In a far cry from Harry and Meghan’s star-studded wedding in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex is reportedly making a big effort to keep her dwindling set of celebrity friends

Happier times when Meghan embraced Beyoncé at the premiere of The Lion King in 2019 (Image: Getty Images)

Meghan Markle is said to be making eleventh hour attempts to save her famous friendships, including sending a subtle message to Beyoncé in public.

The royal reportedly wore a specific clothing brand while shooting a new Netflix series in Beverly Hills Park last week with the aim of letting the singer know that “they’re still friends”, according to a celebrity insider. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was spotted “specifically” wearing a tracksuit from Beyoncé’s Ivy Park brand at the shoot.

This apparent tactic comes amid claims that Meghan has been seeking out ways to keep hold of her precious few high profile friendships, as Hollywood’s elite have been “distancing themselves” from her and Prince Harry. “Meghan was filming for her new Netflix series and specifically chose to wear Ivy Park to highlight her connection to Beyoncé and send a message that they’re still friends, ” a source claimed to Heat.

Meghan is slowing losing her famous pals, according to one insider (Image: No credit)

“With practically every other famous friend distancing themselves from her and Harry, Meghan is understandably worried that their Hollywood network is falling apart, and Bey is the most well known of the few stars who will still associate with her”, they suggested. The royal wedding in 2018 saw a host of A-list celebrities in attendance, including the Clooneys and Idris Elba, but the source now claims that Meghan feels like she needs Beyoncé’s support to “save the Sussex brand”.

Amidst Harry’s ongoing feud with his brother, for example, the Beckhams have reportedly sided with the William and Kate. Meghan is “really going for it” to try and save as many of the dwindling celebrity friendships, including trying to befriend Beyoncé’s sister, Solange Knowles, as well as Tyler Perry, who is friends with the singer.

According to the source, the royal also invited Beyoncé herself to a July 4 party despite “not having spoken to her in months”. She also is said to have contacted the singer’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment, regarding a new project.

King Charles’ home at Highgrove also sells high end, organic products such as jams and honey, and there have been suggestions of a Royal rivalry between the two brands

Meghan Markle’s foray into the world of homeware sales, featuring items like bespoke jams and dog treats, has been stirring up quite the buzz lately.

Following murmurs that Meghan is seeking King Charles’ endorsement for her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, an insider spilled to OK! Magazine’s US edition that the Duchess of Sussex is “looking for support wherever she can get it.” They added: “Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are at the top of her list, but she is shooting even higher and would love to get King Charles to give his stamp of approval.”

This intrigue emerges amid whispers of a possible competitive edge between the Royals, who have a history of marketing similar home and gift items, and Meghan’s new venture. With King Charles’ own Highgrove residence offering premium organic delights such as jams and honey, the notion of any friction seems beneath Royal concern, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond.

The King’s Highgrove Estate has long sold homeware products ( 
Image:
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle is going her own way ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Jennie said: “I absolutely refuse to buy into suggestions of a petty rivalry between Meghan’s products and the release of new products from the Highgrove estate,” She added, “Highgrove has been coming up with new products for years now. The marketing might have become more sophisticated over time, but there has always been publicity about the organic produce from the farm and gardens.

“I really don’t think that Charles or his marketing people would sink so low as to try to deliberately compete with or scupper Meghan and her team. Why would Charles want to make things worse than they already are? So I think it’s a load of old nonsense and would be beneath him.”

Both the King and Meghan sell similar homeware products ( 
Image:
Getty Images)DON’T MISS
Meghan Markle’s foray into the artisan jam market with her American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand has set Royal tongues wagging, with insiders expressing a collective sigh of relief, say experts. The Duchess of Sussex’s latest business move is seen as a refreshing change from the much-anticipated “tell-all” book that had been expected by Royal enthusiasts.

Emma Clifton, a journalist at Australian Women’s Weekly, suggested that this pivot towards a more homely enterprise could be seen as good news for the Royals. She said: “Considering how much anticipation there was for Meghan’s supposed ‘tell-all-novel’, her pivot into domestic goddess should surely mean there are a few sighs of relief around the palace…for now.

Celebrity PR guru Waylon Tate spoke to Australian Women’s Weekly about Meghan’s distinct approach to branding her new venture.

“What I’ve seen so far, although she’s been pretty clandestine about it – everything surrounding this new brand, is that it’s Meghan and it’s Meghan alone. You can even see it on Instagram. It’s not Meghan and Harry – it’s by Meghan,” said Tate. “This is the emancipation of Meghan. It’s her saying, ‘I’m a smart, savvy businesswoman. And here’s an introduction to my family on my terms’.”

Luke Shaw responds as England handed referee involved in ‘match fixing’ vs Netherlands

German referee Felix Zwayer was suspended for six months in 2006 after being caught up in a match-fixing scandal but is now considered among UEFA’s top match officials

Luke Shaw insists that England aren’t focused on the fact UEFA have appointed a referee who was involved in a match fixing scandal to oversee their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

German official Felix Zwayer secretly served a six-month ban in 2006, having been found to have accepted a €300 (£250) bribe while assisting disgraced referee Robert Hoyzer, who was subsequently jailed for two years. When he and three other high-ranking referees informed the German football federation (DFB) about Hoyzer’s match-fixing, Zwayer was suspended for six months.

His ban was kept under wraps until a German newspaper uncovered the decision in 2014. Zwayer’s suspension was back in the spotlight three years ago when England star Jude Bellingham, then playing for Borussia Dortmund, slammed the referee during a post-match interview and referenced the ban.

Now Bellingham will meet Zwayer again as the German takes charges of England’s clash with the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday, battling it out for a place in the Euro 2024 final against France or Spain. But when asked if his appointment was in their thinking at all, England team-mate Shaw confidently replied: “Not at all.”

The Manchester United defender added: “We have to respect UEFA on whoever they decide to pick as ref. That won’t change anything for us, we just focus on the game at hand and not focus on the refs we are given.”

Bellingham brought up the match-fixing scandal after Zwayer gave a penalty against Dortmund in their late 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in November 2021. The England midfielder fumed: “It hits [Mats Hummels’ arm] and I don’t even think he’s looking at the ball but you know you can look at a lot of the decisions in the game.

“You give a referee that has match-fixed before, the biggest game in Germany what do you expect?”

Your turn! Who’ll reach the final – England or the Netherlands? Give us your score prediction in the comments section

Jude Bellingham was fined for his comments relating to Felix Zwayer’s ban ( 
Image:
INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
The DFB fined Bellingham €40,000 (£33,970) and Zwayer took two months off amid the fallout. The 43-year-old referee says that he was asked by colleague Hoyzer to fix the result of a second-division game between Rot-Weiss Essen and Cologne.

“When I got this firm offer from Hoyzer, I went to my refereeing colleagues,” Zwayer claims. “I stress once again that I strongly rejected this offer straightaway.”

He has consistently denied being involved in Hoyzer’s fix of Wuppertal and Werder Bremen B’s clash in 2004, although a DFB investigation discovered that Zwayer had accepted a payment from Hoyzer.

5 things spotted as all 26 England players train before Netherlands showdown

Gareth Southgate was able to get a look at all 26 of the players in his squad ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday

After a dramatic penalty shoot-out win in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, England are looking to keep their dreams of glory alive against the Netherlands.

Gareth Southgate’s team have been solid defensively while underwhelming further forward, scoring just five times in their five Euros games so far. There have been calls for the manager to shuffle his pack, though it remains to be seen whether he will stick or twist.

Ronald Koeman’s Oranje overcame Turkey in their quarter-final to set up a meeting with England in Dortmund. They have a number of players with Premier League experience, including Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, and Southgate will need to decide whether to stick with his tried and trusted players or spring a surprise.

England’s full squad trained on the eve of what will be their third semi-final appearance in four major tournaments and a chance to reach the country’s first men’s final on foreign soil. All 26 members of Gareth Southgate’s squad trained on Tuesday lunchtime ahead of making the trip from their Blankenhain base, and Mirror Football has picked out a few points of interest from the session.

1. Guehi strapped up

Marc Guehi was suspended against Switzerland so was unable to play. However, the Crystal Palace defender has also been suffering with the shoulder injury he picked up against Slovakia.

Who should start for England against the Netherlands? Have your say in the comments section

Marc Guehi in England training ( 
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
And while he is back in tracking, there appears to be enough concern regarding the injury. Guehi was spotted with some shoulder strapping on during England’s latest session.

Given he trained – and there has been no suggestion that he could miss the game – Guehi appears likely to be fit. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that medical staff have been keeping a close eye on him.

2. Unused players all smiles

There have been calls for Gareth Southgate to make better use of his squad, but those not involved so far still seem very much part of the group. Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are among those forced to watch on from the sidelines, but we saw them getting down to business in Blankenhain.

Joe Gomez with Harry Kane in England training ( 
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was spotted celebrating wildly with Bukayo Saka as England squeezed past Switzerland. There appears to be a togetherness in the group, regardless of whether any members of the squad have private frustrations about their lack of minutes.

As Ivan Toney showed in the knockout games, you never know when your opportunity will come. It’s all about being prepated, and these sessions are opportunities to show that’s the case.

3. Kane fit and ready

Harry Kane was substituted late on against Switzerland, meaning he was unavailable to take a penalty in the shoot-out. However, he played down suggestions the issue which forced him off might also keep him out on Wednesday.

Harry Kane alongside England boss Gareth Southgate ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“I’m good,” Kane told BBC Sport after the weekend victory. “I had double cramp in my calf. Penalties, it is like for like because Ivan [Toney] is incredible. I will be fine.”

Kane was spotted exchanging words with Gareth Southgate during the session as the pair attempt to figure out what’s needed to progress on Wednesday. Only time will tell whether they have the winning formula.

4. Shaw closing in on start

Luke Shaw in a training drill with his England team-mates ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)DON’T MISS
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw appears to have suffered no ill effects of his brief cameo against Switzerland. The left-back came off the bench to make his first appearance of the tournament.

The 28-year-old played just over 40 minutes for the Three Lions. He was pictured taking part in the latest training session so appears well over his injury issues.

It will certainly be a relief to Southgate, who could be tempted to hand Shaw his first start of the tournament. England’s left side has looked slightly off-colour during the Euros and the Man United star could potentially be the remedy that they’re looking for.

5. Toney all eyes on goal

Ivan Toney is pushing for a start against the Netherlands ( 
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
One man who could potentially have done enough to force himself into contention is Brentford frontman Ivan Toney. Introduced for Harry Kane, he certainly made an impression against Switzerland – not to mention his fearless, no-look penalty.

Social media have had their fun with Toney and his talents, while the FA’s media team have done the same. But it was down to business in training.

The striker was as determined as ever – while he also scored a stunning goal in training on the volley from Pickford’s pass. One of those against the Netherlands and it would certainly be hard to ignore his shout for a start.

UEFA has explained controversial decision that prompted huge petition for Euro 2024 clash to be replayed

A petition was launched calling for the match to be replayed following the controversial incident.

UEFA has explained the controversial decision that prompted a petition for a Euro 2024 fixture to be replayed.

The heavyweight clash between Germany and Spain ended in controversial fashion as Luis de la Fuente’s side advanced to the next round in dramatic style.

Dani Olmo opened the scoring just after the break before Florian Wirtz forced the game into extra-time following a late equaliser.

Mikel Merino, formerly of Newcastle United, headed home Spain’s winner late on in extra-time.

But before Merino grabbed his side’s winning goal, Germany thought they should have been awarded a penalty when Jamal Musiala’s strike hit Marc Cucurella’s hand.

Cucurella’s hand was by his side, but he blocked Musiala’s goal-bound effort, sparking appeals.

The German penalty appeals, however, were waved away by Anthony Taylor as UEFA ‘set to make a decision’ over the Premier League referee.

Taylor’s verdict was supported by Stuart Atwell, who was on VAR duty for the quarter-final match.

The decision not to award a penalty for Germany angered people as they launched a petition calling for the game to be replayed.

Anthony Taylor fails to award a penalty despite German appeals. Image: Getty

European football’s governing body, though, has explained its decision not to award a penalty as Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s head of referees, provided an explanation in his pre-tournament briefing.

He showed a clip of the ball hitting a defender’s arm from a shot on goal, with the arm in a vertical position, close to the body – like the incident in Germany vs. Spain.

Rosetti said: “Not every touch of arm, hand is a penalty. We want to consider the movement of the players. Biomechanical movements. You know, this is a clear situation. This is never a penalty.”

Spain progressed to semi-finals at the expense of Germany as they face France on Tuesday for a spot in the final of Euro 2024.

If victorious, they will play the winner of England vs. The Netherlands.

Lionel Messi snubbed Jude Bellingham when predicting the four players who would challenge for 2024 Ballon d’Or

Bellingham is among the favourites for the award.

Lionel Messi snubbed Jude Bellingham when asked to predict who could challenge for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Messi claimed the award for a record-extending eighth time last year after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi and his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d’Or over the last 15 years, with the Portuguese winning it on five occasions.

But with Ronaldo now playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr and Messi plying his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami, it is widely expected the award will go to another name this year.

England star Jude Bellingham is among the favourites to claim the prize, having enjoyed an excellent debut season with Real Madrid.

He scored 23 goals in 42 appearances to help the Spanish giants win both the Champions League and La Liga.

His club teammates Vinicius Jr and Toni Kroos are also among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or, along with Kylian Mbappe – who will move to Real from PSG on a free transfer this summer.

Bellingham could strengthen his claim for the award if England win the Euros, with the Three Lions facing Netherlands in their semi-final on Wednesday.

But a win for Bellingham could come as a surprise to former Barcelona star Messi.

Speaking after winning the Ballon d’Or last year, Messi snubbed the former Borussia Dortmund star when naming his predictions for the 2024 award.

“[Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappe, Vinicius and many young players can compete for Ballon d’Or in the next years,” said Messi.

“I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and plays for Barcelona, ​​will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too.”

Bellingham is among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or (Image: Getty)

Bellingham has himself tipped Vinicius to win the Ballon d’Or when it is awarded at a ceremony in Paris on October 28.

“I’m not really too fussed about it,” he said in May.

“I always thought the Ballon d’Or and those sorts of things were for the strikers, the wingers and the flashy players.

“I know I can entertain the crowd, but no-one can do it like Vini. When he’s at his best, I think he’s the best player in the world. I know he likes to say the same about me, and that’s the kind of relationship we have.

“You don’t always have to be friends with your team-mates, but it helps when you can be so close off the pitch as well. And then, on the pitch, it reflects. We have a good understanding of each other’s movements.

“To be honest, if he was to win it, I’d feel just as proud as if I won it, because I know I’ve helped contribute to the success.”

John Terry aims brutal dig at former England players who’ve criticised Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024

Southgate has faced criticism for his conservative tactics at the Euros.

Former England captain John Terry has leapt to the defence of Gareth Southgate following criticism of the manager at Euro 2024.

England are through to their third major tournament semi-final under Southgate after narrowly beating Switzerland in their Euros quarter-final on Saturday.

They will now face the Netherlands in the last four on Wednesday, with the winner taking on either Spain or France in the final on Sunday.

England narrowly beat Switzerland on penalties after their match had ended 1-1 following extra-time.

It was the second game in a row Southgate’s side played 120 minutes, having also needed extra-time to beat Slovakia in the round of 16.

Southgate has faced criticism for his conservative approach at the tournament, with former England striker Gary Lineker labelling him ‘tactically inept’ after the group stage draw with Denmark.

Rio Ferdinand claimed England were ‘overshadowed’ in that match, while Alan Shearer branded the ‘rotten’ win over Slovakia as ‘so bad, it was untrue’.

However, former Chelsea captain Terry, who made 78 appearances for the national side, has defended Southgate from criticism – while also calling out former players and pundits.

On an Instagram live video, Terry said: “Funny how all of these ex-players and pundits think England are good again all of a sudden.

“I couldn’t give a s*** how we play as long as we win. Those ex-players and pundits never got past a quarter-final by the way.

“Lot of people saying [Cole] Palmer should start – again I think he’s done enough, what a season he’s had. Who comes out? Hard to be England manager.

John Terry has defended Gareth Southgate (Image: Getty)

“I am all about getting out the group me, no matter how you do it, get out the group.

“Look at Argentina in the World Cup, lose their first game and go on to win it. Greece 2004, very average team go on and win it.

“Tough couple of games [coming up] though, Holland in the semis and then France or Spain in the final.

“I think we’d all agree if we get to the final we need to be better but in a one-off game I actually fancy us against anybody, I think this group are special.

“I think the mental state Gareth has got them in and has done over the last four or six years is superb.”

Southgate will be hoping he proves his doubters wrong once again when England take on the Dutch at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.

Royal Family Removes Princess Anne’s Next Engagement Following Hospitalization for Horse ‘Incident’

The Princess Royal was injured with a concussion at home on June 23.

As of July 7, a tweak was reportedly made to The Royal Diary section of the royal family’s website involving King Charles’ sister, 73. The Royal Diary is the record of official engagements that working members of the royal family plan to undertake with updates published weeks in advance.

The diary on @RoyalFamily website has been updated to remove Princess Anne’s engagement next week, as she is still recovering from her accident last month,” Gert’s Royals reported over the weekend.

The Royal Diary currently lists Princess Anne’s next scheduled outing as a visit to the NLV Pharos ship off the west coast of Scotland in her role as Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board on July 15 and 16.

On June 24, Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Anne sustained a concussion and minor injuries in a horse-related accident at her country home the day prior, and was hospitalized as a “precautionary measure.”

“The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening. Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery,” they said in a statement.

“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery,” they continued.

Harry and Meghan wedding confessions – ‘foul smell’, cameras in flowers and huge cost

 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were ranked as the fourth most disliked celebrities in the world, but an expert has claimed the Duchess of Sussex won’t be too fussed about it Meghan Markle is “unbothered” by her ‘low levels of popularity’ in the UK says a top PR wizz.

 

Ranker released its most disliked celebrities of 2024 list earlier this week, which saw James Corden, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Amber Heard rank among the most unpopular A-listers by the 31,400 people who cast 394,5000 votes. Team Sussex landed in fourth place in this hall of shame, but Meghan isn’t losing any sleep over her rating according to one expert.

Speaking about Meghan’s low popularity, Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR said: “In the latest YouGov survey released at the beginning of May, Meghan received a very low score. In fact, it should be noted that 65% of respondents disliked her, and 45% had very negative views of her”, reports the Mirror.

“Only 4% of Brits expressed very positive feelings toward her while her overall net approval rating dropped from minus 43 to minus 38 at the beginning of April”, she added. Lynn went on to say she believes Meghan would be taking the survey results with a “pinch of salt”. She added: “I’m not sure how interested she is anymore in getting the British public back on her side.

 

“She is American and that is where her family life is now, so she will be more concerned in raising her popularity in her own country and focusing on building her brand American Rivera Orchard and making it a huge success.”

Lynn added: “Harry of course will be as it’s his birthplace, and he wants his children to be connected to the British heritage. But we only need to look at their visit to Nigeria last week to know that would have given the couple much confidence because they are celebrated in that country and in their eyes the tour would have been a great success and they do have more visits to other countries lined-up.”

“They did face some criticism from royal supporters as their trip had all the hallmarks of an official royal tour. As Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, if their foreign visits continue like this, it is likely to cause some friction with King Charles.”

Prince Harry reveals he ‘wanted to go home’, but Prince Williams’ three-word response left him stunned

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been facing criticism since they stepped down from their Royal roles and moved to the United States to start a new life. Following an extraordinary fallout with his family, especially King Charles and estranged brother Prince William, the Duke of Sussex described what transpired after he extended

an olive branch to The Prince of Wales.

Harry remembered how he felt after talking to his brother and leaving his homeland and the mother country, for which ” I’d fought and been ready to die.”(AP)

Harry remembered how he felt after talking to his brother and leaving his homeland and the mother country, for which ” I’d fought and been ready to die.”(AP)

According to Harry, Prince William showed no sympathy or emotions and rather told him three words that he wasn’t hoping for.

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“You left, Harold,” William told him, as per Harry’s memoir Spare.

Harry, who was stunned with his brother’s response, replied, “Yeah – and you know why.” To this, William said, “I don’t”.

Also Read: Prince Harry invited royal family members to Invictus Games celebration but ‘received no response’: report

Prince Harry expresses pain of leaving mother country

According to GB News, Harry expressed the pain in an excerpt from his book, stressing: “My beloved brother, my arch nemesis, how had that happened? I felt massively tired. I wanted to go home, and I realized what a complicated concept home had become.”

Prince Harry even said, “Willy, this was supposed to be our home. We were going to live here the rest of our lives.”