has decided to leave Loose Women and we wish her well in any future projects.”

Carol has received support from some of her Loose Women costars – who have rushed to social media to defend her.

Carol’s colleagues have commented on her departure ( 
Image:
ITV)

Brenda Edwards commented on Instagram : “Carol, I always enjoy when you are on as we have such a laugh, but you of course must always do what is best for you! I really hope I get to see you again love you lots lovely lady. Keep Smiling.”

While Denise Welch stated she was “gutted” to see Carol go.

And Nadia Sawahla wrote: “Miss you smelly poo! Even though we disagreed on most things you’ve always made me laugh my head off!”

Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan fumed at the ludicrous cost of the King’s Coronation after two of her family members waited hours to be seen in A&E.

Earlier last week, the Mirror revealed that a massive security operation pushed the cost of the Coronation into the realm of £250million.

A huge chunk – around £150million – was needed to deploy thousands of police officers and protection squads, insiders revealed ahead of the huge event.

After an extravagant coronation and a lavish concert at Windsor Castle, the Loose Women stars took to the panel to share their thoughts about the historical event.

Panellist Coleen said she is usually a royalist when watching weddings and events but felt ‘uncomfortable’ over the weekend.

Coleen said the money should have been spent on the NHS ( 
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ITV)
“That’s because of the state that we’re all in and the economy and the fact that people are struggling to eat,” she said as the audience applauded.

Coleen added that it was “fantastically done” before continuing: “For instance this weekend, very sadly, two of my relatives ended up in A&E on separate occasions, one of whom is still in still in just a cubicle because there’s still no bed 24 hours later.

“My sister who is, as we know, very ill had to go to hospital and was in A&E for 20 hours before anyone saw her.

“And of course, I’m watching this spectacle and it’s all very well saying it brought 300 odd million for that sector but can we please bring that in for the NHS… People are dying because the NHS is broken right now.”

Coleen and the entire Nolan family have suffered through many family heartbreaks and losses throughout the years, with many bravely battling cancer.

Bernie, Anne and Linda Nolan have all battled cancer.

The Nolan family have suffered through a lot of illnesses ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)Linda recently revealed that her cancer had spread to her brain after first being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2005 before getting the all-clear in 2006.

In March, Linda said: “I’ve always been hopeful with my treatment and what’s going on in my life.

“I just want to tell you unfortunately for me my cancer has spread to my brain that’s obviously frightening because there isn’t much treatment for brain cancer except for chemotherapy.”

Prince Harry was reportedly stunned by David Beckham’s alleged actions after inviting the ex-footballer to the Invictus Games

David Beckham and Prince Harry were once close friends (Image: GETTY)

Prince Harry reportedly unleashed a stinging three-word reply to football icon David Beckham after the star showed up to lend his support at the Invictus Games in Australia.

The two celebrities developed a solid rapport that even featured the Beckhams opening their expansive six-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion to Meghan Markle prior to her Royal nuptials. But the bond has waned amid perceived snubs and Beckham’s continued amicable ties with Harry’s estranged relatives.

Now, royal expert Emily Andrews has shared details of a particularly icy encounter back in 2018 during the prestigious Invictus Games in Sydney, an occasion extended by Harry himself.

Highlighting a tense chapter in their friendship, Emily recounted how Beckham had received a personal invitation from Harry, being a distinguished guesst at the couple’s wedding earlier that year, to witness the Invictus Gamesan international sporting event for injured military personnel initiated by Harry in 2014. This was supposed to be a prominent feature of the Sussexes’ inaugural Australian tour.

Yet things took an unexpected turn when upon reaching Sydney, Beckham was met with confusion as he noted Harry seemed to be dodging him. Writing for Woman magazine, Andrews explained a source told her: “Becks was personally invited and duly came, along with sons Cruz and Romeo. When he arrived in Sydney, he asked what Harry’s schedule was so he could attend the same events.”

The Beckhams attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding (Image: Getty Images)

Harry reportedly exclaimed in disbelief: “What the f**k? He should be coming to support the games, not have his pictures taken with me.”

The insider revealed: “When we pointed out that having a picture of them together would be great for Invictus coverage, he then said he never wanted to be in a picture with him. That then meant a ridiculous two-step to try and ensure that they were never pictured together.”

The source detailed an incident at the wheelchair basketball event where Beckham was seated among dignitaries, and Harry and Meghan were supposed to join.

“So a whole area on the other side of the court had to be cleared of spectators and filled with Australian military, so Harry and Meghan could sit there instead,” the informant disclosed. Speculation arose that the Royal ‘snub’ may have been due to the new duchess’s aversion to any limelight shared with Victoria during her first Royal tour.”

It has been rumoured that the Sussexes’ rift with the Beckhams stemmed from Meghan’s suspicion that they were leaking stories to the media.

A source told The Sun in 2020: “Harry was very polite, but obviously it was a pretty awkward exchange and David was mortified. Inexplicably, [Meghan] feared Victoria was behind it – I mean, the idea that Victoria Beckham would be personally ringing journalists to give them a scoop is ridiculous – and spoke to Harry about it.

“Harry is very protective of Meghan, and decided to deal with the matter head-on, by directly contacting his good pal, David. He quickly put Harry right, and the two men agreed to move on – but it certainly made things awkward for a while.”