Blog

  • Not A Fairy Tale: How Skewed Is The Media Coverage Of Women In British Royal Family?

    Not A Fairy Tale: How Skewed Is The Media Coverage Of Women In British Royal Family?

    There is no denying that the media around the world has treated women in the British royal family as mere objects and even the monarchy has turned a blind eye towards this evident harassment.


    Not A Fairy Tale: How Skewed Is The Media Coverage Of Women In British Royal Family?

    Shot last month in California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with American host Oprah Winfrey stirred up the world. The couple in the interview spoke about the issue of racism in the British royal family. In 2020, the couple had officially given up their respective titles and cut off ties with the royal family. Watching the interview, one cannot help but empathise with their decision.

    Ever since the couple announced their engagement, everything pertaining to Meghan Markle’s identity became a hot topic in UK’s tabloid press. Whether it is her being biracial, her being a divorcee, Harry being younger than her, or just her career as an actress, suddenly everything about her identity was wrong. If one really observes the media coverage of the women in the Royal family, Harry and Meghan’s decision would cease to seem so “sudden”.

    A lot of people who might have closely analysed the situation have noticed that there is a stark similarity of Meghan’s interview with that of Princess Diana’s with BBC journalist Martin Bashir. It is quite unfortunate that nothing has changed over the years. The issues faced by Diana so many years back are very similar to those highlighted by Markle in her interview with Winfrey. One of the biggest issues faced by both the women was the mistreatment and misrepresentation by the media. Even Harry talked about the gravity of the issue in the interview, “Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

    The editors running the tabloids during Diana’s time might have gone Scrooge McDucking in their lives because of how both, the press and the public were obsessed with Diana. Every move of Diana was not only unethically recorded by the media but was also carefully scrutinised and criticised.

    On September 6, 1997, when Charles Spencer, Diana’s younger brother delivered a eulogy on the occasion of the funeral of the princess, he particularly had strong opinions about the way the press used to treat Diana. He spoke about how the “people’s princess” used to be upset about how the tabloids treated her after her divorce from Prince Charles. “She talked endlessly about leaving Britain mainly because of the treatment that she received at the hands of the newspapers. I don’t think she ever understood why her genuinely good intentions were sneered at by the media, why there appeared to be a permanent quest on their behalf to bring her down. It is baffling”.

    Like Diana, Meghan Markle also has been an easy target of the British tabloids. However, what Diana, fortunately, did not experience was outright racism at the hands of the media, thanks to her being white. Although, it is absolutely no surprise that the media of a country that colonised half the world perpetuates racism to this extent. A lot of people hailed Markle joining the monarchy in 2016 as progressive. However, the same year when she got engaged to Harry, he released a statement and condemned the “wave of abuse and harassment” including “the racial undertones of comment pieces” and “the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments” that Markle had been made a victim of.

    If one is to carefully compare the tabloid headlines pertaining to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, it is not difficult to ignore the fact that the media has very shamelessly appreciated Middleton for the same things it has bashed Markle for. In an article published by Buzzfeed, certain British publications have been listed out to show the double standards of media organisations. The same publication which talked merrily about Kate for a certain action has outrightly condemned Markle for doing the exact same thing. If one is to still say that there is nothing racist about these remarks, then they simply do not wish to see it. Take this story headline for example, “Not long to go! Pregnant Kate tenderly cradles her baby bump while wrapping up her royal duties ahead of maternity leave”. Another article’s headline by the same publication read, “Why can’t Meghan Markle keep her hands off her bump? Experts tackle the question which has got the nation talking: Is it pride? Vanity? Acting – or a new age bonding technique?”.

    Another article ahead of Kate Middleton’s wedding talked about how the Duchess wanted her favourite fragrances to be delivered to scent the Abbey. It read, “It was reported that new Duchess of Cambridge requested her favourite scented candles and toiletries from luxury fragrance brand Jo Malone be delivered to scent the Abbey. A selection of candles, hand washes and lotions was requested, specifically in citrus spring scents including Orange Blossom, Grapefruit and the ever-popular Lime, Basil & Mandarin”. When Meghan Markle wanted to do the same at her wedding, it was not taken very well by the same publication. In fact, the article addressing the same has its headline calling Meghan a “dictatorial bride” and the copy read, “Meghan wanted staff to go around with these atomizers, like spritzer guns, and spray the chapel with scent before anyone arrived. Royal Household staff stepped in and told her office politely, but firmly, that this was the queen’s chapel and it simply wasn’t appropriate. I don’t believe they said no because they thought it could affect the chapel in any way. It was simply the principle of the thing. This is a place that has held royal weddings, funerals and even contains the royal vault. I don’t believe a request of that nature had been made before”.

    Ever since speculations around Harry’s and Meghan’s relationship grew, articles and videos titling “Harry girl’s on Pornhub” started emerging with clips of Markle from the legal drama series Suits appearing on adult websites. What is grievous is not just the obvious sexist undertones in all the articles addressing the women of the royal household but it is also that even after so many years, these women have similar experiences. What is even sad is that Meghan even had to bear the brunt for her biracial origins apart from just being a woman.

    It is disappointing that in addition to being treated as objects by the monarchy, women in the royal family have been subjected to unrealistic expectations, almost overlooking the fact that they are humans who have actual feelings and actual personalities and are more than just someone “wearing the wrong colour of nail paint at an event”.

    Looking at the larger picture, one cannot deny that the media around the world has treated women in the British royal family as mere objects and that even the monarchy has turned a blind eye towards the evident harassment.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle given new ‘Royal titles’ – and fans are horrified

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle given new ‘Royal titles’ – and fans are horrified

    Meghan and Harry walking together
    Meghan Markle and Prince Charles are the subjects of two new artworks (Image: Getty Images)

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry might have walked away from their Royal duties – but they have been immortalised in new artworks by an artist who also painted Queen Elizabeth II.

    They depict the pair, who quit the UK for California four years ago this summer, as Royals from the past, complete with their own historic titles.

    Meghan’s portrait is called Returning White Queen and sees her as Dame Elizabeth Grey, the politically influential wife of King Edward IV. Meanwhile Harry, 39, is Charles Edward Stuart – aka Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Young Pretender.

    However, not everyone was impressed, with one referring to the King’s recent ‘red’ painting, saying: “Worse than Charles portrait and that’s saying something.” Another reckoned they looked like they’d been painted by a child.

    A painting of Prince Harry

    Prince Harry is depicted in the Llywelyn-Hall paintings as Bonnie Prince Charlie (Image: PA)

    A painting of Meghan Markle

    Meghan is shown as the White Queen, Elizabeth Woodville (Image: PA)

    Others said they burst out laughing on seeing the paintings, with one chuckling: “Those pics have made my day,on the floor laughing with the tears rolling down my back.”

    Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall explained the decisions behind the portraits, saying: “In Harry’s case, I have entered the story before he met Meghan the young party-goer with his future very much in the balance, a bit like the Bonnie Prince I have likened him to.

    “I thought putting Meghan in the role of the White Queen, who was a Queen Consort and possibly the most influential ‘outsider’ in Royal history, might have a fine irony to it and not necessarily beyond the realms of reality.”

    The paintings bring the number of portraits artist Dan, who painted the Queen at a sitting at Windsor Castle when he was just 32, to ten.

  • Prince Harry’s anger continued to peak when King Charles removed him from the succession and won titles

    Prince Harry’s anger continued to peak when King Charles removed him from the succession and won titles

    Prince Harry’s journey through a royal rift and his quest for identity have taken a dramatic turn that has captured global attention. Once admired for his charm and charisma, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, now finds himself swept up in a whirlwind of emotions following his exclusion from the line of succession and the stripping of his titles by his father, King Charles. This gripping saga reveals a prince torn between duty and personal freedom, echoing the complexities of a Shakespearean tragedy.

    Prince Harry's Fury as King Charles Cuts Him Off from Succession and Seizes Titles

    Join us as we delve into the intricate dynamics of the British monarchy, exploring the rift between Prince Harry and his family, the far-reaching repercussions of recent decisions, and the profound quest for identity at the heart of this royal tale. But before we continue, please subscribe and turn on notifications for more updates.

    The rift between Prince Harry and the British royal family, which has simmered for years, reached unprecedented heights with King Charles’s decision to sever his son from the succession line and seize his titles. This bold move has shocked the world and left Prince Harry grappling with feelings of betrayal and isolation. Once a prominent figure within the monarchy, Prince Harry now finds himself estranged from the institution that has shaped his life.

    For Prince Harry, this rupture has become a catalyst for deep self-reflection and a personal journey towards self-identity. Beyond his royal upbringing and life in the public eye, Prince Harry has long struggled under the weight of expectations and the constraints imposed by his position. His marriage to Meghan Markle, an American actress of mixed heritage, intensified public scrutiny and underscored underlying issues within the royal family.

    Prince Harry’s quest for individuality has been fraught with challenges. Breaking away from tradition and embracing a more independent life has come at a cost, exposing him to criticism from both the media and within royal circles. Despite these obstacles, Prince Harry remains resolute in forging his own path and redefining his role within society.

    Amidst the turmoil, Prince Harry has emerged as a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. His personal struggles have spurred him to combat the stigma surrounding mental health through initiatives like the Invictus Games and the mental health platform Heads Together. His dedication to supporting those facing mental health challenges reflects his commitment to using his platform for positive change.

    The rift between Prince Harry and his family runs deep, laying bare the complexities of navigating personal desires within an institution steeped in tradition and duty. Their public disputes underscore the challenges faced even by the most prominent families, revealing the fragility of familial bonds amidst conflicting priorities.

    Prince Harry’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the pursuit of authenticity in the face of adversity. His choices, though controversial, embody the struggle to find personal fulfillment while navigating societal expectations. Whether he seeks reconciliation with his family or continues forging his own path, Prince Harry’s story will continue to captivate and inspire, leaving an enduring impact on the British monarchy and beyond.

    As Prince Harry navigates this new reality, the world watches with anticipation. Will he find a way to reconcile with his family and reintegrate into the royal fold? Or will he continue paving his own unique path, shaping the future of royal engagements for a new generation? Whatever unfolds, Prince Harry’s journey underscores the universal human quest to balance duty, family, and personal fulfillment, resonating far beyond the palace walls.

  • Prince Harry ditches Meghan Markle as he plans big celebration with royal family

    Prince Harry ditches Meghan Markle as he plans big celebration with royal family

    Prince Harry is said to be secretly looking for a home in UK

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's '2024 redemption plan' with royals  destroyed after Christmas snub - Daily Record

    Prince Harry has big plans for upcoming milestone birthday in the wake of his deepening rift with King Charles and the royal family.

    The Duke of Sussex has frequently been reported to be missing his old life in the UK, and now an insider told Closer magazine that he is secretly looking for a home there.

    And as his 40th birthday approaches, Harry is laying out the groundwork to spend it with his blood relatives, leaving wife Meghan Markle behind.

    The source claimed, “He’s planning a trip over to the UK anyway to look for a new home and celebrate his 40th birthday, so it’ll be easy enough for him to drop by,” noting: “He’s fired up and vowing not to be kept away from his father forever.”

    The Spare author previously traveled to his homeland last month for a whistle-stop trip to celebrate 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, during which he was completely iced out by his family.

    According to the insider, Harry is deeply wounded by behaviour of the King and brother Prince William, and is willing to take all the chances he gets to make amends for his past actions.

    “Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK,” they suggested, “which is partly why he’s continuing his legal action to get the British taxpayer to pay for his security.”

    Meanwhile, Meghan is not fully supportive of the idea over fears of the prince being humiliated by his loved ones.

    “It’s frustrating for Meghan because he’s stretching himself so thin as it is, the last thing he needs is the distraction of this trip taking more of his time and attention away,” the source argued.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan ‘in tears and furious’ after being hit by major blow from Royal Family.

    Prince Harry and Meghan ‘in tears and furious’ after being hit by major blow from Royal Family.

    Prince Harry and Meghan was left “in tears” and “furious” after he was evicted from Frogmore Cottage, with the Duke of Sussex feeling his father King Charles was being “vindictive”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    Harry and Meghan were ‘evicted’ from Frogmore Cottage last year (Image: Getty)

    Prince Harry was left “absolutely furious and in tears” following the eviction from Frogmore Cottage, a Royal expert has claimed, shedding light on the Sussexes’ distressing experience.

    Over a year ago, in March 2023, after Prince Harry’s explosive memoir ‘Spare’ was published, it emerged that King Charles had requested his son and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle to leave Frogmore Cottage. This reportedly incensed Harry.

    A source informed The Standard at that time: “The Sussexes are no longer leasing Frogmore Cottage. That privilege has been removed.”

    Additionally, the source mentioned: “It’s over for them in the UK. If they want a residence in the UK they will have to buy one privately,” reports the Mirror.

    Subsequently, in June 2023, Meghan and Harry returned the keys to Frogmore Cottage, with their belongings being transported to California.

    Prince Harry

     

    Prince Harry was reportedly ‘furious’ (Image: Getty Images)

    Royal commentator and writer Tom Quinn told the Mirror: “Harry was absolutely furious and in tears about being evicted from Frogmore he felt his father had no right to do it and that it was purely vindictive.”

    Quinn further explained that Harry failed to understand how stepping down as a working Royal would naturally lead to losing his Royal home, interpreting the move as a “cruel rejection” by his father, King Charles III.

    Mr Quinn revealed: “Harry took it as a cruel rejection a painful reminder of all that he felt when his father fought with his mother during their long drawn out, painful divorce.

    Frogmore Cottage

    Harry had all his belongings moved from Frogmore Cottage to California (Image: Getty Images)

    “Whenever Charles puts his foot down, it seems unfair to Harry who feels that after everything that has happened to him, he should always get whatever he wants whether that be security paid for by the British taxpayer or a luxurious UK home.”

    He summarised his insights stating: “For many Harry is just a poor little rich kid behaving like a spoiled brat, but Harry sees himself as the eternal victim.”

  • Prince Harry sends strong message to Princess Kate’ as Duke of Sussex in hopes of ending royal feud

    Prince Harry sends strong message to Princess Kate’ as Duke of Sussex in hopes of ending royal feud

    Prince Harry ‘wants to support Princess Kate in-person’ as Duke of Sussex hoping to end royal feud

    Prince Harry/Princess Kate and Prince Louis

    Princess Kate paid a ‘very clear tribute’ with Trooping the Colour outfit, claims Michael Cole

    The Duke of Sussex has seen himself frozen out of family engagements – but as he weighs up buying a UK home, he allegedly wants to ‘fix the feud’

    Prince Harry’s estrangement from the Royal Family and subsequent omission from Princess Kate’s grand return to public life has “hammered home” how “he’s a proper outsider”, a source has claimed.

    The Duke of Sussex – who has not featured as a working royal for upwards of four years at this point – was not invited to Trooping the Colour festivities earlier this month, and was “left upset” by having to watch Kate’s return from his Southern California home, the source claimed.

     

    Harry would have “done anything” to be invited to the King’s official birthday celebrations, the source continued, and would have allegedly even gone alone – sidelining the under-fire Duchess of Sussex in the process.

    The prince’s last appearance at the annual event had come in 2022, and while he jetted to the UK in the wake of his father the King’s cancer diagnosis, he’s seen himself frozen out of family engagements even further, with a source telling the Daily Beast that his brother William has instigated an “absolute ban” on Harry returning to the fold.

    Prince Harry/Princess Kate and Prince Louis

    A royal insider told Closer magazine: “He’s heartbroken and confused by the way they’ve cut him off and seemingly haven’t given it another thought.

    “Harry was very upset and emotional when he saw the footage of Kate at Trooping the Colour.

    “He’s been so worried about her ever since he received the news of her condition, and whilst he has managed to connect with her on a few occasions it’s not nearly as often as he’d like.

    “He would have dearly loved to have been there, if only to congratulate and support Kate in person on what must have been an incredibly difficult day for her.”

     

    Royal Family on balcony at Trooping the Colour

    The source talked up Princess Kate’s “stoic, brave face” as she emerged from her course of preventative chemotherapy to greet crowds of well-wishers at Horse Guards Parade on June 15.

    But they lamented the prince’s plight, saying: “The fact he’s got to watch on TV or via the internet from 6,000 miles away just made him so sad… It really hammers home how he’s a proper outsider at this point.

    “He’s incredibly proud of her and encouraged that she obviously has very good doctors and appeared to be healthy and in good spirits.

    “But the fact he can’t bond with his beloved sister-in-law in person is a kick in the guts and something he finds incredibly difficult to live with.”

    Prince William and Prince Harry

    Prince William has allegedly instigated an “absolute ban” on Harry returning to the fold

    The Princess of Wales had won plaudits for stepping out at Trooping the Colour, with royal biographer Angela Levin praising Kate for “doing it for her family”.

    Her appearance at the event had followed the optimistic but measured statement prepared by Kensington Palace which declared that she was “making good progress” – but counselled that she was “not out of the woods yet”.

    In the statement, released the day before Trooping the Colour, Kate wrote: “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.

    “I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”

    Kate Middleton


    The Princess of Wales released this photo alongside her optimistic statement

    Matt Porteous

    But amid the optimism on Kate lies the rumblings of a royal feud between the Waleses and Sussexes; the source alleged to Closer that Harry is in the process of buying a new UK home, and is longing to be welcomed back into the family to put the row to bed for good.

    The source added: “He’s consumed with the idea that he can throw himself at his family’s feet and fix this feud.”

     

  • Prince Harry to throw himself at Prince William’s feet to end feud

    Prince Harry to throw himself at Prince William’s feet to end feud

    Prince Harry desperate to fix his feud with Prince William after years-long war

    Prince Harry to throw himself at Prince William’s feet to end feudPrince Harry to throw himself at Prince William’s feet to end feud

    Prince Harry is ready to throw himself at Prince William’s feet if he does not forgive him for his scathing attacks against the Royal family, especially Kate Middleton.

    Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is thinking of paying a surprise visit to the Royal family in coming days after realizing that it has been too long since they stopped talking.

    Speaking with Closer Magazine, a source revealed that Harry believes “following protocol and waiting for their invite would be a much more advisable route to take.”

    Hence, he has decided to fly to the UK uninvited. “Harry is tired of waiting and won’t be talked out of this plan,” the insider revealed.

    They said Meghan Markle’s husband is “consumed with the idea that he can throw himself at his family’s feet and fix this feud.”

    “He’s convinced that if he gives them a true and heartfelt apology, they won’t be able to stay angry with him,” they added. “But that doesn’t mean they’re going to welcome him with open arms.”

    The main hurdle between him and the Royal family is Queen Camilla, who will not allow Harry to get any close with King Charles, and Prince William himself.

    “Camilla is so protective of Charles; odds are Harry won’t get even a minute alone with his dad. And William is bound to be even colder. He’s pushing his luck by taking a bulldozer style approach to this.”

  • Sarah Ferguson   continued to shock the royal family when revealing the reason for breaking up with Prince Andrew

    Sarah Ferguson continued to shock the royal family when revealing the reason for breaking up with Prince Andrew

    Here’s why Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson split

     

    Let’s face it, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have always been one of the more ~controversial~ Royal couples. In fact, over the years their relationship has endured more drama than we can even remember. But while the pair might have divorced over two decades ago, they have managed to remain close friends and are still living together. So, let’s take a look at where it all began…

    Where did they meet?

    Funnily enough, this Royal pair didn’t bond over a kebab after a drunken night out at Uni. Big surprise. These two have actually known each other since they were kids and used to hang out at the same royally posh polo matches.

    Royal Engagement
    Tim Graham

    According to the Daily Mail‘s reporter Rebecca English, a friend of Sarah (AKA Fergie) told her: “Even at the age of ten, Andrew and Sarah knew that they would marry!”

    When did they get engaged?

    Fast forward a few years and these two were reportedly reunited by Princess Diana herself after she invited Fergie to Royal Ascot in 1985. Long story short, they fell madly in love and announced their engagement just a year later on March 19, 1986.

    And here’s something to make you feel all warm inside – Prince Andrew designed Sarah’s ruby engagement ring himself to match her red hair. And the royal romance doesn’t end there as he later said in the pair’s engagement speech, “It was at Ascot, as it were, that the whole thing took off. But it wasn’t Ascot, as such, when we realised that there was anything in it. It was later on.”

    Tim Graham

    Just six months later Sarah and Prince Andrew married at Westminster Abbey before jetting off to spend their honeymoon on the Azore Islands in Portgual. OKAY, that’s the lovey-dovey stuff done, now comes the drama.

    Why did they split?

    After welcoming Princess Beatrice in 1988 and then Princess Eugenie two years later, the rumour mill went into overdrive that Andrew and Fergie’s relationship was on the rocks. Following weeks of speculation – including whispers of infidelity – in 1992 Buckingham Palace was forced to announce that the Duke and Duchess of York would in fact be separating “amicably”.

    World Wildlife Fund Benefit

    “In view of the media speculation which the Queen finds especially undesirable during the general election campaign, Her Majesty is issuing the following statement: Last week, lawyers acting for the Duchess of York initiated discussions about a formal separation for the Duke and Duchess. These discussions are not yet completed and nothing will be said until they are. The Queen hopes that the media will spare the Duke and Duchess of York and their children any intrusion.”

    The scandal was stepped up a notch when Fergie was later snapped on holiday in St Tropez having her toes sucked by her Texan financial adviser, John Bryan while she was still married to Prince Andrew. After the controversial photos were published in The Sun, Fergie finally addressed the whole debacle, saying, “I remember seeing it and just going, oh no, Sarah. And that’s when Caroline, my best friend in the world, do you remember Caroline? She said to me, ‘Now you need help, Sarah.’”

    The Royal family and Fergie

    Unfortunately, things only got messier from then on, with Andrew’s family and Fergie not exactly parting ways on good terms. According to The Telegraph, Fergie was plunged into a load of debt which she then tried to clear by making a deal with newspaper reporters. Thomas Markle eat your heart out.

    To make matters worse, the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret penned a handwritten – and pretty savage – letter in response to some flowers Fergie sent. “You have done more to bring shame on the family than could ever have been imagined”, it said.

    People, Event, Fashion, Uniform, Dress, Ceremony, Vintage clothing, Street fashion, Tourism,
    Getty Images

    In reference to the ‘toe-sucking’ snaps, the Princess added, “Not once have you hung your head in embarrassment even for a minute after those disgraceful photographs. Clearly you have never considered the damage you are causing us all. How dare you discredit us like this and how dare you send me those flowers?” Ouch.

    Their relationship now

    Regardless of all the family drama, Fergie and Andrew have actually kept a pretty close bond. They even continued to holiday as a family at their shared £13m ski lodge in the posh Swiss resort of Verbier. And apparently, they’re still living together in Windsor’s Royal Lodge.

    Royal Ascot - Day 4
    Max Mumby/Indigo

    But that doesn’t mean all is forgotten and rumour has it there’s still some major beef with Prince Charles and Fergie. In fact, when Meghan Markle married Prince Harry earlier this year, she was left off the guest list for an evening do hosted by Charles.

    While Prince Andrew’s ex-wife *was* invited to the wedding and general reception, she didn’t make it onto the exclusive list for a second party for just 250 people. FYI Prince Andrew and the couple’s kids Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie did nab themselves invites. Awkward.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    A source told the Daily Mail, “Numbers are limited to the evening party, she is not a member of the Royal Family any more and Prince Charles simply doesn’t have time for her. He just can’t see why she is still such a big part of his brother’s life.”

    As you can imagine, Fergie wasn’t best impressed by the rather public snub especially considering she didn’t make it onto the guestlist for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s big day back in 2011 either…

    This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    What will happen next?

    So, will these two ever get back together? Well, in an interview on Australian radio last year, Fergie was asked she would ever remarry Prince Andrew, to which she replied, “I always think ‘have we really?’.

    “We’re divorced to each other right now. We’ve never really left each other.”

    And on that note, I’m just going to leave this final tribute from Fergie to the “best looking” Andrew here…

  • “Dorian Regland sends a strongly worded message to Duchess Kate amidst her battle with cancer: ‘I simply want justice for my daughter Meghan.’”

    “Dorian Regland sends a strongly worded message to Duchess Kate amidst her battle with cancer: ‘I simply want justice for my daughter Meghan.’”

    “Dorian Regland, the mother of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, extends her deepest sympathies and unwavering support to Princess Kate and Prince William, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during this tumultuous period. As they navigate the complexities of their roles within the royal family and the pressures that accompany them, Dorian sends her prayers as a beacon of comfort and strength.

     

    "Dorian Regland sends her prayers and warm wishes to Princess Kate and Prince William during this trying time."

    Drawing from her own experiences as a mother and a woman in the public eye, Dorian understands the weight of scrutiny and the importance of resilience in times of adversity. With empathy and solidarity, she stands alongside the royal couple, offering not only her thoughts but also her unwavering support.

     

    "Dorian Regland sends her prayers and warm wishes to Princess Kate and Prince William during this trying time."

    In this moment of shared humanity, Dorian emphasizes the power of compassion and understanding, transcending any differences or distances that may exist. Her words echo across continents, serving as a reminder of the universal bonds that connect us all.

    May her heartfelt sentiments provide solace and reassurance to Princess Kate and Prince William, guiding them through the challenges they face with grace and resilience.”

  • Meghan and Harry depicted as historic royals by youngest artist to paint a portrait of the late Queen

    Meghan and Harry depicted as historic royals by youngest artist to paint a portrait of the late Queen

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with portraits inset

    The portrait artist referenced ‘exiled princes and princesses of the past that lurk in the background’ as inspirations behind his Sussex paintings

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been portrayed as historical British royal figures in a series of new works by a Welsh portrait artist.

    Dan Llywelyn Hall, from Barry in South Wales, had risen to fame when he was commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union to create a portrait of Elizabeth II – making him the youngest artist, at 32, to paint the late Queen – in 2012.

    In the 12 years since, he’s painted actual subjects including Prince William, the Queen’s funeral, King Charles III’s Coronation procession and Nigel Farage.

    But now, Llywelyn Hall has produced 10 new portraits inspired by royalty throughout history for the 150th anniversary of the Society of Antiquaries – which will go on display at an exhibition at Burlington House on Piccadilly in London.

    Dan Llywelyn Hall/Queen Elizabeth II portrait

    Dan Llywelyn Hall painted the late Queen in 2012

    PA

    The painter’s two most cutting portraits focus on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – who are depicted respectively as Bonnie Prince Charlie and Dame Elizabeth Grey, Queen of England by marriage to King Edward IV.

    He said: “The Royal Family is possibly the most enthralling longest-running drama in history, the inspiration of theatre, books and every art form.

    “It seemed that these figures caught on the knife edge of public opinion were ideal for drawing comparisons from distant monarchs – like the exiled princes and princesses of the past that lurk in the background but are still irrevocably tied to the job.

    “We can’t help ourselves and wonder whatever next?”

    Harry/Meghan portraits

    The painter drew inspiration from the “exiled princes and princesses of the past that lurk in the background”

    Llywelyn Hall, talking about Meghan’s portrait, called Returning White Queen, said: “I thought putting Meghan in the role of the White Queen, who was a Queen Consort and possibly the most influential ‘outsider’ in royal history, might have a fine irony to it and not necessarily beyond the realms of reality.”

    While on his Harry headshot, a piece entitled Spectre Of The Bonny Prince, he said: “I have entered the story before he met Meghan – the young party-goer with his future very much in the balance, a bit like the Bonnie Prince I have likened him to.”

    More generally, and reflecting on his previous and latest pieces of royal art, the artist said said: “I see the subject of royalty [as] utterly irresistible and rich succour for art.

    “The funeral piece and the subsequent King’s Coronation piece are part of that lineage and my part in interpreting our times.”

    Nigel Farage with his portrait by Dan Llywelyn Hall

    Nigel Farage had too posed for Dan Llywelyn Hall in 2020

    PA

    Barbara Windsor with her portrait

    He’s also painted Barbara Windsor in a portrait called An East End Girl

    He acknowledged there is now a large amount of photography of the Royal Family but said a painting can have “greater authenticity”.

    Among his other subjects? One Nigel Farage, who sat for him some five years ago for his portrait, entitled Mr Brexit, and Dame Barbara Windsor, who featured in another work called An East End Girl.

    While other works in his contributions to the Society of Antiquaries’s exhibition include portraits of Mary I, Mary of Austria, Henry VI, and Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan, who ruled from 927 until his death in 939.

    He has also included Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Last, one of the most powerful princes of Gwynedd.

    Llywelyn Hall said: “There are virtually zero depictions, painted or otherwise, of Welsh nobility – and this was as frustrating as liberating.”