Prince William ‘shows he’s a true gentleman’ helping Carole Middleton in awkward moment
Carole Middleton had a graceful recovery with Prince William by her side at the Royal Ascot.
Prince William helps Carole Middleton out of a blunder (Image: Getty )
Carole Middleton was saved by Prince William after her ‘heel-in-mud’ moment, showing off the future monarch’s warm side in an exchange at Royal Ascot.
In an unpredictable turn of events that makes each year so memorable at Royal Ascot, Carole’s foot fell out of her shoe as her heel got stuck in a grassy area.
Prince William charmed his mother-in-law by laughing at the situation and helping her regain her balance. Carole’s brief encounter with the mud at Royal Ascot not only added a touch of spontaneity to the day’s proceedings but also endeared her further to the public.
The Princess of Wales’s parents Carole and Micheal Middleton made their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis on June 19 on the second day of Royal Ascot.
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William's helping hand for Carole: Prince shows he is a true gentleman as he helps Kate's mother when she gets her heel stuck in Ascot turf | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/JYQKyJ5K5s
Carole and William share a laugh together (Image: Getty)
The Daily Mail’s royal editor, Rebecca English called William a “true gentleman” on social media platform X as he helped his mother-in-law. Fans have since rushed to social media to show praise for the Prince.
Royal fan, @sueberry1954 exclaimed: “They are very close. Lovely photo.”
Whereas, @Emmab402 wrote: “It looks like they have a wonderfully close relationship with lovely Prince William, it so nice to see them all relaxed and enjoying the day today.”
The smiling and smartly dressed parents of Kate were also pictured arriving for the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting. Carole looked stunning in a floral light blue organza dress by Self Portrait which she paired with a colour-matching fascinator.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was spotted chatting to both of Kate’s parents on the second day of the glamorous event. In a brief moment, while chatting to other attendees, the two held hands and shared a tender moment. The touching gesture showed their close, familial bond which was a heartwarming display of unity and affection.
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Prince William helps his mother-in-law’s balance (Image: Getty)
The Princess of Wales was not at the annual event, popular with senior members of the Royal Family, as she continues her cancer treatment. Kate has been absent most of the year after having been diagnosed with a form of cancer but made her triumphant return last weekend, when she attended Trooping the Colour in London.
Although it was Princess Kate’s first royal appearance since she announced her cancer diagnosis in March with an emotional video, she is not officially back to work.
The princess is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy and in her latest message, she said the treatment is ongoing and will be for the next few months.
Her mother is said to have been a pillar of strength to her daughter, rallying around her family and helping her through her treatment. Behind the scenes, the Princess of Wales has started to work from home and hold meetings with her teams in Windsor, where she lives in Adelaide Cottage with her family.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie subtly coordinate for Royal Ascot outing
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie stepped out in style for day two of Royal Ascot, as the fashionable sisters opted for co-ordinating subtle pastel shades
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie looked sensational in complimentary pastel outfits at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie stepped out in style for day two of Royal Ascot, as the fashionable sisters opted for co-ordinating subtle pastel shades while attending the annual horse racing event.
Beatrice, 35, looked stunning in a pale pink and white mid-length dress by Zimmerman, that featured a statement belted waist, long puff sleeves and a blend of linen and silk to help keep the Princess cool and chic during her time at the sun soaked event.
To complete her outfit, the Princess opted for an oversized pink headband adorned with flowers, along with a complimentary pair of closed toe shoes and a matching clutch bag.
Little sister Eugenie, 34, meanwhile opted for a slightly more pared back look as she selected a cream ribbed dress complete with collared neckline and buttoned front.
Princess Beatrice looked sensational in a pink floral gown at this year’s Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Yet just like her sister, she too had opted for puff sleeves and added a pop of colour to her ensemble with a pale pink hat that perfectly co-ordinated with Beatrice’s outfit.
During event, the stylish sisters were seen laughing and chatting away with their cousins Prince William and Zara Tindall, and were both later joined by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh to make the most of the family reunion.
Interestingly, while Beatrice and Eugenie coordinated in similar colour palettes for their day at the races, Duchess Sophie was also following the same style cues.
The 59-year-old had been spotted wearing Beatrice’s exact Zimmerman dress just two days prior.
Princess Eugenie meanwhile looked equally stylish in a stunning cream ribbed dress (Image: Getty)
Sophie wore the elegant Summer dress at this year’s Garter Day service on Monday June 17, however she accessorised her outfit with a pink fascinator and white chain-link purse alongside a pair of timeless nude heels.
One royal who sadly didn’t make it to the event this year, was Princess Kate, who missed the annual social event due to her ongoing cancer treatment.
Her parents Carole and Michael Middleton however did manage to attend in her stead, and were spotted enjoying the second day of race proceedings.
Carole looked stunning in a floral light blue organza dress by Self Portrait which she paired with a colour-matching fascinator.
Meanwhile Michael looked equally dapper in his coat tails and hat.
Princess Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton were also in attendance (Image: Getty)
Royal’s ‘secret weapon’ who reached out to Meghan Markle and was Queen’s ‘second daughter’
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are being hailed as two of the most important ‘secret weapons’ in the Royal Family, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary
Meghan and Sophie with the other royals at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Getty)
Since their wedding in 1999, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh have seen a steady rise in their popularity. Their nuptials were far more low-key than the grand Royal weddings of the Prince and Princess of Wales or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, setting the tone for their down-to-earth approach to Royal life.
As they mark their 25th wedding anniversary, Edward and Sophie – now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – are frequently hailed as two of the Royal Family’s most vital “secret weapons”. The couple, Edward, 60, and Sophie Rhys-Jones, 59, tied the knot in a modest ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on 19 June, 1999, and their relationship has only grown stronger since.
Former BBC Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, believes their unpretentious wedding and subsequent behaviour, despite being part of one of the world’s most famous families, has played a key role in their growing popularity. “Understated, unshowy and as down-to-earth as you can be when you are born into the royal family. That’s how Edward and Sophie are today… and it’s how they were 25 years ago on their relatively understated wedding day at Windsor,” Jennie said.
Royal expert Jennie has heaped praise on the Duchess of Edinburgh for her genuine demeanour and her seamless adaptation to Royal duties, both in the public eye and behind closed doors. “Sophie is a natural, humble woman – clearly still very much in love with her husband – and a woman who has grown into her role without fuss or fanfare,” she remarked.
Sophie and Kate share a joke at Royal Ascot (Image: Jason Dawson/JASONPIX)
“Perhaps part of the secret of their successful marriage is that they spent five years in a relationship before tying the knot. And that was pretty unusual at the time,” Jennie told OK!.
“Sophie had seen at first hand the trauma of the Diana years, the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, the Yorks’ divorce and Anne’s divorce and second marriage.”
“It was probably quite courageous to become another royal bride! But, by the time they got married, both Edward and Sophie were mature enough to know that they were right for one another.”
The love story of Edward and Sophie began when they first crossed paths at London’s Capital Radio in 1987, but it wasn’t until a fortuitous encounter at a charity tennis match six years later that sparks truly flew. Edward popped the question while on holiday in 1998, leading to a public announcement of their engagement in January 1999.
King Charles and Sophie are close (Image: Getty Images)
In a move to keep their nuptials relaxed, the couple opted for an “informal” wedding ceremony, inviting guests to wear evening attire and forgoing the traditional hats during the service.
However, one steadfast family member completely disregarded this request, rarely seen without her signature hat. The Queen Mother, then 98, arrived at the service donning a large, lilac feathered hat.
Edward looked dapper in his morning suit, while Sophie dazzled in a gown designed by Samantha Shaw. She completed her wedding ensemble with the Anthemion tiara, incorporating several of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewels.
Today, the couple epitomises duty and devotion, juggling their roles as parents to Lady Louise Windsor, 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16. However, they’ve had their share of nerve-wracking moments over the years.
The Queen thought of Sophie as like a second daughter (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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During her 36th week of pregnancy with Lady Louise, a year after being airlifted to hospital due to an ectopic pregnancy, Sophie experienced severe internal pains. She was admitted to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey where doctors discovered she was critically ill from blood loss, leading to an emergency Caesarean section.
Upon birth, Lady Louise weighed 4lb 9oz and spent two weeks in a specialist neonatal unit at St George’s Hospital, South West London. As Sophie was too unwell to be moved to be with her newborn daughter, mother and child were separated during these crucial early days.
The tragic losses of Sophie’s cherished mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, in 2005, and the subsequent bereavements of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II have undoubtedly tested the couple’s resilience. Yet, it is their unwavering love and mutual support that has seen them emerge stronger in the face of sorrow.
Sophie’s empathy extends beyond her immediate family, as she reportedly offered a helping hand to both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle during pivotal junctures in their Royal journeys.
Sophie and Prince Edward on the day of their engagement (Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Royal author Jennie reveals: “Sophie has become one of the most loved members of the royal family, forging a deep and mutually affectionate relationship with both of her in-laws, the late Queen and Prince Philip,” highlighting how the Queen herself saw Sophie as akin to a “second daughter”, alongside Princess Anne.
Jennie shared insights into Sophie’s open-hearted nature, saying: “Sophie is delightfully open about her love for her husband, she is close to Catherine and has no doubt been a great support to her in her health crisis.”
Despite a significant age difference, Sophie and Catherine share much common ground, quickly establishing a strong friendship. “Even though a 17-year age gap seems a lot to bridge, the two women have a lot in common and became firm friends quite early on. Sophie knew exactly what lay in wait for Catherine as she joined the family and she knew it wouldn’t always be easy.”
Described as inherently kind and generous, Sophie has played various roles for those around her from mentor to confidante, or simply a friend to laugh with.
“By nature, Sophie is a kind and generous person who has always been happy to act as sounding board, mentor, confidante… or sometimes just another girl to share a giggle with,” says Jennie. “So I have no doubt that Sophie has been someone to whom Catherine has frequently turned.
Sophie meets with children as she visits the family center of the NGO Save Ukraine (Image: Getty Images)
“They’ve often been seen enjoying a private joke in public and certainly seem more like sisters than aunt and niece by marriage. Sophie has retained a girlishness about her, while Catherine perhaps because of her very senior role in the family sometimes seems mature beyond her years.
“I’m sure both Sophie and Edward would have been in close contact with William and Catherine throughout her illness, offering moral support as well as practical help by stepping up to take on extra royal duties while both she and the King recover.”
The affection King Charles holds for Sophie is evident, as Jennie explains that it’s Sophie’s unassuming nature that has made her an integral part of the family.
Jennie said: “She is seen as a safe pair of hands when carrying out her royal engagements either with the rest of the family or by herself.
Edward and Sophie with baby Lady Louise (Image: Getty)
“She doesn’t complain, she doesn’t demand, she just gets on with supporting the King when asked, and with pursuing her interests the rest of the time. She often does this under the radar, expecting no special treatment and is now absolutely part of the core working royals.”
When not performing ceremonial duties, the Duchess’s main charitable focuses include supporting young people with disabilities, eradicating avoidable blindness, agriculture, fashion and preventing sexual violence in conflict zones.
Sophie has been a pillar of strength and compassion, embarking on solo tours to some of the world’s most challenging environments such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and recently Ukraine.
Away from the public eye, Sophie and her husband Prince Edward lead a tranquil life at Bagshot Park in Surrey, cherishing moments with their children and three beloved dogs – Teal the labrador, Mole the cocker spaniel, and Teasel, a labrador puppy.
The couple were originally styled as the Earl and Countess of Wessex (Image: Getty)
Royal commentator Jennie reflected on the couple’s quarter-century journey together, stating: “Sophie’s longstanding and loyal love for her man speaks volumes. They have a very secure marriage and seem to support one another in everything they do.”
The depth of their bond was touchingly showcased when Sophie delivered an emotional tribute for Edward’s 60th birthday celebration in March.
In a speech that moved Edward to tears, Sophie expressed, “Like my father-in-law, my husband never seeks compliments for himself. So when acknowledgment has come his way it has always been a total surprise to him, which is why I am grateful for this chance to, for once, be able to publicly celebrate and compliment him.”
She continued with heartfelt admiration, “He is the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend. So here’s to you my darling Edward and may I along with all your family and so many friends and many others wish you the happiest of birthdays!
“In many ways Edward and Sophie have managed to be the most private of couples,” Jennie praises. “They look like a strong and stable team but without being particularly tactile in public or showy and the strength of their marriage speaks for itself.”
Inside Princess Diana’s near brush with Hollywood fame as movie role unveiled
Princess Diana could once have been a Hollywood star, after Kevin Costner revealed he was ready to protect the late Princess of Wales in The Bodyguard 2.
Princess Diana almost became a Hollywood icon, according to one Oscar winning actor (Image: Getty)
Princess Diana could once have been a Hollywood star, after Kevin Costner revealed he was ready to protect the late Princess of Wales in The Bodyguard 2.
The 69 year old actor, had once been in talks with the Princess to produce a sequel to his hit film The Bodyguard, with a script featuring the royal already written at the time of her tragic passing back in 1997.
Opening up about what the sequel may have entailed on The Howard Stern Show, the acclaimed actor revealed that he would once again have reprised his role as former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer and would have been visiting Hong Kong to look after a prized racehorse when he his character crossed paths with Diana.
“He’s on a plane, Princess Di’s up front, everyone has to get off the plane,” he explained. “Di goes off the plane first, she goes into Hong Kong, because she’s going to this [horse] race too.”
Kevin Costner had pitched a sequel to his hit film The Bodyguard to Princess Diana (Image: Getty)
“Princess Di, I meet her the next day at a party and I’m looking at her like everybody else. And she finally walks over and goes, ‘I know who you are!’ And I said, ‘What the f–k are you talking about?’ She goes, ‘I know you’re here to watch over me.’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not actually. I’m watching over a horse,’” Costner continued.
“In the story, she had broken with the royal family.”
The unexpected collaboration spawned from an earlier meeting between Kevin and the Princess back in the early 1990s, after the pair had been introduced by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
At the time, Diana had already begun the process of divorcing King Charles, and was impressed by Kevin’s pitch when he asked her to be involved.
According to Kevin, the Princess has specifically requested a kissing scene! (Image: Getty)
“I said, ‘I’m going to do Bodyguard 2 and I think I can build this around you. Would you be interested?’” Costner said.
“She goes, ‘Yes … My life’s about to change.’ I thought I understood what she’s saying: ‘I’d like to open my life… I think I would like to do this.’”
Interestingly, the Princess even allegedly pitched a kissing scene between them according to the star – which is perhaps unsurprising, after it was revealed earlier this week that Prince William had once informed the actor that his mother had “fancied him”
“The second time we talked she said, ‘Is there going to be a kissing scene?’ I said, ‘Do you want there to be one?’ She said, ‘Yeah,’ and I said, ‘Then we’ll do that,’” Costner explained.
However, it is understood that the Princess would not have been his main love interest in the film.
Following Diana’s death, the project was shelved as Kevin no longer felt it was viable to continue and likened the royal’s instrumental role in bringing the film to life as his former co-star Whitney Houston had been.
“I could not replace Princess Di,” he said. “Kind of like, if I couldn’t have done Bodyguard with Whitney, I don’t think I was gonna make it with anybody.”
Princess Kate’s parents make first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis
A smiling Carole and Micheal Middleton have arrived at Royal Ascot for the second day of the annual horse race meeting.
Carole and Michael Middleton arrive on the second day of Royal Ascot (Image: BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Princess of Wales’s parents Carole and Micheal Middleton have made their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis.
The smiling and smartly dressed couple have been pictured arriving for the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting.
Carole looked stunning in a floral light blue organza dress by Self Portrait which she paired with a colour-matching fascinator.
Princess Kate’s mother kept her hair down and beamed at photographers during the famous Berkshire meet.
The Princess of Wales is not at the annual event that is popular with senior members of the Royal Family as she continues her cancer treatment.
Carole and Michael Middleton at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal newsJoin us on WhatsApp
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Kate has been absent most of the year after having been diagnosed with a form of cancer but made her triumphant return last weekend, when she attended Trooping the Colour in London.
Even though her attendance should not be seen as a full return to public duties, royal fans were delighted to see their beloved royal for the first time in six months.
The princess is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy and in her latest message, she said the treatment is ongoing and will be for the next few months.
Her mother is said to have been a pillar of strength to her daughter, rallying around her family and helping her through her treatment.
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Kate’s parents were last seen in public back in December when they attended her annual Carol Service during Christmas time at Westminster Abbey.
Just three months later, Kate would appear on video and shock the world by announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer.
In her latest update, published last Friday, the future Queen said that she has “good days and bad days” while she continues to undergo preventative chemotherapy, explaining that during the latter she is left “weak and tired”.
But when she is well enough she said she can focus on the things that give her joy, most notably her family and her work.
Prince Harry ‘humiliated three times’ in weeks with friends saying ‘trust is broken’
Prince Harry has had a trio of “royal humiliations” over the past few weeks which culminated in Trooping the Colour last weekend, according to a royal biographer
Prince Harry reportedly rejected an offer from the King to stay at one of the royal palaces (Image: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)
Prince Harry has faced three humiliations in just a few weeks as tempers continue to flare amongst the Royal Family, a royal biographer has claimed.
On his visit to the UK last month, Harry was unable to meet with his father King Charles as the monarch couldn’t fit him into his schedule.
According to Emily Andrews, Harry also wasn’t invited to Trooping the Colour and was “uninvited” to the Duke of Westminster’s “wedding of the year” earlier this month.
The royal biographer wrote in Woman magazine: “It has been humiliation after humiliation for Prince Harry.”
She added: “Harry has broken so many bonds of trust with so many people, it is difficult to see him ever attending a society wedding or Trooping the Colour again.”
Harry wasn’t invited to Trooping the Colour (Image: Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
In a further insult, his rejection occurred despite the Duke, Hugh Grosvenor, 33, being a close friend of Harry’s and a godfather to his son, Archie.
It has been a major series of blows that highlight just how much the prince has been given the cold shoulder by his family and friends, according to Emily.
Harry revealed earlier this year that he wanted to see his family more and spend more time in the UK, but upon arrival last month, he issued a statement saying he wouldn’t be meeting up with his father.
He said this was because the King’s “full programme” meant he was too busy. Emily claimed he also couldn’t meet the Prince or Princess of Wales, as they are “still understandably too hurt” to speak to him.
Harry also couldn’t meet the Prince or Princess of Wales, according to a royal biographer (Image: Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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In a repeat of last year, both Harry and his wife, Meghan, were absent from Trooping the Colour.
And Emily said it was simply “too awkward” for Harry to be in attendance at the Duke of Westminster’s wedding to Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral this month.
She claimed it was deemed too “difficult” to allow Harry to attend due to the “frosty feud” between him and William, who said they didn’t want anything “overshadowing” the day.
Emily said this awkwardness extends to most of Harry’s family and friends, as many are concerned they could appear in a future book or Netflix series produced by the prince.
Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway revealed her husband Derek Draper was back in hospital during Thursday afternoon’s episode of Loose Women
Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper is back in hospital.
The Good Morning Britain presenter revealed the news on Thursday afternoon’s episode of Loose Women. Giving an update on Derek’s health and praising carers, she revealed if it wasn’t for the people looking after him, he “would have died”.
As as he continues his battle with Long Covid, the former Labour lobbyist was first hospitalized in March 2020 with coronavirus, after suffering numbness in his hand, headaches and breathlessness. Despite being declared free of COVID-19 following 10 weeks in a medically induced coma, Derek has been left with long-term complications since contracting the virus. He was discharged on a trial basis in April 2021 but has been readmitted to the wards multiple times with numerous health issues, including kidney failure, brain inflammation and liver damage.
Kate delivered the tough news during Thursday’s Loose Women(
Image: ITV)
Speaking to the Loose Women panel, Kate explained: “He’s actually back in the hospital at the moment, I haven’t talked about this, but not the horrific drama fortunately, because there have been lots of, as we all experience, referrals and cancellations.”
“He’s gotten back in for something that he began last year, which he needed the second part of which will hopefully mean he has more movement, physical fractures. So it’s a positive hospital thing. So he’s actually not at home at the moment. So when the visiting game, but hopefully won’t be in for too long.”
Kate joined the panel to discuss Carer’s Rights Day as she gave an update on Derek. After speaking about her new book, focusing on her care for her husband, she explained: “It’s not that you want to be a ‘poor me’ about it because on the one hand I feel incredibly fortunate because so many hundreds of 1000s of people, everyday people lose people.
“I talk in the book about grief and it took me a long time to admit that as a family we were grieving because I felt guilty because actual bereavement, so many are going through, that you feel that this is a lesser degree, but really, it is a kind of grief because you go through mini deaths when someone’s very ill.”
Kate also recently admitted she’s constantly worried about losing Derek, who now requires full-time care on the ground floor of the couple’s London home. “I’d love to be able to tell you that, since Derek has been home, everything has been easy, that the miracle of him being at home has turned the day-to-day challenges into a breeze,” she told Good Housekeeping.
“But because we keep having emergency setbacks and he’s had to be rushed back into hospital so many times, the fear of him dying has never left us.” Kate and Derek, who have been married since 2005, are the proud parents of Darcey, 17, and fourteen-year-old William. The GMB presenter has previously commended the teenagers for their handling of their father’s condition, revealing that they’ve navigated it “brilliantly” and have readjusted to living differently since his decline.
Kate has also admitted Derek’s illness has negatively affected her own health, even resulting in her being hospitalized with chest pains from extreme stress.
Despite being a member of chart-topping The Nolans, Maureen reveals she is living in a rented house with no savings and pension
After selling millions of records at the height of her group’s fame, fans could be forgive for thinking Maureen Nolan was set up for life financially. But the singer and actress is still having to work for a living at 69 as she cannot afford to retire.
Maureen lives in a rented house, has no pension and she believes her and her sisters were the victims of some rip-off merchants early in their careers. The Nolans were one of the biggest-selling girl groups in history, topping the charts with I’m in the Mood for Dancing, touring with Frank Sinatra and becoming international stars.
But Maureen says ruefully: “I need to keep working. We thought we’d be comfortably set up by this point in our lives, but I don’t have a pension, I don’t have any savings and I rent a house. When I split up from my husband in 2016, we sold our home. I couldn’t have bought a new place without a mortgage and at my age you can’t get a mortgage. I never thought I would ever rent. It would be nice to have just enough money to say, ‘OK, I’m out of here, showbiz-wise.’ But I don’t have that.”
The sisters sold millions of records(
Image: Getty Images)
Maureen is The Nolans’ longest-serving member, having sung with them for 31 consecutive years. She adds: “We made millions, well, somebody made millions, but not us. I think we were ripped off a bit along the way.
“We were probably a bit young and naive. We were very happy and we trusted people to handle our affairs. Looking back, that might be where it went awry. I sometimes think, ‘Wwhat happened to that?’”
Maureen is touring the UK in Calendar Girls The Musical and admits her financial situation does cause her concern. She says: “Showbusiness is feast or famine. When you’re earning, you’re earning a lot, but then you can be out of work for six months. Of course, I worry about money and the older I get the more I worry. They say money doesn’t buy happiness, but it makes misery a little bit easier, I think.
“But there’s no point being bitter and twisted, you’re still broke. So, I try to treat it with humour.” Financial troubles are not all Maureen has to worry about. The sisters have been living in cancer’s shadow for 20 years.
Bernie died from the disease in 2013 at 52, Linda, 64, who has been battling breast cancer since 2006, learnt it has now spread to her brain. Eldest Anne, 72, was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time three years ago, while youngest Coleen, 58, recently revealed she has a carcinoma.
With only Maureen and 71-year-old Denise untouched by the disease, doctors have told the family they probably have a rogue gene that hasn’t yet been identified.
Maureen says the band were ‘young and naive’(
Image: Daily Record)
Maureen adds: “So that’s a worry. Because they think it must be a rogue gene, there aren’t any tests available. We check ourselves and have regular mammograms, but we tend not to dwell on it. It’s unfair, but you’ve just got to get on with it.”
Maureen, who has a son Danny and four grandaughters, lives in Blackpool – where the Nolans grew up – and within walking distance of three of her sisters. Linda recently moved in with Denise and Anne is nearby.
Maureen’s brother, son and grandchildren are a stone’s throw away. The situation could not be more different to the four-year feud which led to the sisters dramatically falling out. It happened after Anne said she had been excluded from the group’s 2009 reunion tour. Denise backed her.
Maureen now reveals it was a letter from Anne and Denise that brought about a thaw in relations. She recalls: “They said, ‘Let’s try to get over it.’ It was awful, we’ve never fallen out like that before, my life was much less rich without Denise and Anne, so it was a huge relief when we made up. We’re as close as ever now.”
Maureen is starring in Calendar Girls(
Image: PA)
The fourth of eight children, Maureen sang with The Nolans from when they formed in 1974, until their 2005 split. They sold out stadiums as far afield as Russia and sold more than 30 million records during their career.
In recent years, Maureen has mainly worked as an actress, touring the UK in musical theatre shows such as Blood Brothers, Footloose and now Calendar Girls The Musical, which has been such a hit the four-month stint, which was to end in December, has been extended to June.
Co-written by Take That star Gary Barlow, it tells the story of a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire town, who set about creating a nude calendar to raise money for charity. The scene where the women finally strip off to pose for their photos is one of the highlights and Maureen admits that she was petrified on opening night.
She says: “Part of me couldn’t believe I’d said yes. But Calendar Girls has such a good history I couldn’t say no and the way they do that scene is so respectful. Now, it’s almost second nature. I’m covered by lots of fruit. I’d like to say its melons, but I think it’s oranges.”
In a star-studded cast, featuring former EastEnders actress Tanya Franks and singer Lyn Paul, Maureen plays big-hearted Ruth. While she is relishing Calendar Girls, she says it is unlikely The Nolans will be back together. They reunited in 2020, before splitting againin 2022.
Maureen says: “We joke that if we did, they’d call it The Zimmer Frame Tour.” I’d never say never, but with Linda being ill it would be very difficult and I think if we ever did do it, it would maybe be a Q&A format with a few little songs now and then.”
She says it’s unlikely the band will reform(
Image: WireImage)
With the exception of Loose Women presenter Coleen, who has earned money in her solo and TV career, Maureen says her sisters have been left in the same boat and have to keep on working.
She adds: “It might come to a time where I can work out a way I can, maybe with the help of my state pension, sort something out. Or I could go and live with Coleen. But for now, I’ll just keep going. They’ll have to bury me in my lunch break.”
Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan was not impressed with Josie Gibson and Nella Rose’s conversation on I’m A Celebrity last night as they praised the ‘real men’ in the camp
Josie Gibson and Nella Rose’s conversation about “real men” sparked ire among one Loose Women panellist, who admitted that she was “fuming” after hearing the remarks.
During last night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity, YouTuber Nella and This Morning star Nella discussed the more traditional roles that the men had taken on in camp. “The men are supposed to go out, hunt, get the wood, make the fire whilst the women keep the vibes,” Nella said to Josie as they burst out laughing.
“It’s giving me faith in men again,” Josie quipped. Nella added: “Yeah! Imagine if it was a bunch of men my age – they’d be like, ‘Why are they the only ones getting the water, bruv?’ These are real men.”
Laughing about the moment in the studio, host Charlene White said to co-star Coleen Nolan: “Now, Col, this got you going, didn’t it?”
Nella Rose and Josie Gibson left I’m A Celeb fans unimpressed with their comments
“Oh, I was fuming,” Coleen confessed shaking her head. When asked why, she replied: “Because I feel sorry for men! They don’t know where they stand anymore! One minute we’re saying, ‘We’re all equal, everything should be equal, nobody should be opening doors for no one, no one should be standing up for anyone. And now you’ve got – who I love by the way – Josie and Nella… you’ve got them in there going, ‘These are real men, I wish men were all like this.’ I just thought, ‘Give men a break! Let them know what you want them to do!’
“I am quite old fashioned and I always used to love it when I was on a train and it was full and a man would stand up and give me a seat and I’d think, ‘Oh, that’s so nice and lovely.’ I know that my boys would do that. But I realise now that women wanted equal rights and everything, so I’ve joined that club now and I’ve tried not to moan about it. But then that happens and even I’m confused now and I’m not a man!”
Fans were not hugely impressed with the conversation either, with one commenting: “Not a fan of the ‘real men’ comments from Josie and Nella in regards to the men doing all the work around camp – imagine if two guys watched the girls cook dinner and said ‘yeah these are real women’ #Imaceleb.” While another remarked: “Sigh.. Nella and Josie setting women back #ImaCeleb.” A third wrote: “Nella and Josie. Men collecting logs doesn’t make them gentlemen. How you leave others after an experience with you is how you get your trademark #ImACeleb #moderngentleman.”
Denise Welch’s followers alerted the Metropolitan Police to Piers Morgan’s latest column about Prince Harry and his family following the Loose Women star sharing an extract on Twitter
Denise Welch has reignited her feud with long-time foe Piers Morgan following the Good Morning Britain presenter’s review of a new book about the Royal Family.
The Loose Women panellist, 65, took to social media on Tuesday morning to share an extract of Morgan’s furious column about Omid Scobie and his new book, Endgame. Scobie, who denies being a close friend of Meghan Markle but is often described as a “mouthpiece” for the Duchess of Sussex, makes several juicy revelations about the Royal Family in his new literary offering.
Within his review, alongside taking several swipes at Scobie, Morgan, 58, claims the release of Endgame will further damage Prince Harry’s relationship with his family and randomly tells the Duke of Sussex to “to heed the warning of Dionysius the Tyrant who was left a broken man by his constant warmongering and got finally bumped off by his own fed-up family.”
Denise Welch and Piers Morgan have clashed several times over recent years(
Image: ITV)
“I can’t speak for Charles, Camilla, William, or Kate, but if two close members of my family had spent the past few years trashing the rest of us on global media platforms, the only way I’d want to spend Christmas with them is if they were human chestnuts roasting on my open fire,” Morgan writes in his scathing Sun column.
The former Good Morning Britain presenter then goes on to rather oddly conclude his piece with: “Harry would do well to heed the warning of Dionysius the Tyrant who was left a broken man by his constant warmongering and got finally bumped off by his own fed-up family.”
Taking to Twitter (X) on Tuesday morning, former Coronation Street actress Denise shared the extract of Morgan’s lengthy column with her followers and wrote: “Today’s piece by Piers Morgan. Yet again totally justifying Harry’s decision to move away and protect his wife.
Denise’s followers were equally disgusted with Morgan’s comments, with some even tagging London’s Metropolitan Police’s Twitter account in their replies and asking why the presenter’s column is not being investigated. “He made a death threat but @metpoliceuk is not investigating it,” one wrote, with another adding: “@metpoliceuk once again why are you not approaching piers. This is a threat.”
“It’s amazing what these people get away with. I mean not surprising but still shocking to see in broad daylight,” another Twitter user added to the conversation in Denise’s replies, with one declaring: “Harry has been treated as a ‘spare’ by the U.K. monarchy/establishment from he was a wee boy. No wonder he’s angry and bitter.”
Ahead of his book being released on Tuesday, Endgame author Scobie took to social media last week to implore his followers to read his book in full rather than just extracts. The journalist told his Twitter followers on Friday: “Whether you like my work or loathe it, all I ask is that if you are reading coverage about what’s supposedly inside #ENDGAME, please also read the book itself. Incorrect and bad translations, snippets without context, leaks etc. do not tell the full or accurate story. Thank you.”
Morgan quote-tweeted Scobie’s message on Tuesday night, telling his followers and the Endgame author: “UPDATE: I’ll be exposing this shameless lying lickspittle in a new column posting today.” In the aforementioned column, Morgan raged: “Omid Scobie is a weaselly lickspittle making money by peddling garbage about the royals. I know for a fact Endgame is full of lies.”
