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The horniest kings of England

King Charles II was the first king to use condoms while King Edward VII was said to have at least four women a week for 50 years.

They were two of the most “lustful” Kings of England and they worked well to cultivate their reputation as being the ultimate symbols of virility.

King Charles II was the first king to use condoms but still managed to have six children as well as at least 14 “official bastards” by seven different mothers.

King Edward VII was said to have at least three to four women a week for 50 years. And, with his specially designed sex chair he was easily able to entertain two ladies at once.

Neither King was terribly fussy and they certainly were not snobs; happily taking their pickings from noblewomen and actresses as well as prostitutes.

It was 350 years ago this month that King Charles II cemented his reputation as the ultimate royal playboy when he fell for English actress Nell Gwyn in 1669, even though he was married and juggling at least six other mistresses.

But were the Kings addicted to sex? Or were they just doing what kings are supposed to do? Let’s take a look at the monarchs who set the scene for a risqué court where hedonism was the name of the game.

King Charles II of England was the first king to use condoms but still managed to have six children.
KING CHARLES II

Ruling England from 1660 until his death in 1685, King Charles II was famously nicknamed “Old Rowley” in honour of an old racehorse that became a famous stud stallion. He was also known as the “Merry Monarch” and seems to have truly lived up to his name when it came to the pursuit of women.

There was a lot going on during the King’s rule; the plague, the great fire of London to name just two.

But Charles’ priorities were elsewhere.

Courtier John Evelyn said Charles would have been an excellent king “if he had been less addicted to women.”

There was no doubt Charles II loved sex and he had a succession of mistresses while he was married to Queen Catherine of Braganza. Charles was said to have a very low boredom threshold; he loved to be entertained and he loved women.

One of his favourite mistresses was Barbara Villiers, who gave birth to six of his children which he accepted as his own. (Poor Queen Catherine never managed to produce an heir, suffering three miscarriages.) Charles had 14 children by his mistresses and agreed to support them all. However, he had doubts that Villiers’ youngest daughter was his because he’d caught her in bed with the Duke of Marlborough.

Unlike previous Kings, Charles really looked after his mistresses and admired them not only for their looks, but he was said to be attracted to their intellect as well as their capacity to gossip.

Two of his mistresses became duchesses in their own right; Barbara Villiers became Duchess of Cleveland and Louise de Kerouaille became Duchess of Portsmouth. It was a move that was a far cry from any of his predecessors who tended to toss their mistresses aside once a fresh woman was on the scene.

Barbara Palmer (née Villiers) Duchess of Cleveland, with her son, Charles Fitzroy, as the Virgin and Child By Sir Peter Lely, c. 1664 © National Portrait Gallery, London
Associate Professor Clare Monagle from Macquarie University’s Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations told news.com.au virility was seen as a sign of a good king.

“The rampant womanising and being able to impregnate them was a way to prove your virility and masculinity,” Ms Monagle said.

“One thing we assume is that people were more moral or religious back then. And they were in some ways but the relationship between the idea of a king as a warrior and a strong man was interwoven and the idea of ‘taking a woman’ was part of the job description.”

“It was the cost of doing business, and the king would have quite enjoyed having that reputation of virility.”

“The Kings were expected to be robust because they bore the security of the crown in their body, so they were a metaphor for the whole body politic, so to have a robust virile, masculine king is a great comfort for everyone.”

KING EDWARD VII

1863: Bertie, Prince of Wales and his bride, Princess Alexandra of Denmark. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
King Edward VII carried a variety of nicknames that reflected his personality. His family called him “Bertie,” a shortened version of his first name Albert. His friends liked to call him “Tum Tum” because he was overweight, but the eldest son of Queen Victoria was more widely known as “Dirty Bertie” and “Edward the Caresser” due to his innumerable sexual dalliances and countless mistresses.

Edward VII ruled England from 1901 until his death in 1910, marrying Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863 when she was 19 and Edward was 21 (she was fifth on the list of women deemed a suitable match.)

“She is my brood mare,” he once said.

“The others are my hacks.”

The couple went on to have six children and were said to be relatively happy but whatever happiness they might have enjoyed did nothing to stop the King from being a rampant skirt chaser.

Lord Randolph Churchill and Lady Randolph Churchill (Jennie Jerome) in Paris, 1874 by Georges Penabert.

1875: King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, dressed in a cavalry uniform.

Edward VII’s (Bertie’s) sex chair. Picture: The Smithsonian Channel
His mistresses included the beautiful actress Lilly Langtry, as well as Jennie Jerome (who later became the mother of Winston Churchill). His last “official” mistress was Alice Keppel, whom he first met in 1898. On the King’s deathbed in 1910 he had written instruction for his staff to make sure she was allowed to visit him.

Interestingly, Keppel was the Great Grandmother of Camilla Parker Bowles, the mistress and wife of the current Prince of Wales (Edward’s great-great grandson).

Sexual stories of the Playboy King

Edward had a “sex chair” designed by the French furniture manufacturer Soubrier. It allowed the king to have sex with two women at the same time. Looking at the chair today, it’s not that simple to work out exactly how the thing functioned although we can safely assume that the King had it all sorted.

‘CORRIDOR CREEPING’

Alice Keppel, mistress of King Edward VII. Pic Undated. P/ Historical
When a party was held at the palace, Edward and his friends would wait until the women had retired to their bedrooms. Then, they’d wait until the lights were out, creep down the corridors looking for the woman they wanted to spend the night with and simply let themselves into the room of their choice.

Whether consent played a part in this was anybody’s guess but it’s believed the palace maids would lend a hand and leave a note of some sort outside the room of each woman. Just to make it easier for them to find the “lucky lady.”

AN INSATIABLE SEXUAL APPETITE

1894. Queen Victoria with her oldest son, the future King Edward VII, and her grandson, the future King George V, at the christening of her great-grandson, the future King Edward VIII.
From the time he lost his virginity at the age of 19, King Edward was said to have had sex with at least four women a week until his death at the age of 69. Nobody knows the real figure, but some historians claim the King could possibly have slept with between 15,000 and 18,000 women, allowing for the weeks when he was able to have sex with six or seven women in one week.

Let’s not forget the King also had his “special chair, “allowing for sex with two women at once.

DESTROYING THE EVIDENCE

There were rumours the King had fathered multiple illegitimate children as a result of multiple affairs, but because Edward never officially acknowledged any illegitimate children it’s been impossible to trace any of them.

The King was said to be very diligent at destroying evidence and ensuring his affairs remained secretive. Historians believe he had hundreds of letters from women burned and even his diaries are lacking in personal information, so we can only guess as to how many of his descendants are scattered around the world.

Do we really believe “Edward the Caresser” slept with up to 18,000 women in his lifetime?

According to Clare Monagle, these figures might not be an exaggeration.

“Yes, it is quite possible. There’s also a chance some of them were actually spreading stories about how many women they were having. There’s a chance this was part of the cultivation of the myth, a PR tactic,” Monagle said.

“But we’ll never know for sure. We do know there were strong attempts to repress stories of illness. The courtiers were always trying to make sure that any stories about fallibility or frailty of the King didn’t get out. So there’s a chance they were also spreading stories about how much sex their King was getting on a daily basis too.”

Early undated photo of singer Lillie Langtry (1852-1929), nee Emilie Charlotte Le Breton, best remembered as mistress of Prince of Wales, Edward VII.
But it seems, in the case of King Edward VII, mistresses were only tolerated by the long-suffering wives up to a point. According to author of Edward VII: the Prince of Wales and the women he loved Catharine Arnold, when the King was on his deathbed, Queen Alexandra sent for his long-time mistress, Alice Keppel. It was said to be a bizarre scene.

The Queen hadn’t summoned Keppel because she wanted to do a good deed for her dying husband — apparently, she only invited Keppel into the palace because she was causing a ruckus banging on the gates and yelling for “Bertie”.

Once she was at the King’s bedside, he was drifting in and out of consciousness and didn’t recognise her.

Once she said her goodbyes, the Queen demanded, “get that woman out of here!”

LJ Charleston is a freelance historical writer. Continue the conversation @LJCharleston

Prince Harry’s Brutal Swipe at Queen Camilla: Exposes His Cruel Mean Two-Word Nickname!

 

The Royal Family has only one hope of solving its “withering problem,” and it involves ending a huge rift.

Thousands of well-wishers were seen celebrating the return of Kate Middleton to Royal life this weekend, alongside most of the family, as she appeared on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony.

 

She lined up to join in with the King’s Birthday Parade, alongside her three children, Prince William, Queen Camilla and other Royals. But also there was an 88-year Duke of Kent, and other Royals aged well over 65.

She wrote, for news.com.au: “Even with the remaining HRHs who officially represent the Crown carefully splayed out there (including the choreography of different family members walking out onto the iconic perch via different doors based on seniority), the end result is an image of a shrunken, somewhat withered royal family. The balcony on Saturday just looked empty, like half the guests to a BYO potluck had not deigned to turn up.

“This might not be anything new, but moments like this weekend and Kensington Palace’s tweet make this particular harsh truth impossible to ignore, no matter the mega-wattage of Kate’s smile or Prince Louis’ reliably impish antics. ”

But to solve the issue, Elser has mused that the family needs to repair its rift with California-based controversial royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as this could see the group getting the refresh it appears to badly need.

“Looking at the images from Trooping, what is clear is that someone needs to dispatch an emissary to Montecito to see if some sort of making-up can be brokered over a wheatgrass shot,” she said.

See, it’s not just Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are missing from the balcony scene but their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

There’s something about royal events that leads little Louis to be in his element.

Prince Louis: Photo released to celebrate prince’s sixth birthday

Prince Louis stole the show at this year’s Trooping the Colour, but it’s not a huge surprise, it’s kind of his thing.

Trooping the Colour, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade, is a way for the nation to gather and celebrate the monarch’s birthday.

The day starts with a procession down the Mall, from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade and then back to the Palace.

In years past, Louis has been seen pulling faces, in the carriage and on the Palace balcony, sticking his tongue out and waving, as small children do.

But, Louis just turned six in April, and he’s definitely a little more grown up, and his scene-stealing moment was a little more refined this year.

This year, it was actually at the Horse Guards Parade where Louis was spotted dancing with a TV presenter saying: “Kate, and the kids, were watching from a nearby window, with the youngest, up to his old tricks.”

He’s not pulling a face here, this is just pure awe (Image: Getty)

It wasn’t known until Friday afternoon, if little Louis and his siblings would attending, but that all changed, when their mum, Kate, released a personal statement about her welllbeing.

The heartfelt letter addressed her preventative cancer treatment, saying she has her good days and her bad days, but when she is well enough, she likes to be out and about when she can be, and reveealed, she did plan to attend Trooping.

7News Australia’s Hugh Whitfield talked about the family reunion: “The Wales family of five, back together, back on the Buckingham Palace balcony, smiles for her husband and for her father-in-law.”

It was Mr Whitfield who spotted Louis in the window, doing a little dance, showing off a shoulder shimmy.

He is definitely bringing the “cute factor,’ as royal expert Pauline Maclaran so accurately put it. 

All three children appeared to have a nice day with their parents and grandparents (Image: Getty)

Louis just turned six on April 23 with his mum, Princess Kate, taking his photo and sharing it with the world. In the photo, Louis is seen laying on his stomach in the grass, no shoes on, with his bare feet kicked up behind him.

He’s propped up on his elbows with face framed by his little hands, smiling widely at the person taking his photo, which is believed to be his mum, Kate, also laying on the ground, to capture that angle.

Kate stepped out for King Charles’s big day, but it’s not to suggest this is an official return for the Princess of Wales, she is still on medical leave and wil return to public-facing duties when the time is right for her, it’s been widely reported.

“This is a family moment, this is about Kate supporting her father-in-law and her father-in-law being really, really pleased that she could be there at all,” said 7News Australia’s Chris Ship.

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have been together for eight years and had a lot of ups and downs during their relationship.

Here is a timeline of the couples life together and all of their milestones.

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Millions watched as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tied the knot in Windsor in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association

July 2016 – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met on a blind date in July 2016.

The BBC reports that after just two dates, the “already-smitten royal” decided to whisk the American actress off to Botswana – a country which has placed a central role in their fairytale romance.

The pair enjoyed five nights camping under the African stars, and Prince Harry later told the broadcaster he believed the “stars were aligned” when he met her.

During an interview with the BBC, prior to their wedding, they declined to name of a mutual friend who introduced them.

But, Meghan said she “didn’t know much” about Prince Harry before they started dating.

Prior to their wedding, Piers Morgan told his followers that after he took Meghan to his local pub in 2016, the TV star went off for her first date with Prince Harry.

The Good Morning Britain presenter wasn’t invited to the couple’s nuptials, however.

Summer 2016 – Meghan Markle joins Prince Harry in Botswana

After their second date Prince Harry invited Meghan to join him on his trip to Botswana.

Prince Harry said in his engagement interview: “We camped out with each other under the stars.

“She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic.

“So then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to know each other.”

October 30, 2016 – Harry and Meghan’s relationship goes public

The couple had their first outing at a Halloween party.

It was reported that actress Meghan, who played Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, was secretly dating Prince Harry.

A close pal of the royal confirmed they had been dating for several months, in an interview with People.

November 8, 2016 – Prince Harry confirms his relationship with Megan Markle

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It was confirmed in November 2016 that Harry and Meghan were dating, when Kensington Palace released a statementCredit: Getty Images – FilmMagic
Kensington Palace confirmed the relationship with a statement.

Prince Harry was worried for her safety and hoped to protect her from paparazzi and negative attention.

December 14, 2016 – The couple gets photographed together for the first time

The Sun published exclusive first pictures of Harry and Meghan as they were spotted hand-in-hand, while out on a date in London.

At the time, pals said actress Meghan had “virtually moved in” to Harry’s cottage at Kensington Palace with the couple having been “inseparable” for weeks.

May 6, 2017 – Prince Harry and Meghan attend their first public event as a couple

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Meghan Markle made her first public appearance at Prince Harry’s polo match in May 2017
Meghan made her first public appearance as royal girlfriend when she proudly watched Prince Harry playing polo in Berkshire.

Harry played in support of his Sentebale charity.

May 20, 2017 – Meghan joins Harry as date to Pippa Middleton’s wedding

Prince Harry went to the wedding ceremony alone, however Meghan joined him at the private evening reception.

He travelled to London to pick her up after the ceremony.

August 4, 2017 – Meghan and Prince Harry enjoy a vacation in Africa

For her birthday Prince Harry took Meghan away for a three-week trip to Africa.

The trip included some time in Botswana, where the couple stayed after their second date.

September 5, 2017 – Meghan gives her first interview about her relationship with the prince

Meghan was on the cover of Vanity Fair for their October 2017 issue and talked about her relationship with Prince Harry.

She said: “I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple.

“We’re two people who are really happy and in love.

“We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception.

“Nothing about me changed.

“I’m still the same person that I am, and I’ve never defined myself by my relationship,”

September 25, 2017 – The pair was seen at the Invictus Games

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017
The couple was pictured together in Toronto as they attended the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s sporting competition for wounded service personnel.

Meghan joined Harry as well on September 27 and September 30.

She was joined by her friend Markus Anderson.

During the games closing ceremony on September 30, 2017, the pair were spotted in an embrace and at one point the pair shared a kiss.

It came as they sat in the stadium beside Meghan’s mum Doria.

October 19, 2017 – Prince Harry and Meghan have tea with the Queen

It was reported that Harry had taken Meghan to Buckingham Palace for a meal with his grandmother – Her Majesty the Queen.

The meeting was about an hour long and they were escorted to the palace in station wagons with blacked-out windows.

On November 27, 2017 – The pair announce their engagement

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Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle after their engagement annoucement
It was announced that the couple were engaged to be married in spring 2018.

Clarence House said in a statement: “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month.

“Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family.

“Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents.

“The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.”

After a photocall at Kensington Palace, they gave their first joint interview to the BBC.

December 15, 2017 – Kensington Palace confirmed wedding date

Kensington Palace confirmed the ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel.

“The Royal Family will pay for the wedding.”

December 24-25, 2017 – Meghan spends first Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham

Meghan Markle joined the royal family for their Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

They broke tradition since normally only married partners were allowed to their family Christmas celebrations.

Princess Kate was not invited for Christmas in Sandringham in 2010, despite being engaged to Prince William.

March 7, 2018 – Meghan Markle is baptized into the Church of England

In a secret ceremony Meghan Markle was baptized into the Church of England by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Royal Chapel at St. James’s Palace in London.

Prince Harry, his father King Charles – then Prince Charles – and Queen Consort Camila were present to support her.

March 22, 2018 – Meghan and Harry sent out their Royal Wedding invitations

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Invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May 2018
Meghan and Harry sent out their Royal Wedding invitations.

The invitations read: “His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales K.G., K.T. requests the pleasure of the company of …… at the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May 2018 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle.”

May 16, 2018 – The couple wed privately at home

Three days before their official royal wedding, the couple had a private ceremony at their home.

Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021:”Three days before our wedding, we got married — no one knows that — but we called the Archbishop and said, ‘This thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us.

“So the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

May 19, 2018 – Prince Harry and Meghan marry in a royal wedding

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex kisses his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex after their ceremony
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor in front of their family, friends and the world.

They officially became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

King Charles escorted Meghan down the aisle.

The newlyweds received rapturous applause as they emerged from Windsor’s St George’s Chapel following a ground-breaking multi-cultural ceremony complete with a gospel choir and an American bishop.

After the wedding ceremony, the married couple had a wedding lunch with 600 guests.

In the evening there was a private evening wedding reception at Frogmore House.

Guests such as Idris Elba, George Clooney and Serena Willams attended the event.

May 22, 2018 – The pair has their first royal appearance as married couple

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The newlyweds at a garden party at Buckingham Palace
Three days after their wedding, the newly weds attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in honour of King Charles 70th birthday.

Kensington Palace spokesman Jason Knauf confirmed: “The couple will be going on honeymoon, but not straightaway.

“They will have their first engagement as a married couple in the week after the wedding.”

October 15 2018 – Prince Harry and Meghan announce they’re expecting their first child

Harry and Meghan announce they are expecting their first child in Spring 2019.

Kensington Palace statement said: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.

“Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”

November 7, 2018 – The couple split from their joint court with William and Kate

In November 2018, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan would split from their “joint court” with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Kensington Palace office.

According to The Sunday Times, “the pressures of monarchy, marriage and their diverging royal roles are presenting new challenges for dukes of Cambridge and Sussex”.

April 2019 – Prince Harry and Meghan moved to Frogmore cottage

After separating households from Prince William and Kate, the pair moved into Frogmore cottage in Windsor.

Their office moved from Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace.

May 6, 2019 – The pair welcomes their first baby

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Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was introduced to the world in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born at 5.27am on May 6, 2019.

Meghan and Harry’s baby boy weighed 7lbs 3oz.

Shortly after the arrival of the baby, Harry gave a candid interview, revealing his excitement to be a dad.

He said: “We have a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well.

“It has been the most amazing experience I could have ever possibly imagined.

“How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support out there.

“It has been amazing.”

May 19, 2019 – Unseen wedding photos are shared for their first wedding anniversary

Meghan and Harry celebrated their first wedding anniversary by thanking everyone for “all of the love and support”, while releasing a photo montage on Instagram.

The montage was set to “This Little Light of Mine,” which was performed during their wedding ceremony recessional.

July 6, 2019 – Baby Archie was christened in secret ceremony

On July 6, 2019, Archie was christened in a secret ceremony at Queen Elizabeth’s private chapel at Windsor Castle.

The ceremony was attended by close family members and friends.

October 20, 2019 – The pair announces that they will take family time off

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced a six week holiday from royal duties to focus on their family.

A few days before the announcement Meghan sued the Associated Newspapers for publishing parts of a letter she wrote to her father.

November 13, 2019 – The Duke and Duchess confirm their Christmas plans

Prince Harry and Meghan announced that they will spend Christmas with Meghan’s mother.

The palace shared a statement saying: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.

“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”

January 8, 2020 – Prince Harry and Meghan announce they are stepping down as senior royals

Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down as senior royals.

In a statement shared on Instagram they wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”

March 2020 – The pair attend their final royal work engagements

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Prince Harry and Meghan at their final engagements as working senior royals
On March 5, 2020, they attended the Endeavor Fund Awards in London and on March 9, 2020 the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Their final day as senior royals was March 31, 2020.

It was confirmed they were setting up a permanent home in the US.

April 6, 2020 – Prince Harry and Meghan announce launch of Archewell

A week after stepping down as senior royals, the pair announced the name of their new charitable foundation Archewell.

Archewell is “an impact-driven nonprofit created by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” and its “core purpose is to uplift and unite communities — local and global, online and offline — one act of compassion at a time.”

May 6, 2020 – Archie turns one year old

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Meghan celebrating Archie’s first birthday
Archie’s first birthday was a quiet celebration at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had Zoom calls with friends and family to celebrate.

September 2, 2020 – Prince Harry and Meghan announce Netflix deal

Meghan and Harry announced that they would be producing projects for Netflix.

A statement shared by them said:”Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience and the need for connection.

“Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.”

“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.

“We are pleased to work with Ted and the team at Netflix whose unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action.”

February 14, 2021 –Prince Harry and Meghan announce they’re expecting their second child

The couple announced on Valentine’s Day that they were expecting their second child.

The wonderful news comes just months after Meghan revealed her “unbearable grief” after suffering a miscarriage in July, 2020.

March 8, 2021 – Release of their interview with Oprah Winfrey

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Prince Harry and Meghan during their interview with Oprah Winfrey
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey the pair revealed Meghan’s struggle with her mental health while being part of the royal family.

The couple made a series of shocking allegations such as that an unnamed member of the Royal Family had made a racist comment about the colour of son Archie’s skin.

The duke and duchess told TV host Oprah Winfrey during their bombshell interview that they are expecting a baby girl. 

When asked when their baby girl is due, Meghan confirmed “summertime”, which means she could arrive after Archie’s second birthday in May.

June 4, 2021 – Prince Harry and Meghan welcome their second child Lilibet

On June 4, 2o21, the pair welcomed their baby girl Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor.

A statement about her birth said: “Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif.

“She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz.

“Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.

“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet.

“Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”

April 16-17, 2022 – The pair attended the Invictus Games

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Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in 2022
Prince Harry and Meghan attended the Invictus Games at the Hague, the Netherlands.

The pair shared a rare public kiss at the opening ceremonies on April 16, 2022.

June 2022 – Prince Harry and Meghan return to the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attending the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
On June 2, 2022, they made a joint appearance at the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

However since they aren’t senior royals anymore, they did not attend the rest of the senior royals on the balcony.

They also missed the celebrations on Sunday June 4, 2022 due to their daughter’s first birthday celebrations at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

September 2022 – The couple attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

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Harry and Meghan attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
Prince Harry and Meghan were in London when Queen Elizabeth died at her Balmoral home on September 8, 2022.

Harry jetted to Scotland and arrived at Balmoral after the news of her death became public.

On September 2022, Harry and Meghan greeted well-wishers at Windsor Castle together with Prince William and Kate.

December 8, 2022 – Harry and Meghan’s Netflix show drops

The first three episodes of the pairs Netflix documentary series  called Harry and Meghan aired on Netflix.

In the series they shared insides in their romance, family and life as royals.

January 2023 – Prince Harry releases his memoir Spare

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Prince Harry released his memoir Spare
In January 2023 Prince Harry released his memoir called Spare.

The book is about Prince Harry’s life, “chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty.”

March 1, 2023 – The couple were evicted from their UK home

Prince Harry and Meghan no longer have a royal residence in England.

It was revealed that Harry and Meghan were evicted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles.

Their eviction came following the release of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.

The couple handed back their keys on June 28, 2023.

March 3, 2023 – Lilibet was christened in ceremony

The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Rev John Taylor, christened Lilibet during an ceremony at Prince Harry and Meghan’s home in Montecito.

It was reported that 30 guests were present including Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet’s godfather Tyler Perry.

April 24, 2023 – The pair was seen at a Los Angeles Lakers game

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Prince Harry and Meghan attend a basketball game
During a  Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies playoff game, the kiss cam landed on Prince Harry and Meghan.

The couple didn’t kiss but they did smile at one another.

May 16, 2023 – Prince Harry and Meghan are involved in a car chase in New York

Paparazzi followed the pair after they left the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards.

A photographer who witnessed the incident said the couple’s security team pulled dangerous manoeuvres and blocked streets trying to evade paparazzi.

September 2023 – Meghan joins Harry again for the Invictus Games

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Prince Harry and Meghan attend the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf in 2023
The pair travelled to Germany to attend the games.

Prince Harry founded the games for injured, sick and wounded service personnel and veterans.

January 23, 2024: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Bob Marley: One Love premiere

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The couple made a surprise appearance on the red carpet in Jamaica
Prince Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance in Jamaica for the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere.

Meghan wore a spaghetti strap top and skirt, while Prince Harry wore a blue suit.

February 16, 2024 – Couple travels to Canada for Invictus Games

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Vancouver in 2024
Meghan and Harry travelled to  Whistler, Canada, for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebrations.

During a visit at the Whistler Sliding Center, Meghan was filming Harry as he went down the skeleton track.

May 10, 2024 – Meghan and Prince Harry travel to Nigeria

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In May 2024 the couple enjoyed a trip in Nigeria
The pair travelled to Nigeria together after Meghan found out that she was 43 percent Nigerian.

Meghan told People:“These trips are about us being able to go out and go and focus on the things that mean so much to us.

“And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it’s all about.”

During their visit, the pair visited the Lightway Academy school, where Meghan gave a speech about the importance of mental health.

May 19, 2024 – The pair celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary

The pair was seen on a double date with friends Brian and Tracy Robbins a night before their anniversary.

A ROYAL expert who watched Prince Harry grow up says she knows why he won’t ever to return to royal life.

Harry has lived in California with his wife Meghan since they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals in 2020.

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The young Prince Harry with his mum Princess DianaCredit: Getty

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Harry now lives with his family in CaliforniaCredit: Reuters

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Harry was a ‘charming, jovial adolescent’, says royal expert Jennie BondCredit: Getty

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Bond spoke about Harry on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive showCredit: The Sun
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said Harry would be a “great asset” for the palace.

But she said California-based Harry now has the “domestic bliss” he lacked as a child.

Appearing on today’s episode of The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Bond said: “I can’t see Harry returning, really.

“And yes – I do miss him. Harry was the most popular royal a couple of years ago, wasn’t he?

“The freedom he craved, the wife he loves and the children he adores.

“The model of domestic bliss that he didn’t have in his own adolescence.

“I wish him all the best.”

It comes after Harry said he was unable to return with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to the UK “because it is too dangerous”.

Harry lost his legal fight against the removal of his taxpayer-funded UK security in February.

The Sussexes were stripped of their round-the-clock protection when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

They now live in a mansion in Montecito with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Megxit timeline

November 2016 – Harry formally reveals he is in a relationship with Suits actress Meghan Markle.
September 2017 – Meghan tells Vanity Fair the couple are in love and happy together.
September 2017 – The couple make their first public appearance together holding hands at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
November 2017 – Prince Charles issues a statement revealing Harry and Meghan are engaged.
May 2018 – Harry and Meghan tie the knot, becoming Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
October 2018 – The couple announce they are expecting their first child while on their first overseas tour in Australia.
March 2019 – Harry and Meghan set up their own household, splitting their joint operation with Prince William and Kate.
May 2019 – Meghan gives birth to a baby boy named Archie.
October 2019 – Harry reveals his rift with his brother William in a bombshell documentary.
January 2020 –  The couple stun the Queen by announcing plans to quit senior roles and settle in North America. After ten days of talks at Sandringham,  it’s agreed the couple will no longer be working royals and will give up their “Royal Highness” titles.
March 2020 – Harry and Meghan carry out their last official engagement and move to California.
September 2020 – Netflix announces a huge deal with the couple.
February 2021 – Buckingham Palace announces the couple’s split as working members of the monarchy is permanent and they will lose their royal patronages.
March 2021 – The palace says it is “very concerned” about allegations of bullying made by former staff of Harry and Meghan, launching a probe.
March 2021 – Meghan tells Oprah Winfrey Archie wasn’t made a prince after “concerns and conversations” about “how dark” his skin would be when he was born. She claims Kate “hurt her feelings” and made her cry before her wedding. Harry says Charles has stopped taking his calls and he has been “cut off” financially.
January 2023 – Harry publishes his tell-all memoir Spare, launching scathing attacks on William, Kate and Camilla. He says he and William once got into a physical fight over Meghan.
April 2023 – Harry has a “heart-to-heart” talk with his dad before agreeing to come to the Coronation in London.
September 2023 – Harry rejects an offer to spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death at Balmoral with his father.
February 2024 – Prince Harry flies to the UK to be with his father as royal experts claim their four-year rift could be put aside. They meet for half an hour before Harry flies home. He does not meet William.

MEGHAN Markle made a “ridiculous” blunder hours before Trooping the Colour, a royal expert said.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, sparked controversy after a “very, very odd” American Riviera Orchard move – PR’s would have warned her against it.

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Meghan Markle made a ‘ridiculous’ blunder right before Trooping the ColourCredit: Reuters

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Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the move made ‘no sense’Credit: The Sun

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Harry’s polo pal Nacho Figueras received one of two raspberry jamsCredit: Instagram/nachofigueras
Just hours before the major royal event, Trooping the Colour, Meg decided to launch two new American Riviera Orchard products.

Harry’s polo pal Nacho Figueras shared a snap on Instagram of his luxury raspberry jam and some dog biscuits sent by the former Suits actress.

You can’t make sense of what the Sussexes have done. They should just have been quiet

Richard Fitzwilliams

Meanwhile, hubbie Harry failed to acknowledge King Charles’ official birthday on Saturday – and seemingly ignored Father’s Day.

By stark contrast, Prince William posted a heartwarming snap of himself as a tot with Charles in a show of support amid his ongoing and courageous health battles.

Speaking to The Sun exclusively about Meghan’s ill-timed brand roll out, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Megan and Harry know perfectly well every single thing they do is monitored by the press.

“The idea that they would do something on the day of Trooping the Colour. I mean, it’s pretty silly.

Duty & family mean everything to Kate

By ARTHUR EDWARDS, Sun Royal Photographer

THE Royals were one big happy family on the Buckingham Palace balcony as the Princess of Wales made an emotional one-off appearance.

This was a brave return to public life for Catherine, who has valiantly battled cancer for the last three months.

She did not have to be at Trooping the Colour and no one would have blamed her for staying away.

But she still chose to attend.

It is a measure of just how much her duty and family mean to her.

I have not seen the Princess of Wales in person since her last public engagement on Christmas Day, more than six months ago.

Yesterday she looked very well and, crucially, very healthy too.

While the photo released on Friday by Kensington Palace was a solemn snap, yesterday Catherine beamed with joy – her smile will undoubtedly warm the nation’s heart.

Accompanied by William, who has soldiered on alone while supporting his sick wife, and her adorable children, the whole group looked relaxed and united throughout one of the most important days of the year for the Royal Family.

It was also lovely to see Catherine exchanging words with her father-in-law King Charles.

Both of them battled hard to return to their duties and even through a long lens you can tell they have genuine warmth for each other.

The only downside was the classically British weather.

It was cold.

It was wet.

My jacket and my camera were soaked.

Next Thursday will be the longest day of the year but the driving rain made me feel like I was in the middle of January.

Yet the moment the Princess emerged to wave and smile, it made bearing the downpour worthwhile.

There were a lot of smart outfits on show – it was a military parade after all – but the Princess of Wales’ stunning white dress was a cut above everyone else’s.

Almost every camera there was fixed on her and with exceptional taste she picked out a dress that could be seen down The Mall by thousands of well-wishers.

This was a remarkable return by a remarkable woman and I’m sure it would’ve meant the world to have her family by her side.

So it’s no surprise that she didn’t stop smiling throughout.

“I mean, it is a clash of a sort. What was done was just silly. We know in March Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard.

“We know that she sent some 50 jars of strawberry jam to some of her pals and influencers, she had a few endorsements, but this wasn’t really very impressive.

Prince Harry has become so focused on carrying on his mother Princess Diana’s mantle that he runs the risk of perpetuating her feud with the Royals instead of ending it an expert has claimed

Prince Harry is letting “history repeat itself” as he follows in his mother’s footsteps by battling with the Royals a royal expert has said.

The Duke of Sussex has been accused of putting too much effort into aiming criticism at the Royal Family and taking on the role that his mother left behind after her ongoing battle with “The Firm” while she was still alive. Harry spoke on Princess Diana and her legacy in his memoir Spare as he addressed wanting “peace” within his family.

Now Royal author and expert Tom Quinn has said that Harry is in danger of simply perpetuating the situation if he continues to focus on what Diana endured. Talking exclusively to the Mirror Tom said: “Harry’s comment in Spare that he ‘wants peace’ with the royal family for the sake of his mother is undoubtedly heartfelt, but in being so focused on Diana, Harry is actually allowing history to repeat itself.”

Harry was always close to his mother ( 
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Getty Images)

Harry has continued his mother’s legacy ( 
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Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)
Quinn then said how Harry has picked up the “mantle” for his mother as an adult. He said: “Diana famously fell out with ‘the firm’ as she called it and spent much of her adult life criticising an institution she felt had let her down. Harry has taken on his mother‘s mantle by carrying on exactly the same kind of criticism.”

Harry – who lost his mother in 1997 when he was just 12 years old after she was involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France – has spoken at length about the impact of his mother’s death. Quinn added: “He hates that he feels he has to do this and he would like to be close again to his father King Charles and his brother Prince William, but like his mother he’s locked into a battle that has become an obsession for him.”

Harry was just 12 years old when Diana passed away ( 
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AFP/Getty Images)DON’T MISS
Tom also said Harry’s time in the military served as an escape for him from the ongoing battle he has had with his emotions not just over his mother but with feelings of isolation and not fitting in throughout his life. He added: “Harry‘s statement that fighting in Iraq was better than remaining in Britain makes complete sense given that we know one of the few periods in his life during which he was happy was his time in the military. Fighting in Iraq gave him a sense of camaraderie that he has never had with his family.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not attend a recent wedding in the United Kingdom, with a royal expert now claiming that the pair face a huge challenge with A-List events in the USA

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a huge “challenge” as they’re not invited to A-List events in the United States, a royal expert claims.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California in the summer of 2020, with the couple also stepping down as senior royals in the same year. Since moving to America, they have become somewhat estranged from the Royal Family, with them distancing themselves from England too.

With the couple having distanced themselves from England and Royal Family, the Sussexes missed out on a recent royal wedding. Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, is a close friend of both Prince Harry and his brother Prince William. The Duke got married last week, with his wedding to Olivia Henson taking place on Friday, June 7.

Meghan and Harry departed the UK in 2020 ( 
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Getty Images)
Both Prince Harry and Meghan missed out on the nuptials of Harry’s close friend the billionaire Duke of Westminster, which took place at Chester Cathedral, with it now claimed that Meghan would have caused a “media storm” had she attended. It was previously reported that the Duke of Sussex turned down a “save the date” to the wedding to avoid an “awkward” encounter with family members he is no longer close with.

And now a royal commentator has revealed a “challenge” that he claims the Sussexes have in the United States off the back of them not attending the Duke of Westminster’s wedding. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Richard Fitzwilliams told us: “The challenge for Harry and Meghan is to attend comparable events in the United States which are not focused on them. The Met Gala and the Oscars are the sort of events they would benefit from being seen at, since they have pretensions to be A-listers. Barack Obama’s 60th, held in 2021, the year they were in Time Magazine’s Top 100, is the sort of event they would undoubtedly want to be seen at but were not invited to.”

Also during our chat, Mr Fitzwilliams spoke of the “media storm” that he claims Meghan would have caused at the recent wedding of the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson when he added: “They also knew that their presence would cause a media storm, especially since Meghan has not visited Britain since Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral.”

David and Victoria Beckham once seemed close to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. But in recent years, it’s clear that their friendship has dramatically cooled

There was a time when the Beckhams seemed to be forging a close friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But in recent years, cracks have started to appear – with Meghan said to have instigated an initial cooling-off period between the foursome.

Tellingly, David has also maintained a relationship with both Prince William and King Charles – something that is also said to have irked the couple. We take a look back at their former friendship – and subsequent falling out.

As the former England captain, David first crossed paths with Prince Harry many years ago. And at the start of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, David and Victoria were said to have reached out to support the former actress when she first moved to London.

David and Harry have known each other for a number of years ( 
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Getty Images)
At the time it was reported that Victoria had lent Meghan her all-important little black book of her favourite hairdressers and stylist in the capital. Further details of their friendship were then shared in the press – and it was this that led to the first fallout between the couples.

Meghan reportedly suspected Victoria had ‘leaked’ the stories – promoting a ‘mortifying’ phone conversation between their husbands.

A source told The Sun at the time: “Harry was very polite, but obviously it was a pretty awkward exchange and David was mortified. Inexplicably, [Meghan] feared Victoria was behind it — I mean, the idea that Victoria Beckham would be personally ringing journalists to give them a scoop is ridiculous — and spoke to Harry about it.

“Harry is very protective of Meghan, and decided to deal with the matter head-on, by directly contacting his good pal, David. He quickly put Harry right, and the two men agreed to move on — but it certainly made things awkward for a while.”

David and Victoria were invited to the Sussexes’ wedding in 2018 ( 
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AFP/Getty Images)
David and Victoria were on the guest list for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, however. The couple joined the pair’s friends, family, and fellow A-listers at St George’s Chapel on 19 May 2018. But, according to reports, they were only invited to the ceremony – and not the reception afterwards, which is said to have irked the Beckhams.

In October that same year, the Sussexes headed off on a tour of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which coincided with the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney. Harry had asked David to be an ambassador for the Invictus Games and the former footballer travelled Down Under to show his support for the event.

But things reportedly turned sour when the Prince inexplicably refused to see David in Sydney. It was claimed that the reason Harry was keeping his friend at arms’ length was Meghan – who still feared Victoria was leaking stories about her to the press.

Meghan reportedly suspected Victoria had been leaking stories about their friendship ( 
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Getty Images)
Despite that, David initially said he was ‘proud’ of Harry following the announcement in 2020 that he and Meghan were stepping down from the royal family.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, David described Harry as an “amazing” person. “We love him,” he said, speaking on behalf of his wife, Victoria. “But I’m proud to see him growing up as an individual and being that person that every father wants to be.”

However, following their exit, Harry and Meghan made numerous public attacks on the royal family – and the monarchy, something likely to have upset David, an ardent royalist who famously queued for 12 hours to pay his respects to the Queen as she lay in state.

Since then, the couples have kept their distance. In 2022 when David and Victoria’s eldest son Brooklyn married actress Nicola Peltz in a lavish wedding in Florida, Harry and Meghan were nowhere to be seen.

Harry and Meghan did not attend Brookyn and Nicola’s wedding ( 
Image:
Victoria Beckham/Instagram)DON’T MISS
And last summer when David welcomed football superstar Lionel Messi to his Inter Miami team, a star-studded crowd were in attendance for his debut. But again the Sussexes weren’t there.

One issue between the Sussexes and the Beckhams could be David’s close connection to Prince William and King Charles.

Like Harry, William has known David and Victoria for many years and the Beckhams were in Westminster Abbey when he married Kate Middleton back in 2011. In fact, Kate has worn a Victoria Beckham dress and sunglasses on outings in the past.

And in 2022, David joined both William and Kate when they travelled to Boston for the Prince of Waleses’ second annual Earthshot Prize awards, where he presented one of the prizes at one of William’s main projects.

David still maintains a good relationship with Prince William ( 
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Getty Images)
David was also recently named a King’s Foundation ambassador. In photographs released to mark the announcement, the sportstar was pictured with the King on the doorstep of Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire retreat, and shown trying out his carpentry skills with foundation students taking part in woodworking courses at the Snowdon School of Furniture.

The pair also swapped beekeeping tips, with David saying: “Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the foundation’s work. It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”

Earlier this week, the two men caught up again at the inaugural King’s Foundation awards at Buckingham Palace – and were on very friendly terms as they chatted about football and discussed England’s chances in the Euro 2024 championships.

Prince Harry’s ‘regrets’ have been revealed by an expert as he and Meghan are set to miss out on Trooping the Colour once again today as the King celebrates his official birthday

Prince Harry ‘s “regrets” have been revealed after leaving the Royal Family as he and Meghan Markle are set to miss out on Trooping the Colour today.

Today marks the annual Trooping the Colour, which takes place to commemorate the official birthday of the monarch, despite Charles’ actual birthday being in November. And as the King prepares to sit in a carriage for the event, senior members of the Royal Family will be in attendance, including Harry’s older brother Prince William and his wife the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.

The Sussexes will be noticeably absent from the celebrations, with Prince Harry set to miss his father’s birthday once again. This comes after he and wife Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, with them moving across the pond to California. They have since been somewhat estranged from the Royal Family.

Today marks the King’s official birthday ( 
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Speaking exclusively to The Mirror ahead of Trooping the Colour, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “This years Trooping the Colour which commemorates the King’s Birthday will be memorable as King Charles will be in a carriage as he courageously battles cancer.

“Harry and Meghan have not been invited. This is no surprise.”

He added: “You could argue they would not have accepted and also would not have expected an invitation as the royal rift is so deep. It has to be all about them if they accept.”

Mr Fitzwilliams then touched on Harry’s “regret” when he said: “However, Harry served in the forces for ten years and the Invictus Games, for disabled and wounded veterans, are a splendid creation.

“Had matters proceeded as anticipated, Harry and Meghan, as senior working royals, would have been prominent in the ceremony and the coverage is worldwide.

“He would not be human if he did not have some regrets when he sees what he is missing, as he surely must. It is surely time he wore his Coronation Medal too.”

Prince Harry last saw his father, the King, in February following the announcement of Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Harry jetted to the UK from the States as soon as he heard of the news, with the father and son duo having a 30-minute meeting.