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George Clooney’s verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan before ‘ditching’ Sussexes as friends

The Boys in the Boat director George Clooney and his wife Amal have reportedly grown apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, five years after the Sussexes invited the Hollywood couple to their Royal Wedding.

George Clooney’s verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan before ‘ditching’ Sussexes as friends (Image: Getty)

George Clooney hit the headlines last summer as rumours swirled that his high-profile friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had fizzled out. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding unveiled the union of two power couples, as George and his wife Amal Clooney arrived to celebrate the Sussexes’ nuptials in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

However, just a few years later, the Ocean’s Eleven actor, 62, was at the centre of reports that he had “ditched” the Royal couple as “bosom buddies”, according to sources. As George steps behind the camera as director for his latest film The Boys in the Boat, Express.co.uk has taken a look back at the Hollywood icon’s friendship with Meghan, 42, and Harry, 39, before things seemingly cooled down.

The world first became aware of the connection between George and former Suits actress Meghan when he and wife Amal, 45, received an invite to the wedding of the century. After watching Meghan and Harry tie the knot, the Clooneys attended the newlyweds’ private party at Frogmore House.

Despite appearances, it was subsequently reported that the Clooneys had claimed to a fellow wedding guest that they “didn’t know” Meghan and Harry. Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel wrote for AirMail at the time: “There’s a story doing the rounds that while Carolyn Bartholomew, Diana’s former flatmate, was waiting for the wedding service to start, she turned to the couple alongside her and asked how they knew Harry or Meghan.

“‘We don’t’, the Clooneys answered brightly.” In spite of the baffling remark, Meghan reportedly went on to grow closer to human rights barrister Amal after the wedding. “Meghan and Amal have known each other for a while [and share] many interests,” a source claimed to People Magazine in 2018.

 

Harry and Meghan’s friendship with the Clooneys has reportedly fizzled recently (Image: Getty)

“Amal has been helping Meghan settle into London life. It was a very natural friendship from day one.”

Later that same year, it was also claimed that Harry and Meghan flew to Italy’s Lake Como for a vacation, where they visited George and Amal at their lavish holiday home.

Omid Scobie also claimed that Harry and George had bonded over their mutual passion for motorbikes.

“George and Harry have a shared passion for motorcycles and checked out George’s collection and they also played basketball together,” the royal journalist revealed.

Amanda Holden’s blunt five-word verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed

She made the comments after a chat show legend revealed his

AMANDA Holden has shared her verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan with a blunt statement.

The  Britain’s Got Talent judge shared what she makes of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on her Heart Radio show.

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Harry and Meghan have largely become estranged from the Royal Family following their move to CaliforniaCredit: Reuters

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Radio host Amanda Holden has revealed she thinks the public ‘don’t really care’ about the pairCredit: Getty
Holden said she thought “none of us really care” about the California royals living their life in Montecito.

The 53-year-old shared her thoughts in response to Graham Norton revealing his feelings about the pair on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

The chat show legend had said: “Do regular people care that much? I don’t think they do. I think they just think let them live their lives.”

Holden broached Norton’s comments on Friday’s Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston.

Theakston said: “I think we don’t care that much.”

Holden replied: “I think you’re right. I think the press makes so much of it but none of us really care.”

Her comments come as Prince Harry is set to meet Travis Kelce – only weeks after the NFL star hit it off with his estranged brother William.

The Duke of Sussex will be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work at the glittering ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11.

Kelce described William as “the coolest motherf**ker” after posing for a selfie with him, Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Swift’s gig at Wembley last weekend.

Meghan was also recently spotted “filming” in a tracksuit at an LA park – sparking rumours of a huge megastar collaboration.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was caught on video taking part in what fans speculate was a shoot for a new advertisement.

The 10-second clip posted to TikTok shows the royal standing in a plush, green park as she has her sleeve fitted by a stylist.

Fans think that the tracksuit could be a tracksuit from Adidas’ collaboration with Beyonce’s Ivy Park.

Everything to know about Amanda Holden

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Holden made the comments after Graham Norton revealed his thoughts on the royal pairCredit: Getty

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Graham Norton appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy CohenCredit: Alamy

Prince Harry’s latest move shows he has ‘no wish to patch things up’ with Royal Family

Prince Harry may be back in the UK soon, but one expert claims this will not spell the end of his rift with the Royal Family.

Prince Harry’s potential trip to the UK to patch things up with the Royal Family has been questioned by a royal expert, as a number of recent opportunities have been missed.

The Duke of Sussex travelled to the UK in May for the 10th anniversary commemorative service for the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral, but did not stay at a royal residence while he was in London and did not see any family members from his father’s side.

He also chose not to attend his close friend Hugh Grosvenor’s wedding to Olivia Henson and was once again not invited to Trooping the Colour on June 15.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained to OK! magazine that if Harry really were so desperate to make things right with the royals, he would have set aside time to do so.

She said: “If Harry had really wanted to confront his family and patch things up, he would surely have allotted more time to his recent visits so that his father – at least – could make arrangements to see him.”

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Prince Harry has a long-standing rift with the Royal Family (Image: Getty)

Ms Bond said of Harry’s possible reunion with his older brother, Prince William: “I don’t think there’s any chance of William wanting to do so, particularly with all he has on his plate right now.

“So, I’ll believe this when I see it, but it will be lovely if he could indeed spend some time, perhaps at Balmoral, during the summer and make peace with his father.”

Her comments come after a source disclosed to Closer magazine that the Duke was left feeling “upset and emotional” after seeing footage of his family gathered to celebrate the King’s official birthday at Trooping

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Harry once again missed out on Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)

The source revealed: “He can’t believe it’s come to this, and he’s now saying he’s going to fly over and force them to face him. He’s still a prince, after all; they’re still his family, and whether they like it or not, he’s refusing to just be cast aside.

“He continues to be heartbroken and confused by the way he’s being treated by the royals. It’s as though he doesn’t exist anymore.”

One lost relationship that Harry seems to be missing greatly is the one with his sister-in-law, Princess Kate, as the pair once had a close bond.

Royal Family LIVE: Disaster for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after latest move

One royal expert believes that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not reached the levels of Hollywood success they might have hoped for.

Graham Norton shares his views on Harry and Meghan

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of unsuccessfully “sucking up to Hollywood royalty” after a selfie of Taylor Swift, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte made headlines all over the world.

On June 21, also the date of William’s 42nd birthday, he took his two eldest children to see the pop superstar perform on tour at Wembley Stadium, with them also getting to meet Taylor before the show.

Meghan previously reached out to Taylor via a “personal letter” to ask her to appear on her podcast Archetypes, but the offer was declined.

The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden explained the disparities between the Royal Family’s approach to celebrity networking and Harry and Meghan’s.

 

He said: “It’s a very different relationship because, essentially, Taylor Swift is here and she wants to show her respect for the Royal Family.

“In a way, you could say [she is] paying court to Prince William – whereas with Harry and Meghan, it’s the other way round. They’re the ones who seem to be always sucking up to Hollywood royalty.

“They thought when they moved to California, ‘we’ll be at the centre of this sort of royal court and everyone will come to see us.’ But it never seems to be working out like that.”

Princess Eugenie sends empowering message about being ‘proud of my scar’

In a post on Instagram, the princess opened up about her experience with scoliosis, paying tribute to the support she received from her mother, Sarah Ferguson.

The royal thanked her mother for empowering her as a child. (Image: Getty)

Princess Eugenie has said she is “proud of my scar” in an empowering message posted to her Instagram account.

The princess was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and has used her platform to spread awareness about the condition.

In a post on Instagram, the princess opened up about her experience with the condition, paying tribute to the support she received from her mother, Sarah Ferguson.

Eugenie credited Fergie for dispelling the stigma that surrounds having scoliosis, in a moving statement three days after International Scoliosis Awareness Day, which fell on June 26.

The royal wrote: “My mum caught my scoliosis early and I was lucky enough to get the help I needed at 12 years old.

“I thank her so much for that and also thank her for the confidence to be proud of my scar.

“She removed all the stigma around having scoliosis for me by confidently showing people what I’d been through and it took all the fear and anxiety out of being different at such a young age. I am forever grateful and wish everyone to be proud of their scars.”

Eugenie underwent major surgery on her back in 2002 to treat the condition, where the spine twists and curves to the side.

Scoliosis can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15, according to the NHS website.

Many people with the condition will not require any treatment and only a small number will need surgery on their spine.

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The Princess made no attempt to hide the scar on her back as she married Jack Brooksbank in 2018. (Image: Getty)

In 2018, the princess bravely opted to wear a wedding dress that showed the surgery scar, in the hope that it would inspire confidence in others.

Praise for the Princess’ social media post flooded in in the comments, with one user writing: “Your mum is a wonderful lady and she must be very proud of her two lovely daughters.

“Your openness about your scoliosis and Beatrice’s about her dyslexia will have helped a lot of young people with the same conditions. I loved your wedding dress and how you didn’t try to hide the scar from your surgery.”

Another added: “I salute your Wonderful Brave Mother and You as well for sharing such information to show all affected like you were that there is a way to overcome this problem and to encourage awareness that help is at hand.”

 

 

Lady Colin Campbell has branded Meghan Markle “cheap and vulgar”

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.

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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.

 

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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

Prince Harry reflects his childhood lacks hugs and close comforts

Growing up as a member of the British royal family may seem glamorous, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry candidly reveals some of the emotional burdens he faced during his childhood.

The Chasm of Emotional Distance

Prince Harry describes feeling like he could “never cross that chasm” to be close to his family. As a royal, he was taught to maintain a buffer zone between himself and the rest of the world. Hugs and kisses were denied, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance for his royal upbringing. This unique belief within the royal family left a lasting impact on him.

“As a Royal you were always taught to maintain a buffer zone between you and the rest of Creation. Even working a crowd you always kept a discreet distance between Yourself and Them,” The Mirror quoted Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle and the Royal Exit

Prince Harry’s relationship with senior family members, especially his brother Prince William, has been tense. He and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior working royals years ago. Since then, Prince Harry has openly discussed his past experiences, making several bombshell claims about the royals in interviews and his memoir.

A Father’s Affection

Now a father himself, Prince Harry reflects on his childhood experiences. The lack of hugs from family members has motivated him to be a more affectionate father to his own children. He aims to “smother them with love and affection” to create a different experience for them.

Despite the emotional distance he experienced, Prince Harry continues to navigate his unique role within the royal family. His candid revelations shed light on the complexities of royal life and the impact it has on personal relationships.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle initiate first move towards reconciliation
They think Kate’s return to public service will ease the tension and pave the way for a reunion…

MEGHAN Markle is reported to have made “secret calls” to Kate Middleton in a bid to patch things up with the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Sussex is claimed to have reached out to her sister-in-law because she is her only chance of “smoothing things over” with the royals.

Meghan Markle has reportedly made secret calls to Kate Middleton to get her on sideCredit: Getty

Meghan and Harry have given a number of jaw-dropping interviews about their family in recent months, with Meghan now said to fear losing her title as a result.

A source told Heat Magazine: “Meghan’s fearful of losing her title, and the repercussions of Harry’s statements about the Royals in his recent Apple TV+ documentary with Oprah Winfrey.

“She’s secretly reached out to Kate, as she knows that the only hope they can have of smoothing things over with the family is to get Kate on their side.”

The source added that Kate would rather “stay out of any ‘secret talks’” as she fears “anything she says could be used against her”.

“But,” they noted, “she wants peace and civility, especially seeing how much pain this caused William, Charles and the Queen.

“Her only words of wisdom for Meghan and Harry are to stop once and for all with the public outbursts.”

Kate and Meghan watch the Women’s final at the Wimbledon Championships back in 2018Credit: Mega

It has been reported that Meghan believes Kate is her only shot at patching things up with the Royal FamilyCredit: PA

It comes after Meghan said in March during her interview with Oprah Winfrey that Kate made her cry.

She also spoke of how she grew to feel suicidal as a senior working royal – but wasn’t helped.

Last month, Harry echoed the claims in his Apple TV show The Me You Can’t See.

He said that when he and Meghan were struggling they were refused help from the Royal Family.

“Certainly now I will never be bullied into silence,” the duke said.

“I thought my family would help, but every single ask, request, warning, whatever it is, just got met with total silence, total neglect.

“We spent four years trying to make it work. We did everything that we possibly could to stay there and carry on doing the role and doing the job. But Meghan was struggling.”

On Sunday, the Royal Family offered their congratulations to Meghan and Harry following the birth of their baby daughter Lilibet Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they were “delighted” with the new arrival and were rumoured to have sent the Sussexes a gift.

Meanwhile, experts have suggested Meghan and Harry’s decision to name their daughter after the Queen’s nickname offers an olive branch between them and the royals.

The Sun Online has approached Kensington Palace and representatives for Meghan for comment.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex opened up about their lives as royals with Oprah back in March

Duchess Sophie is ‘relieved’ that she no longer has to bow to Meghan Markle due to this shocking reason

When Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s rank changed she was no longer duty bound to curtsey to Meghan Markle.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, no longer curtsies to Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)

 

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh is “relieved” she no longer has to curtsy to Meghan Markle due to her change in ranking, according to reports.

Previously the Countess of Wessex, Sophie was given a new title after her husband Prince Edward was promoted to Duke of Edinburgh after Charles became King.

She was duty-bound to curtsey to the Duchess of Sussex as Meghan was a higher rank when she was a senior working royal. But a friend of the Duchess of Edinburgh told the Mail on Sunday Sophie is relieved this is no longer the case.

The source explained: “Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsy to someone in the family who has not only left Royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.”

Meghan Markle, as revealed in her Netflix docuseries, once believed that curtseying was a joke. The Sussexes revealed that before a meeting with the late Queen, Harry asked Meghan: ‘You know how to curtsey, right?’ Meghan told the crew: “I just thought it was a joke” before re-enacting the exaggerated curtsey she gave Queen Elizabeth II and laughing.

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Meghan used to be a higher ranking when Sophie was a Countess (Image: Getty)

The claims about tensions between Sophie and Meghan featured in Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, by author and friend of the Royals Gyles Brandreth.

He writes that Meghan “made it clear” she didn’t need Sophie’s help when she became a royal and would instead rely on Prince Harry, according to the Daily Mail.

The King made his brother Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday on Friday as a reward for his loyal service to the crown. King Charles also appointed his brother to the Order of the Thistle on his 60th birthday.

Prince Philip held the title of Duke of Edinburgh before his death in April 2021 – a title that was then passed on to his youngest son after he died. Edward was exceptionally close to his father and in his later years took on much of his work with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

Speaking of the moment that Philip asked if Edward would take on the title after his death, Sophie revealed how she felt at the moment to the Telegraph.

She told the publication: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that’.”

Prince Harry says Meghan is ‘so similar to’ his mother

Prince Harry says Meghan is ‘so similar to’ Princess Diana: ‘She has the same confidence’

The Duke of Sussex said his wife and late mom have the same “compassion” and “empathy”

Prince Harry sees a lot of similarities between Meghan Markle and Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex spoke on Netflix’s new documentary series Harry & Meghan about his wife having the same confidence and empathy as his late mother.

“So much of what Meghan is and how she is, is so similar to my mom,” Harry said. “She has the same compassion. She has the same empathy. She has the same confidence. She has this warmth about her.”

©WireImage/Getty Images

Prince Harry said Meghan has the same confidence as Princess Diana

The Duke added, “I accept that there will be people around the world who fundamentally disagree with what I’ve done and how I’ve done it, but I knew that I had to do everything I could to protect my family. Especially after what happened to my mom. You know, I didn’t want history to repeat itself.”

In one scene in the series, Meghan is seen holding, presumably, son Archie Harrison up to look at a photo of Princess Diana, saying, “That’s your Grandma Diana.”

Harry’s mother passed away in 1997, twenty years before Harry and Meghan got engaged in 2017. During their engagement interview—which Meghan referred to as an “orchestrated reality show” on the Netflix series—the Duke revealed that he designed Meghan’s engagement ring with little diamonds from his mother’s jewelry collection “to make sure that she’s with us on this, on this crazy journey together.”

Discussing having Diana’s stones in the interview, the Duchess said, “I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness is, and the inclusion of that and obviously not being able to meet his mom, it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us.”

Harry admitted at the time that he believed his mother and Meghan would have been “thick as thieves.” He said, “I think she would be over the moon, jumping up and down, you know, so excited for me,” adding that Diana probably would have been “best friends with Meghan.”

WPA POOL//GETTY IMAGES

Prince Harry gave an update on his two kids during a virtual meeting with a four-year-old and his family.

The Duke of Sussex connected with winners of this year’s WellChild Awards, including Henry Waines, 4, and his parents, Shevonne and Ben. During the video call—a clip of which was released today—Harry told the boy that they share the same first name.

“My name is Henry. Well, everyone calls me Harry. I have no idea why,” the duke, whose birth name is Henry Charles Albert David, said.

The WellChild Awards—which celebrate the inspirational qualities of the U.K.’s seriously ill children and those who help make a difference in their lives—were held in Manchester, England, last month, but Harry and wife Duchess Meghan could not attend as they were taking part in the ceremonies honoring Queen Elizabeth II following her death.

At the event, Henry received the Inspirational Child Award for ages four to six. During their recent call, Harry apologized that he wasn’t able to be there to watch Henry accept his prize, but the boy assured the duke that it was “all right.”

“You sound just like my son, Archie, with that little squeaky voice. I love it,” Harry told him.

Henry then asked Harry how his kids, son Archie, 3, and daughter Lilibet, 1, are doing.

“Archie is very, very busy. And Lili is learning to use her voice, which is great,” Harry replied.

Meghan and Harry married in May 2018 and welcomed Archie in May 2019. Lilibet—named after Queen Elizabeth II—was born in June 2021.

ROSA SANCHEZ
Senior News Editor

Rosa Sanchez is the senior news editor at Harper’s Bazaar, working on news as it relates to entertainment, fashion, and culture. Previously, she was a news editor at ABC News and, prior to that, a managing editor of celebrity news at American Media. She has also written features for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, among other outlets.