Blog

Josie Gibson is known best to viewers for her regular appearances on This Morning where she stars alongside the likes of Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Craig Doyle

This Morning star Josie Gibson has confirmed she is joining the Loose Women for a very special reason.

The much-loved star is known for her appearances on ITV’s This Morning alongside the likes of Alison Hammond, Craig Doyle and Holly Willoughby but she will be making a temporary swap to Loose Women as she heads on tour with them. Josie will appear alongside the Loose Women for their live shows in Bath and Plymouth, which take place later this year.

Elsewhere, Loose Men panellist, EastEnders and Gavin And Stacey star Larry Lamb will join them in Southend whilst pop star Chesney Hawkes will join the women in Nottingham. Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick will appear in Newcastle and Pop Idol’s Michelle McManus will be heading to Glasgow. Sam Bailey, former X Factor winner, will join them in Leicester and the much-loved Christopher Biggins will appear in Manchester. Ruthie Henshall will join the panel in Ipswich and Jake Quickenden in Southampton.

Josie is joining the Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)
Speaking on Loose Women today, Josie revealed she was super excited to be taking part.

Sharing her excitement with viewers, she said: “I will be joining you guys on your little Loose Women tour! I’ll be doing Bath on the 21st September and Plymouth on the 23rd September. I couldn’t let you all have fun without me. That is my little hometown, so I’m excited. I’ve already booked the place for pre-drinks. I’ll get my family to buy some tickets!”

Loose Women editor Sally Shelford revealed: “We’re delighted to have these amazing guests join us for Loose Women Live. They will be wonderful additions to the night, alongside our fantastic Loose Women panellists.”

Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for Cuffe and Taylor, added of the exciting announcement: “This is going to be a fantastic tour. Loose Women has been broadcast into millions of homes daily for more than 20 years and we’re thrilled to be able to bring the show to the viewers live and in-person, across 16 different venues, for the first time.”

Fans were thrilled by the announcement. One took to Twitter to share: “I am so excited to see Josie on the Loose Women tour,” whilst another added: “OMG Josie on the Loose Women tour – so excited.” A third wrote: “WOW. Yes Josie!! This is going to be amazing.”

Brenda Edwards has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and will be ‘a dream signing’ on Strictly Come Dancing, a source has said. The BBC contest usually kicks off in September

Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing. The star has wowed in West End shows such as Chicago and Sister Act, and will finish her run as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You in August – so she will be free for the BBC contest, which usually kicks off in September.

A source said: “Brenda is a dream signing. She has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and the talent to go all the way. She also has a very emotional backstory – the nation adores Brenda.”

Brenda, 54, has thrown herself into her work since son Jamal, 31, died last year. She once said: “I believe Jamal is watching, saying, ‘You can do this’.”

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has paid tribute to late Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, as she pleaded “should have always been nice” whilst addressing the controversy and media attention surrounding the musician

Coleen Nolan paid a touching tribute to late singer Sinéad O’Connor on Loose Women as she addressed viewers on the programme.

Nothing Compares 2 U singer Sinéad O’Connor, 56, was found unresponsive on Wednesday morning at her flat in south London and was later pronounced dead at the address.

Speaking to her Loose Women panellists and viewers at home, Coleen said: “She was around at a time when people were afraid to speak out about things that were going on and she was never afraid to speak out. And I didn’t realise sadly, obviously I was a fan. I loved that, you know, her record that she had over here that was such a massive hit everywhere and I thought it was beautiful.

Coleen Nolan spoke out in tribute to late singer Sinéad O’Connor ( 
Image:
ITV)
“But I never realised what a tragic life she had until this news came out that she passed away and I read about her childhood and it was very, very, very traumatic. But the thing that saddens me the most when I see this is it was quite obvious through the years to me that Sinead was suffering with mental health and she was she was open about that, I think at the time.”

Coleen continued: “And whenever this happens when somebody dies that’s been in the public eye, all these tributes pour out all these obituaries and tributes and how she was amazing and how she was wonderful. Which is kind of what we’re doing now. Except I never knew her personally. But I always think where were all these people?

Sinéad O’Connor died aged 56, with her death being announced on Wednesday 26 July ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“When they saw the trauma she must have been going through – I’m obviously not her family – but friends that have come out and said we were really close friends and all of that and I think I remember reading terrible things about her like ‘oh, she’s lost her way’, ‘oh, look how much weight she’s put on’, ‘oh, she’s not you know’ ‘why’s she doing this?’. Why is she doing that? Why is she speaking nonsense’ everyone doing that. Then it takes one to die for people to come out and be nice. It really upsets me more than anything. We should have always been nice.”

Today (27 July) it was confirmed by police that Sinéad O’Connor was found ‘unresponsive’ at her home. Police were called to Sinead’s home in Lambeth, south east London on Wednesday morning following a report of an unresponsive woman at the home, however Sinead was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Tributes for the Nothing Compares 2 U singer have flooded inThe full statement read: “Police were called at 11:18hrs on Wednesday, 26 July to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area. Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”

News of her death was reported initially by The Irish Times and has since been confirmed by her family who released a statement to RTE that read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

From Nick Knowles asking if he could drive home after being presented with a driving ban, to Martin Roberts describing his failed driving ban appeal as ‘a terrible day for asthma sufferers’, we look at the TV stars and their brushes with the law

Some of Britain’s biggest names have found themselves being talked about for all the wrong reasons over the years. Away from appearing on our TV screens on some of the nation’s favourite daytime TV programmes, several big names have made unwanted cameos in a court.

Earlier this week, Loose Women presenter Coleen Nolan fined almost £1,000 and handed six penalty points on her licence after being caught speeding earlier this month. The former singer isn’t the only famous figure to have a brush with the law when it comes to driving offences – with some stars presenting unique reasons when pleading to be let off with a lighter ban or fine.

Nick Knowles jokingly asked if he could drive home after being given a driving ban in court ( 
Image:
S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Nick Knowles was banned from driving for six months in June 2019 after he was caught speeding while on his phone. The 60-year-old TV presenter, best known for his work on BBC show DIY SOS, was also fined more than £1,300 at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court. He went on to describe the ban as “a wake-up call”.

A court heard that the former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! contestant was driving at 85mph in his Range Rover when he was caught by a police mobile speed camera on the A417 Brockworth bypass. Nick told judges that he had not used the hands-free kit inside his car because of a “dodgy power lead”.

As the Who Dares Wins presenter already had six points on his licence, the six points added after this offence took him to the 12 point limit required for a ban. Presiding justice Andrew Hill told Nick: “We take into account that you have shown remorse. We will disqualify you from driving today and you will be disqualified from driving for six months. From this moment in time, you are not able to drive any motor vehicle in any public place.”

Nick then asked: “I can drive home, right?” After being told no, he couldn’t drive himself home from court, the TV presenter then said: “I’m joking.” Nick was also fined £666 for speeding and £666 for using his mobile phone, with a victim surcharge of £66 and prosecution costs of £85.

Speaking after the case, the BBC presenter stated: “For me, this was a wake-up call and me putting my phone in the boot of my car now stops the temptation. The six-month ban was appropriate because to give anything else would be giving me special privilege.”

Martin Roberts

‘This is a bad day for me. But it is also a terrible day for asthma sufferers’ ( 
Image:
martinrobertstv/Instagram)
Martin Roberts was banned from driving and fined thousands of pounds in 2019 after failing to undergo a police drink-drive test. The Homes Under The Hammer presenter taken to Keynsham Police Centre on Ashmead Road on November 24 2018 where he was required to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, according to court papers seen by Somerset Live.

The TV star, who appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, pleaded not guilty to failing to provide a sample ‘without reasonable excuse to do so’ at Bath Magistrates’ Court in 2019. On March 27 he was found guilty and fined £3,461 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120 and prosecution costs of £930. Martin was banned from driving for 23 months.

Speaking in 2019, Martin’s lawyer Charles Knapper said: “Mr Roberts was convicted despite the evidence from a medical expert that he suffers from certain medical conditions that were likely to have prevented him from giving a sample. Mr Roberts maintains that he failed to give a sample only as a result of those medical conditions and is in the process of lodging an appeal. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further until after the appeal has been heard.”

Martin’s appeal case was later dismissed by recorder Noel Casey, who retained the sentence and imposed £520 costs, telling the TV presenter: “We accept the appellant suffers from asthma but not to an extent much greater than many other sufferers.”

Speaking to Bristol Live following his failed appeal, Martin said: “This is a bad day for me. But it is also a terrible day for asthma sufferers. How can it be fair that someone that has a lifelong history of asthma, that declares that asthma to police, is only offered a breathylser test that involves exhaling effectively – and is not offered any alternative way of providing a sample – such as giving blood or urine?”

Kay Burley

Kay Burley was taken off air for six months after breaking lockdown laws ( 
Image:
© Sky UK Limited.)
Kay Burley was taken off air at Sky News for six months in December 2020 after hosting a birthday party that broke coronavirus regulations earlier that year. Sky’s political editor, Beth Rigby, and the north of England correspondent Inzamam Rashid also agreed to stay off air for three months.

All three journalists remained on full pay throughout their break from TV screens, which was characterised as “agreed” absences rather than suspensions. In an email to colleagues at the time, Kay said she was “really very sorry” for her actions and described herself as “an idiot”.

The journalist, who is a presenter on Sky News and hosts Kay Burley, the breakfast slot on the channel, also published a statement on Twitter that said: “It doesn’t matter that I thought I was Covid-compliant on a recent social event. The fact is I was wrong, I made a big mistake, and I am sorry. I very much look forward to being able to continue my 32-year career with Sky when I return.”

Kay was taken off air in December after her 60th birthday party in London, which was then under tier 2 restrictions. The broadcaster had been part of a group that dined at two tables in one venue and then visited another before a group of four went back to her house. Kay returned to Sky News on 7 June

Jamelia

Jamelia cried in court before being handed a 45 day driving ban ( 
Image:
Rex)Jamelia, who sat on the Loose Women panel between 2013 and 2016, cried in court in 2014 after it emerged that she had been driving around without insurance. The Superstar singer, 42, admitted in Redditch Magistrates Court she thought her insurance would renew automatically.

The Brit Award-winning singer was stopped by police on the A491 next to Bromsgrove on August 24 2013, where officers also discovered two of Jamelia’s tyres had insufficient tread and another with a lump, bulge or tear. Jamelia was later given a 45 days driving ban, ordered to pay a fine of £455 and £60 in court costs.

Appearing in court, the mum-of-four cried in the dock and appealed to the magistrates not to ban her from driving as she had no family or friends that could drive her children to school. She unsuccessfully argued she could not afford to pay the £70 taxi fee for both of her children to travel to school and back each day.

The Hollyoaks actress argued that as a self-employed entertainer she had to budget her earnings as she was never sure when her next pay cheque would be. Jamelia made no comment as she left Redditch Magistrates Court after being informed she would be unable to get behind the wheel of a car for 45 days.

Coleen Nolan

Coleen Nolan has been fined almost £1,000 and handed six penalty points on her licence after being caught speeding. The Loose Women star, 58, had been driving her Toyota on Preston New Road in Blackpool, Lancs when she broke the 30mph speed limit on July 8.

She initially pled not guilty but changed her plea to guilty on the day of the trial at Preston Magistrates’ Courts on July 21. In addition to the £900 fine and points on her licence, she must also pay a £360 surcharge to fund victim services and £150 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The TV personality, who has appeared on Loose Women on and off since 2000, shared earlier this month that she had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face.

Kaye Adams has revealed that she’s ‘delighted’ over a crucial change to this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

The Loose Women star, 60, took part in last year’s series and was the oldest contestant to take part, with the broadcaster also the first to be voted off.

And after the 2023 line-up was unveiled, Kaye praised show bosses for the inclusion of more mature celebrities, noting: ‘It’s a really positive thing’.

Broadcaster Angela Rippon, who will turn 79 by the time the show starts, will be this year’s oldest contestant, followed by actor Les Dennis aged 69.

Speaking of the older line-up, Kaye told The Mirror: ‘I do think it’s a really positive thing and I’m glad that they’ve done it.

+7
View gallery

Thrilled: Kaye Adams has revealed that she’s ‘delighted’ over a crucial change to this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up

+7
View gallery

Diverse: After the 2023 line-up was unveiled, Kaye praised show bosses for the inclusion of more mature celebrities, noting: ‘It’s a really positive thing’

‘Representation is a very important issue and I think sometimes people overlook age when they’re thinking about representation and inclusivity.

‘I’m not trying to say it’s more important than disability, or people from different backgrounds, but I think it can easily get overlooked, so I’m delighted that they’re including all ages.’

The average age of contestants on the upcoming show is 42, not far from the BBC show’s record high of age 45 back in 2010.

Opening up in the chat, Kaye went on to admit that she would’ve felt a lot more comfortable taking part in this year’s series as she wouldn’t have been the oldest.

She said: ‘I felt a pressure last year because I was the oldest and I was a bit self-conscious of it. Whereas this year with the average age being higher than it’s been for a while, there will be no need for anyone to feel that way.’

She added that if a contestant ‘relishes’ their time and throws themselves into their performances then that’ll be a ‘huge advantage’.

As well as Angela and Les, other stars taking part include newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy, 53, tennis ace Annabel Croft, 57, and actors Nigel Harman, 50, and Amanda Abbington, 51.

The youngest dancer will be EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, with Corrie’s Ellie Leach, 22, also taking part.

Kaye added that due to Strictly being the ‘ultimate’ family show, it’s ‘important that it reflects the whole family’, remarking that the line-up is ‘a really good thing.’

+7
View gallery

Dancer: The Loose Women star, 60, took part in last year’s series and was the oldest contestant to take part, with the broadcaster also the first to be voted off

+7
View gallery

What a woman: Broadcaster Angela Rippon (pictured), who will turn 79 by the time the show starts, will be this year’s oldest contestant, followed by actor Les Dennis aged 69

The Strictly line-up is completed with Paralympic champion Jody Cundy, 44, Bad Education actor Layton Williams, 28, Asian network host Nikita Kanda, 28, comic Eddie Kadi, 40 and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas, 35.

Les Dennis previously spoke about being apart one of the series’ oldest ever casts, admitting: ‘The whole thing about the age thing, I had a knee replacement but when you get offered things like this it puts a spring in your step’.

He also revealed that he would be turning 70 during his time on the show before quipping: ‘Only if I make it [to the big day]’.

The former Love Island contestant has shared the exciting news that she has been cast as a panellist on long-running ITV show Loose Women where she will be sharing her thoughts and opinions

Former Love Island star Olivia Attwood has announced her latest job position – as a panellist on long-running ITV daytime talk show Loose Women.

The 32-year-old reality star – who was a contestant on Love Island back in 2017 – has appeared as a guest on the daytime panel show in the past. But now she has been upgraded to being a panellist herself, rather than a guest speaker.

Fans tuning in to Loose Women will see Liv sitting alongside other well known faces where she will share her insights, opinions and experiences relating to the biggest headlines of the day. And it seems the star – who recently tied-the-knot with footballer Bradley Dack – is very excited about her new appointment.

Taking to Instagram on Monday ahead of her Tuesday show appearance, Olivia let the cat out the bag. Sharing a snap of herself backstage at ITV studios, the reality star shared her exciting news with her fans and social media followers.

Olivia Attwood is joining Loose Women as a main panellist ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

TV fans can expect to hear Liv’s expert opinion on a range of topics ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

She wrote alongside her photo: “Guys your gal is back on @loosewomen tomorrow… but this time as a … panellist!!” She highlighted that she will be on the show from the 12:30pm start time and urged her fans to tune in to watch her.

Olivia has segued into presenting roles since she appeared on Love Island six years ago. She has helmed her own documentary series titled Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich, surprising fans and critics with her sharp investigative skills.

And she has also appeared in other reality shows including The Only Way Is Essex and Celebs Go Dating. While her personal life with Bradley has been shared via the ITVBe shows Olivia Meets Her Match and the upcoming wedding special Olivia Married Her Match.

Fans were excited last year when Olivia was cast as a contestant on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! But they were left crestfallen when she was forced to pull out of the reality show after less than 24 hours due to health reasons.

Olivia has hinted that she could return to the jungle this year instead. She said recently: “We’ve had chats. I was having great fun. I loved it, I think that’s what made it harder [when I had to leave].

“I was gutted because it was always a dream of mine to do the show. They said they weren’t going to do the Love Island crossover, so it was huge for me. You know when you put something high on a pedestal of things you want to do.”

“If we can make it work with other stuff, I would love to – especially for the viewers.”

This Morning anchor Alison Hammond – who regularly presents alongside Dermot O’Leary and Holly Willoughby – has announced she will be joining the Loose Women

Alison Hammond is joining the Loose Women for a very special reason.

The This Morning star has been an anchor for the ITV programme for a number of years, where she regularly presents alongside Dermot O’Leary. She also regularly covers for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield before he exited the ITV show.

During Loose Women today, Alison sent a video in to make the big announcement that she would be joining the Loose Women for the London date of their live tour, which kicks off in just a couple of weeks’ time.

Alison confirmed she would be there for their show on Monday September 18, whilst other big names have been announced including Martin Kemp, Nina Wadia and Richard Arnold. Martin will appear at Oxford on September 25th whilst Nina will join the group at Liverpool on September 3rd, with Good Morning Britain star Richard joining the women in Cardiff.

Both Alison and Josie are joining the Loose Women ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Other star guests for the ITV show including Alison’s fellow This Morning star Josie Gibson, who will join them in Bath and Plymouth. Gavin and Stacey star and regular Loose Men panellist Larry Lamb will be in Southend, whilst Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick in Newcastle. Chesney Hawkes will appear in Nottingham as well as Pop Idol Michelle McManus in Glasgow, X Factor winner Sam Bailey in Leicester, Christopher Biggins in Manchester, Ruthie Henshall in Ipswich and Jake Quickenden will join in Southampton.

Josie appeared on Loose Women last week to confirm she would be joining the tour.

She said of her new role with the panellists: “I will be joining you guys on your little Loose Women tour! I’ll be doing Bath on the 21st September and Plymouth on the 23rd September. I couldn’t let you all have fun without me. That is my little hometown, so I’m excited. I’ve already booked the place for pre-drinks. I’ll get my family to buy some tickets!”

Loose Women editor Sally Shelford revealed: “We’re delighted to have these amazing guests join us for Loose Women Live. They will be wonderful additions to the night, alongside our fantastic Loose Women panellists.”

Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin have posed up a storm, with Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford joking that the pair had teamed up to shoot ‘Only Nans’ content

Loose Women’s Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin had hundreds swooning as they joined forces to pose for “Only Nans”.

The pair are currently soaking up the sun in France with their respective other halves and they wasted no time in trying to catch a tan. Denise even joked that the pair had joined a racy adult content site as she teased fans that they should be prepared to subscribe to her page.

But their ITV co-stars found it hilarious, with Ruth Langsford offering a huge compliment to Welch, 65, and McGiffin, 63, after they shared the post. Taking to Instagram, Newcastle-born Denise shared a snap of herself and Carol as they slipped into swimsuits to enjoy the sun.

Denise and Carol looked sensational as they struck up a pose ( 
Image:
denise_welch/Instagram)

Denise is no stranger when it comes to leaving her fans blown away ( 
Image:
denise_welch/Instagram)
Denise looked sensational as she rocked a red Pamela Anderson-esque swimsuit which showcased her gym-honed frame as she kicked back and appeared to be laughing at something. Meanwhile, Carol opted for a white two-piece bikini as she flashed her abs while also laughing and enjoying the moment.

Captioning her post, Denise penned: “A momentary lapse in concentration whilst shooting our ‘Only Nans’ content chez @the_mcgiff!!!! Get ready to subscribe,” alongside several laughing emojis. Her upload which has racked up over 8,000 likes was soon flooded with compliments from fans and celebrity pals.

Fellow Loose Women star Ruth Langsford typed: “Only Nans! Hottest Nannas I’ve ever seen!” While Katie Piper joked: “Joining waiting list now!” As pal Sherie Hewson gushed: “Just wow.

Elsewhere, former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer exclaimed: “Only Nans! F***ing genius!” Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha commented: “Ha ha ha can’t wait.” But fans were also blown away, with one penning: “Hot or what! Looking great ladies.”

“I’m subscribing!! Big up us glamorous nans, lol,” said another. While a third went on to say: “Love the two of you, was always so funny when you were on together, love you both to do a show together. maybe a road trip would be so funny.”

Carol later re-shared the post alongside the caption: “What a great day yesterday having Denise and Lincoln for lunch followed by a little shimmy around Saint Paul de Vence and finishing with ice cream in Vence. Perfect. See Densy’s post below for other activities #OnlyNans.”

It comes just weeks after Denise headed to Malta to escape the recent ain’t which flooded parts of Britain. She explained that due to the intense heat on the island, she could only sunbathe and enjoy a soak in the pool for just three minutes a day. Sharing a bikini snap from her getaway, she penned: “There’s only time for 3 minutes a day sunbathing as it’s soooo f…..g hot!!”

Mauren Nolan has revealed her younger sister Coleen ‘regrets’ opening up on her cancer diagnosis live on Loose Women while their sister Linda continues to battle the disease

Maureen Nolan shares that her younger sister Coleen ‘regrets’ announcing her cancer diagnosis on Loose Women with the family living under the dark cloud of cancer for nearly two decades .

Maureen, 69, only came to know about Coleen’s carcinoma diagnosis last month when the star bravely opened up about it on Loose Women. “I didn’t see her announce the news on the show, so suddenly Im getting all these messages saying, ‘Sorry to hear the news about Coleen,’” reveals the singer. “I was so shocked I immediately phoned her and asked what had happened. I think she now regrets sharing the news on Loose Women.”

Coleen, 58, later clarified her decision to keep the news from her sisters, explaining that she hadn’t wanted to tell them about her diagnosis because it seemed like nothing compared to what some of them have been through.

Maureen Nolan spoke about his sister’s diagnosis ( 
Image:
Daily Mirror)

Coleen Nolan opened up on her diagnosis on Loose Women ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Maureen disclosed that she was the first to notice a concerning “bit of skin” on her sister Coleen’s neck several months ago . “I remember seeing the mark on her neck some time ago. I told her to have it checked, which eventually she did,” she told OK!. “Then they found this mark on her face, which I believe is the start of melanoma, which is the worst kind of skin cancer. But she’s using a chemo cream, so it should get better.”

Tragically, Coleen is the fourth among Maureen’s sisters to be afflicted by cancer. Last month marked a decade since the death of their beloved sister Bernie at 52, who died of breast cancer three years after her diagnosis. Anne, the eldest sister, aged 72, battled breast cancer for the second time three years ago but is now in remission.

However, their younger sister Linda’s fight against breast cancer, ongoing since 2006, has taken a turn for the worse. The 64-year-old recently revealed her struggle to maintain positivity following the devastating news that her cancer had spread to her brain.

Meghan Markle, 42, views herself as Princess Diana’s successor, says a royal expert explaining the reason

In the worlds of royalty and fame, few individuals have captured public fascination like Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. Now, a royal expert has shared insights into Markle’s perspective. Ever since she entered into a relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has faced intense public scrutiny. Some have drawn comparisons between her and Princess Diana, while others believe she could never match up to her late mother-in-law.

Princess Diana, known for her compassion and disruption of royal norms, left behind a legacy of humanitarianism and vulnerability that reshaped the British monarchy. Markle, once an American actress now Duchess of Sussex, has paved her own way, challenging conventions and facing intense scrutiny in her royal role. Recently, at 42, Markle launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, sparking discussions about her connection to Diana’s legacy. This move, brimming with ambition and personal expression, has drawn insights from royal experts and sparked various reactions from the public. American Riviera Orchard signifies Markle’s latest endeavor to merge public influence with private entrepreneurial ambition, offering homeware products as a testament to her commitment to a legacy beyond her royal title.

The brand’s launch happened at the same time as The Diana Award ceremony, a timing that royal expert Tom Quinn thinks wasn’t coincidental. According to Quinn, Markle sees herself as “Diana’s heir,” facing similar media attention but striving for personal and societal progress like her late mother-in-law. However, opinions differ on this connection to Diana’s legacy, with some seeing it as respectful and others criticizing it for using royal ties.

Comparisons between Markle and Princess Diana aren’t new. Prince Harry himself has frequently pointed out the similarities between the two most significant women in his life. In their Netflix documentary series, “Harry & Meghan,” Harry highlighted Markle’s compassion, empathy, and warmth, traits he strongly connects with his mother.

The comparison goes beyond just personality traits, touching on their shared struggles with media scrutiny and their commitment to using their public platforms for advocacy and change. In a segment from the documentary, Prince Harry recounted a night when he and Meghan were staying in a room at Buckingham Palace after a royal engagement. Despite the presence of most royal family members, including his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, the media chose to feature Markle on the front page.

Several royal fans accused Markle of attempting to overshadow other royals, but Prince Harry clarified that it’s the media, not the royals, who decide who appears on the front page. However, this association with Diana’s legacy has its pros and cons, serving as both inspiration and a possible source of conflict within and outside the royal family. Critics claim that Markle’s business ventures, especially the timing of her brand’s launch, indicate a deliberate effort to link her image with Diana’s lasting impact.

This viewpoint suggests a nuanced balancing act between personal aspirations and public perception, where each decision is closely examined for its genuineness and adherence to royal customs. However, supporters view Markle’s actions as a continuation of Diana’s legacy, honoring her memory by embodying the same spirit of independence and social consciousness. Therefore, the launch of American Riviera Orchard goes beyond mere brand introduction. It serves as Markle’s statement of identity and purpose, declaring how she wants to be perceived and remembered. By aligning her entrepreneurial pursuits with Diana’s legacy, Markle is creating a space where her endeavors can be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to others.

However, Meghan faces constant comparisons and expectations, with every move being measured against Princess Diana’s legacy. As she develops her brand and public image, discussions about her connection to Diana will likely continue. Starting her business coincides with Meghan defining her identity on their new website. They launched it, changing from Sussex Royal to just Sussex. Despite stepping back from official duties, they still use their titles. Their website shares more about their lives and work. Meghan’s page uses only her first name, a common practice among British Royals.

Meghan’s story on the website talks about her childhood, showing how she went from being a young girl in Southern California to becoming an influential person today. The page also talks about her support for women, mental health, fairness between genders, and taking care of families. Meghan’s impact and fame are also shown by her being mentioned in different lists of important people worldwide. Now, living in California with her two kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Meghan and Harry are starting a new life away from their big roles in the British Royal Family. Their children’s names connect them to Harry’s background and are important parts of their lives in America.

After moving, they started the Archewell Foundation and released the podcast “Archetypes.” These show their continued dedication to helping others and having important conversations. Meghan’s information is on the Royal Family’s official website, but it doesn’t say a lot about what she supports or does. It says that Meghan and Harry aren’t senior members of the family anymore but will still help charities and groups that they’ve cared about for a long time, like the arts, education, helping women, and taking care of animals.

Recently, when King Charles got sick with cancer, Prince Harry went back to London to be with him. But Meghan Markle stayed in America during this time. The reason for Meghan’s choice wasn’t confirmed, but the King’s former butler, Grant Harrold, talked about it. He said, “Meghan decided it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she thinks this is something Harry should do on his own. It’s his father. She knows how close they are and probably told him to go.”