Blog

Prince William has a close-knit circle of friends to help him through the fall-out with his brother, Prince Harry.

Prince William may have found it tough to handle the rift with Prince Harry, but he has since proven his loyalty to another close confidant, William van Cutsem.

At the end of July the Prince of Wales made Mr van Cutsem, the son of the late Hugh van Cutsem who was a close friend to King Charles, an adviser for the Duchy Estate.

Mr van Cutsem, known as VC to his friends, has been pals with William since they were children and is an appropriate choice as he works as a chartered surveyor.

In the Duchy’s annual report, Mr van Cutsem is said to have a “keen interest in regenerative farming practices within the family’s home and farming businesses”.

It isn’t just work keeping them close though, as Mr van Cutsem lives just 20 miles away from the Waleses Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, and is also Prince George’s godfather.

Prince William is great pals with William van Cutsem (Image: Getty)

William was also an usher at Mr van Cutsem’s wedding to Rosie Ruck Keene in 2013, while their niece Grace became unexpectedly famous as the little bridesmaid with her hands over her ears at William and Princess Kate’s own nuptials in 2011.

Harry was also at one point very friendly with the van Cutsems, as another niece, Florence, was a bridesmaid when he married Meghan Markle in 2018.

The Duke of Sussex has also stayed on good terms with another of William’s friends, James Meade, who joined him to dance the night away at Camden’s KOKO nightclub last summer.

These are some of the friends William has had to support him since his rift with Harry began, with many of these friendships dating back decades.

Mr Meade joined Thomas van Straubenzee in a joint best man’s speech for William and Kate’s wedding, another long-term friend who went to Ludgrove School with William and Harry before they went up to Eton.

William and James Meade have been friends since Eton (Image: Getty)

Mr van Straubenzee has been married twice, first to Lady Melissa Percy from 2013 to 2016, and now to Princess Charlotte’s old teacher from St Thomas’s Battersea, Lucy Lanigan O-Keeffe, with whom he has two children.

He is also Charlotte’s godfather, having holidayed with William as a child in Cornwall with the Prince and Princess of Wales introducing him to his second wife years later.

Oliver Baker and his wife Mel Nicholson are another couple in the royal circle, as they started dating while they were students at the University of St Andrews just like William and Kate.

He prefers to keep his friendship with the royals private, earning him the nickname Zipper Lips Baker, but he is also one of George’s godparents.

Thomas van Straubenzee is another close pal (Image: Getty)

Guy Pelly has also been close to William and Harry over the years, with his antics earning him the title of Court Jester among his inner circle.

He organised William’s stag night and became known for shimmying 40 feet up a marquee during a Prince’s Trust concert while stripped to his boxer shorts.

Mr Pelly is also godfather to Prince Louis, however it was William’s decision to skip the late Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas lunch in 2015 to support his friend at his father’s memorial that showed how strong their friendship was.

Rounding off the pack is Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, the youngest son of Sir Henry, 8th Baronet and Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Mike Tindall, who is married to William’s cousin Zara and has built a close bond with the Prince in Harry’s absence.

As well as being Meghan Markle’s birthday, August 4 is also highlighted as an important day in Prince William’s royal diary.

Meghan Markle’s birthday falls on an important date for William (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle is celebrating her 43rd birthday today, with the date also being an important day for her brother-in-law, Prince William.

August 4 has already been circled on the royal calendar as William’s christening back in 1982.

Forty-two years ago today, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

At the time, William was just six-weeks-old, with the special occasion marked by some adorable pictures of the young prince.

The late Princess Diana, then aged just 21, was pictured holding her newborn son. The mother-and-son duo were pictured alongside the then-Prince Charles, the late Queen and Prince Philip and the Queen Mother.

The tradition of family portraits remained long-standing, with the family taking pictures just two years later at Prince Harry’s christening.

Fast forward to 2013, William then posed for christening pictures for his eldest son, Prince George. The tradition was also carried on for his two younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

As well as being the date of William’s christening, August 4 was also the birthday of his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. The late royal was born in 1900 and died aged 101 on March 30, 2002.

In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled the moment he told King Charles that his then-girlfriend shared a birthday with his late great-grandmother

Prince William was christened on Meghan’s 1st birthday in 1982 (Image: GETTY)

Discussing the moment, Harry wrote: “The bond between Meg and Pa, always strong, grew even stronger during that weekend.

“One night, over pre-dinner cocktails, Fred Astaire playing in the background, it emerged that Meg shared a birthdate with Pa’s favorite person: Gan-Gan,” Harry wrote, referring to the late Queen Mother.

Speaking of his father’s reaction, Harry penned: “‘Amazing,’ Pa said with a smile.”

He also added: “At the memory of Gan-Gan, and the link between her and my bride, he suddenly became buoyant, telling stories I’d never heard, essentially performing, showing off for her.”

Millions of people worldwide watched Meghan Markle’s wedding but many of the Sussexes A-list friends are said to have “dropped” the royal and their friendship drifted apart.

Inside Meghan Markle’s relationship with A-list stars (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle has reached a new milestone as the Duchess of Sussex turns 43 today. The former Suits actress has established a tight-knit circle of celebrity friends including sports stars, actresses, television personalities and fashion designers.

The Duchess of Sussex is said to have had a “rift” with Victoria Beckham but she is not the only celebrity the former Hollywood actress is said to have drifted apart from.

Express.co.uk takes an inside look into Meghan’s celebrity friendships from feuds to those who went their separate ways and those who have continued supporting her.

Since leaving the royal family, alongside husband Prince Harry, in 2020 Meghan has been through a lot. While the married couple have had moments filled with good news and accomplishments, including welcoming their second child, daughter Lilibet in 2021, releasing their Netflix documentary and Meghan’s launch of American Riveria Orchard, they have also dealt with criticisms and media scrutiny.

The couple has had a whole village of friends to rely on through it all and have continued to be part of Meghan’s support system.

Meghan Markle celebrates a new milestone as she turns 43 (Image: Getty)

Serena Williams

The renowned tennis star and the Duchess of Sussex have been friends since 2014, and have continuously expressed their support for each other through the years.

Meghan opened up about their relationship in her blog post for The Tig that Serena had become a close “confidante”.

“So began our friendship,” she marked, and further recalled: “She quickly became a confidante I would text when I was traveling, the friend I would rally around for her tennis matches, and the down-to-earth chick I was able to grab lunch with just a couple weeks ago in Toronto.”

Serena attended Meghan’s wedding at Windsor Castle in 2018 and the pair have continued to publicly support each other ever since.

Serena Williams and Meghan Markle pictured together at the 2024 ESPY Awards (Image: Getty)

Tyler Perry

In a heartwarming token of friendship, film producer Tyler Perry offered his home to Meghan, Harry and their eldest son Archie when the coronavirus pandemic broke out. At the time, their temporary place in Canada was already hounded by paparazzi.

“They hid out at my house for a long time,” Tyler told Kelly Ripa in the Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, per Vanity Fair. “It was so great.”

“We needed a house and he offered security as well,” Meghan said during her interview with Oprah. “So it gave us breathing room to try to figure out what we are going to do.”

Over a year later, Tyler became the godfather to the Sussexes’ second child, Lilibet.

US filmmaker Tyler Perry is a close friend of the Sussexes (Image: Getty)

Despite A-list stars offering a helping hand to the Sussexes some of their A-list friendships have come under scrutiny amid reports of a “feud”.

Victoria Beckham

The Beckhams and the Sussexes enjoyed a close friendship over the years, but cracks began to form.

The Duke of Sussex allegedly called David to accuse him and his wife Victoria of leaking stories, leaving David “furious”.

Cracks first started emerging in the pair’s friendship in spring 2022 when the former footballer invited Prince William and Kate to his son Brooklyn’s wedding – and not Harry and Meghan.

It was also reported Meghan had stopped wearing Victoria’s designs while Princess Kate had been seen wearing VB at events more frequently.

Victoria and David Beckham attended Meghan and Harry’s wedding at Windsor Castle (Image: Getty)

Meghan has since launched her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and teased her project by sending some of her jam products to 50 big names, including Kris Jenner, actress Mindy Kaling and model Chrissy Teigen.

However, certain A-list celebrities didn’t appear to make that list as royal experts have suggested the Duchess of Sussex has “drifted apart” from these famous stars.

Oprah Winfrey

When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior roles as royals the couple had their first televised interview with legendary US presenter Oprah Winfrey.

As neighbours the Sussexes and Oprah are said to have grown close with the latter also attending the couple’s wedding.

However, Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell claimed their friendship has since “cooled off”.

He told Closer: “Back in the day, the A-listers were riding on the moment – Harry and Meghan were the most popular couple in the country at one time when they got married, but there’s since been a decline.

“Some already have done – Oprah no longer seems involved with them and some other celebrities have also dropped them.”

Meghan Markle sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey (Image: CBS)

George and Amal Clooney attended Meghan and Harry’s 2018 wedding (Image: Getty)

Amal and George Clooney

The Clooneys got an invite to Meghan and Harry’s wedding despite it being claimed they “didn’t know” them well.

The Sussexes visited the Clooneys’ villa in Lake Como just a few months after their wedding.

However, according to Closer!, Amal and George failed to invite the royal couple to their Albie Awards in October.

The Royal Family like to enjoy the outdoors and have picnics and BBQs but even then, they must follow certain rules, says former butler.

The Royal Family have a strict set of rules even during their summer holidays (Image: Getty)

The Royal Family have a rather large set of rules dictating most of their moves and that doesn’t stop at official engagements but during their past time too.

Most members of the Firm are getting ready to enjoy their summer holidays and with the sun well and truly shining, a former royal butler has revealed exactly what they get up to during the summer months.

Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for King Charles from 2004 to 2011, said the royals like to take advantage of all the perks the sunny season has to offer and revealed how King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoy the best of summer drinking and dining, royal style.

Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, he said that the royal pair are very much lovers of the outdoors” and spend lots of time dining “al-fresco” throughout the summer months”.

He said: “The one thing about the King and the Queen, is they’re very much lovers of the outdoors.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be enjoying the outdoors (Image: Getty)

“As soon as we have good weather, it’s quite common for them to have dinners and lunches and even breakfast outside.

“They’re very much fans of the summer weather and making the most of it, so they love to dine al fresco.”

Mr Harrold also revealed the major differences between a royal BBQ and one we might have at home, as he confirmed there are “seating plans” made with both BBQs and picnics in the royal household.

He added that cutlery is always used – especially for hamburgers – to “avoid mess”.

The former staffer explained: “When it comes to eating the food, they would use the correct cutlery, there would be knives and forks.

“I’ve never seen a royal pick up any food with their hands, but the younger ones will. The older royals use utensils because they’re more traditional, and they’re slightly more formal.

“They would definitely eat a hamburger, for example, with a knife and fork as they won’t want to get messy.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to appear in a new interview focusing on cyber abuse and their fears for children online.

Prince Harry seemed happy to “take a backseat” while Meghan Markle “took charge” during their recent pre-recorded interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

The couple were there to talk to host Jane Pauley about the realities of online abuse and how to protect children on the web, a cause that has been very close to their hearts.

Their body language was also particularly revealing, as expert analyst Darren Stanton claimed that even though Meghan felt “nervous” she led the way.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino he said: “During the sneak preview of their upcoming interview, Harry is sitting there and listening to Meghan in the beginning. His eye contact was controlled and consistent, which tells us he is actively listening and waiting his turn.

“He seemed content with taking a backseat while Meghan led the charge during their joint appearance, appreciating the support of having his wife by his side as her presence visibly calmed his nerves.”

Harry and Meghan’s body language showed something revealing (Image: CBS Sunday Morning)

However, this did not mean the Duke of Sussex was not feeling confident, as Mr Stanton elaborated: “We later saw Harry beginning to speak up, with him accidentally cutting Meghan off mid-sentence – as she was taking the lead in the conversation, throwing her off guard.

“When Harry answered the interviewer, we see him being expressive with his hands and arms. This shows he felt enthusiastic about the answer he was giving. His non-verbal gestures reflected the passion he hoped to convey verbally.

“Here, Harry demonstrated he has the confidence and control to change the interview dynamic where appropriate. He’s not afraid to have his say and is happy to get more involved in the conversation where he feels necessary, as much as he is happy to let Meghan take a centre role.”

Harry and Meghan often work together (Image: Getty)

The expert explained how Meghan seemed to show a touch of nerves but deftly kept them at bay, as he said: “When Harry is speaking and holding court, taking away the attention from Meghan, we saw her biting her lip.

“This is a giveaway of how Meghan, despite appearing confident, was feeling nervous internally. It’s a key self-reassurance sign she displays when feeling uncertain or lacking in confidence despite externally portraying the opposite.

“While her eye contact did decrease throughout the interview, she did maintain a strong hold for the most part – and it exemplifies how she is able to adopt strength and push through even when she is feeling slightly out of her depth.”

Harry and Meghan will soon be embarking on another big trip (Image: Getty)

It was announced this week that Harry and Meghan will travel to Colombia later this year where they will “engage with leaders, youth and women”.

A statement by the Vice President of Columbia, Francia Márquez, read: “As the Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

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

Meghan Markle‘s trip to Nigeria reminded fans of her past life as a working duchess, and experts think the former actress used Princess Diana‘s accessories to silently send out a message to the royal family amid their ongoing feud.

“Meghan Markle’s three-day trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry saw her wearing sentimental jewelry that didn’t go unnoticed,” James Harris told GB News. “One such stunning piece was a delicate cross-pendant adorned with sparkling diamonds paired with a gold chain.”

“The cross pendant, while beautiful in its craftsmanship, could have carried a deeper significance,” the regional sales manager for Austen & Blake noted. “Traditionally, a cross pendant symbolizes faith, hope, and protection.”

Harris applauded the Suits star for her ability to use fashion as a form of communication.

“For many, it represents a connection to one’s spiritual beliefs and a reminder of resilience and strength in times of adversity,” he explained. “In Meghan’s case, the cross might also be seen as a symbol of unity and peace, reflecting her commitment to humanitarian efforts and her dedication to fostering understanding across cultures.”

“We love that Meghan’s choice of jewelry often carries layers of meaning, and this cross pendant is no exception,” Harris continued. “It serves as a testament to her values and the causes she holds dear, making it much more than just an accessory.”

OK! previously reported journalist Omid Scobie claimed in Endgame that Prince William and Harry’s wives “regularly replicated” Diana’s “iconic looks” and even would wear items “once owned by the late princess.”

According to Scobie, it “makes sense” that the two women sport pieces owned by Diana.

This is a huge revelation, and I want to walk you through how I uncovered this information. Many of you know my history with Ashley—we were …

This is a huge revelation, and I want to walk you through how I uncovered this information. Many of you know my history with Ashley—we were best friends back in college and were inseparable for three years after graduation.

However, things changed when Ashley started a relationship with Dean, whom I never trusted or got along with. Dean was always distant towards me and pushed Ashley to distance herself from our friendship.

The situation escalated when Ashley told me she was pregnant with Lily. Dean made it clear he didn’t want me around, claiming I was a bad influence. Despite Ashley insisting everything was fine, our friendship strained, and suddenly, she cut me out of her life completely.

I was devastated because Ashley and I were like sisters. I tried to reach out, but she became increasingly distant, only sharing occasional updates about Lily online.

Years later, after Ashley’s divorce from Dean due to his abusive behavior, we reconnected. She revealed how manipulative Dean had been, admitting he pressured her into isolating herself from me. As we rebuilt our friendship, I couldn’t help but notice the strong bond I felt with Lily. Over time, I started noticing similarities between Lily and myself—facial features, mannerisms—that sparked a suspicion: could Lily be my biological child?

After months of contemplation, I decided to discreetly investigate. I hired a private investigator who uncovered documents from Ashley and Dean’s divorce proceedings. These documents suggested doubts about Lily’s paternity, indicating a paternity test during the divorce that ruled out Dean as Lily’s biological father. This revelation shocked me but didn’t provide conclusive proof.

Finally, I gathered the courage to confront Ashley. I shared the investigator’s findings and expressed my suspicions. At first, Ashley denied everything defensively, but eventually, she tearfully admitted the truth: during our college years, we had a drunken night together after a party. A few weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with Lily.

This confession confirmed my suspicions and brought to light a truth that had been hidden for years. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, from betrayal to understanding, but uncovering this truth has given me a sense of closure and clarity.

Meghan Markle is “pushing for an apology” from the royal family before she agrees to visit the UK, a royal expert has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex has reportedly declined a rumored invitation to Prince Harry’s home soil next month after it was suggested that they bring their children with them.

The “Suits” alum, 42, has had a strained relationship with several senior members of her husband’s family, and even documented the hardships in several lucrative projects over the last few years.

Amid reports that Harry is reportedly planning to “reconcile” with his family during an upcoming trip to London, royal experts have suggested that peace between both camps is unlikely to happen until Markle receives an apology from the Firm.

Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths said that the royals have “given up” on issuing any sort of apology to the mom of two.

Meghan Markle reveals the ‘best souvenir’ from her and Prince Harry’s Nigeria trip after receiving 20 gifts

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s camp address Nigerian fugitive controversy
“I think that she is pushing for an apology,” Griffiths told GB News. “She’s been pushing for that for quite a long time, although there have been reports from the Sussex camp that she has sort of given up on an apology.”

“I don’t think that she is actually blocking him from seeing his family though; we know that he came to see his dad when his dad was ill, and we know that he is coming over again in May,” she added.

Elsewhere, royal author Tom Quinn told the Mirror, “Harry would like a reconciliation, but supports his wife completely, and until she feels that the royal family have been sufficiently nice to her — and grovelingly apologized for the past — it’s not going to happen.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arriving at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge 2024 in Wellington, Fla, walking on grass and holding hands

“There has been a shift here since Kate’s illness. Harry and Meghan do feel they need to extend an olive branch, but Meghan’s sense of grievance is still preventing anything really meaningful happening,” Quinn continued.

“Illness often brings warring family members together,” Quinn said. “And there have been hopes at Kensington Palace that Kate’s illness might do it.”

Markle last returned to England for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service in September 2022.

Royal family members including Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, and King Charles III observing the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during her state funeral.
3
A royal commentator has said that the royals have “given up” on issuing any sort of apology to Markle.
Getty Images
456
What do you think? Post a comment.
Harry and Markle did not bring their children with them over safety concerns, as the Sussexes were stripped of taxpayer-funded UK security protection.

This means the pair will pay out of pocket for their security when back on Harry’s home soil.

Meghan Markle branded ‘cheap, vulgar and irresponsible’ by outspoken Lady Colin Campbell, who says ‘she was never an A-lister so needs to stop acting like one’

LADY Colin Campbell has branded Meghan Markle “cheap and vulgar” in an explosive new interview.

The author, 69, who has published three books on the royals, has also urged the Duchess of Sussex to stop acting like a celebrity.

4

Meghan Markle has been branded “cheap, vulgar and irresponsible” by Lady Colin CampbellCredit: Getty – Contributor

Speaking to Closer magazine she said: “She was never an A-lister, so she needs to stop acting like one.

“Royalty do not behave like celebrities do. It’s cheap, vulgar and irresponsible.”

The royal writer went on to say that Meghan was “letting down” those who admire her by behaving this way.

This is not the first time that Lady Colin has warned the Duchess of Sussex of being wary of her behaviour.

The royal author says that Meghan was “never an A-lister so needs to stop acting like one”Credit: Dan Charity – The Sun
In April she advised that Meghan should avoid becoming a “political activist” as the “royals must represent all of the people” and she should know when “keep her mouth shut”.

Lady Colin added: “There are many conservative people, all over the world, many religious people, who do not have these ‘woke’ and ‘right-on’ views.”

It comes as Meghan was revealed as guest-editor of British Vogue’s September issue.

 

4

It comes after Meghan was announced as the guest-editor of the September issue of VogueCredit: Reuters

Her choice in cover stars has received flack for being “too political”Credit: Reuters
The project saw the Duchess of Sussex select 15 women to be featured on the cover, choosing not to star herself, whom she hails “forces for change.”

The magazine has sparked a storm of protest, with critics reminding Meghan that royals must remain neutral at all times.

Meghan has since been criticsed for the “leftie” cover by Leo McKinstry who, similarly to Lady Colin, warns Meghan must stay out of politics like Kate.

Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe said: “Royals have not only got to keep out of politics but they have got to be seen to keep out of politics.”

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said: “The Duchess of Sussex has done a huge favour for the House of Conde Naste (Vogue’s publisher) and rather less for the House of Windsor.”

In other royal news, we told you how the Queen “will gift Meghan and Harry a holiday home” according to a royal expert.

It was revealed that the Queen has a secret Love Island connection after villa owner revealed as distant granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Behind-the-scenes video shows Meghan Markle at work guest-editing Vogue’s September issue

Piers Morgan attacks Meghan Markle’s ‘downright lies’ in new interview

 

 

Piers Morgan slammed Meghan Markle’s “downright lies” in a new interview with Australia’s “60 Minutes.” Shuterstock; Shutterstock

 

Piers Morgan is set to attack Meghan Markle’s “downright lies” in an upcoming interview with Australia’s “60 Minutes.”

The former “Good Morning Britain” anchor sat down with journalist Karl Stefanovic to discuss his war on cancel culture as well as his ongoing battle with the Duchess of Sussex, with whom he’s been fighting since she allegedly ghosted him and their friendship.

“I don’t believe a word she says,” Morgan, 56, said of Markle, 39, in a sneak peek at Sunday’s episode.

Looking back on the “Suits” alum’s since-refuted claim that she and Harry, 36, had secretly married days before their royal wedding in May 2018, Morgan added, “They were downright lies. … That [ceremony] would make the Archbishop of Canterbury a criminal.”

It’s ironic that Morgan sat down with Stefanovic, as the Nine Network presenter, 46, has been one of Markle’s staunchest defenders. Stefanovic also once called Morgan “disgraceful.”

In the clip from their interview, the TV personalities butted heads after Morgan claimed that Markle was pretending to be in love with Harry.

“I’ve got something to say about that,” Stefanovic replied. “I think that’s disgraceful. I think she is an amazing, amazing woman. I think she is doing her very best at the moment, and she’s got a lot on her plate. She’s doing it so beautifully. She’s such a great export for Great Britain.”
Meghan claimed during her and Harry’s sit-down with Oprah Winfrey that they had secretly married before their royal wedding. VIA REUTERS
Turning his ire on Morgan, Stefanovic added, “I mean, what is that guy on? He’s lost the plot completely.

“I don’t know how his poor co-host puts up with it. Imagine putting up with a dude like that who is so up himself and so egotistical that he would assume to say those things about her?”

Morgan quit “Good Morning Britain” in March after he stormed off the set during a heated discussion about Markle and Harry.

In Stevanovic’s forthcoming interview with Morgan, he dubs his fellow journalist “an angry old man.”

“Freedom of speech is actually more important than the Meghan Markle debacle,” Morgan responded. “Who are these ‘woke’ people marching around like they are Kim Jong Un with a dash of Vladimir Putin?

“Come on, everybody, take a chill pill.”