PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle were all smiles when they danced with schoolchildren today as they kicked off their ‘faux-Royal tour’ in Nigeria.

The Sussexes beamed as they waved to locals, chatted to leaders and snapped selfies with teens – after having a secret rendezvous in London.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle danced with school children after they arrived in Nigeria todayCredit: Instagram/sperrypeoplemag

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The pair then visited army wives at the Defence headquarters in AbujaCredit: AP

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The Sussexes chatted away with children in a classroom at Lights AcademyCredit: AFP

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Harry and Meghan are in the West African country for a three-day quickfire trip – and were this morning warmly greeted by locals.

The pair seemed smitten as they danced with youngsters before Meghan praised her “smart” husband who she said “always says the truth”.

The Sussexes were greeted with a ‘Welcome’ banner fringed with flowers heralding their arrival which read: “We Are Honored To Have You!”

They were snapped walking hand-in-hand at the Lights Academy just hours after arriving in Abuja.

Harry and Meghan were snapped dancing with a crowd of school children, with grins ear-to-ear as they jumped and twirled around.

The duke was encouraging the duchess to spin, as she’s seen laughing before placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder.

Later, in a sweet speech, Harry told crowds of schoolchildren there’s “no shame” in feeling off.

He told the youngsters: “There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, OK?

“That you woke up this morning feeling sad; that you were at school, feeling stressed; that you’ve lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who to turn to or who to speak to.

“All of these things you may even be led to believe are not for conversation.”

Harry continued: “Every single one of those things is completely normal, it is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is.

“It comes from an experience that you have had – you can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day.

“So if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person.”

The prince reminded the youngsters: “The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people.

Meghan & Harry’s links to Africa

Harry has had a long relationship with Africa, even taking his now-wife Meghan to Botswana for a camping trip as one of their early dates.

Meghan is said to want to “explore her ancestry and lineage” while thereafter revealing she was “43% Nigerian”.

In 2019 the couple embarked on a tour of southern Africa.

The Duchess of Sussex flew with baby Archie to Johannesburg where they were later joined by Harry after he visited Malawi.

During the time apart Meghan told journalists she was struggling to cope with them being apart.

The Duke has also established a charity to help African orphans, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso from Lesotho.

“So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health. If you are unsure, then ask. Ask your teachers. Ask your friends. Be there for one another.

“If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you gonna do? You gonna check in with them? Are you gonna ask him if they’re okay? ‘Cause it’s okay not to be okay.”

The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people

Prince Harry

Meghan looked up at Harry sweetly the entire time he spoke to the youngsters.

She then grabbed the mic and said: “You see why I’m married to him?

“He’s so smart. And so inspiring because he speaks the truth.”

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Megha looked sweetly at Harry as he today gave a speech on mental healthCredit: BBC

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Schoolchildren snapped selfies with MeghanCredit: AFP

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During their speech, they reminded youngsters that it’s OK to have bad days

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They beamed today as they were welcomed into NigeriaCredit: Reuters
The duchess then spoke to mental health as well, saying: “We believe in you. We believe in your futures. We believe in your ability to continue to tell your stories and to just be honest with each other. There is no need to suffer in silence.

“Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about whatever’s coming up for you.”

When the Sussexes first arrived at the school they were given strings of wooden beads and serenaded by dancers and singers.

“Bravo” Meghan clapped after one backflip carried out in front of them.

After spending much of the morning with the school children, the Sussexes visited army wives at the Defence headquarters.

He’s so smart. And so inspiring because he speaks the truth

Meghan Markle

They had jetted in together at 5am on a British Airways flight after a reunion at London Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Suite yesterday.

Harry, 39, had flown into Britain on Tuesday, with Meghan, 42, arriving from LA.

Just hours before they boarded the flight, King Charles had been snapped beaming in Surrey, while Prince William visited a site where houses were being built for the homeless.

Harry also opened up about how he felt about his time in the UK.

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He arrived in the UK on Tuesday to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games FoundationCredit: Getty

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He was all smiles on Wednesday at the Invictus bashCredit: AFP

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Harry was snapped leaving the UK last night – before meeting Meghan for a secret rendezvousCredit: Louis Wood

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The duke, pictured on Tuesday, left the UK yesterdayCredit: Getty
The Sussexes are set to take part in “cultural activities” during their 72-hour trip after they were invited by the West African country’s chief of defence staff.

The getaway has been labelled a “faux-royal tour”.

Harry and Meghan, who is of Nigerian descent, will meet service members and their families, and participate in traditional cultural activities, according to local media.

This is their first trip to Nigeria as a couple.

They’re expected to visit three cities while there in their efforts to get the country to host the Invictus Games in 2029.

Harry has had a long relationship with Africa, even taking his now-wife Meghan to Botswana for a camping trip as one of their early dates.

Air Vce Mshl Abidemi Marquis, director of sports at the Nigerian Defence Ministry, said Meghan wants to “explore her ancestry and lineage” while there.

Meghan Markle reveals ‘Lili’s favourite class’

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

MEGHAN Markle has revealed Lilibet’s favourite class while chatting to children in Nigeria.

She and Harry walked along a green carpet to the 200-student Lightway Academy smiling and waving at youngsters.

Inside, their first stop was in a kindergarten class where children aged two to five danced and sang songs for them.

One little two-year-old girl stepped forward and tentatively shook hands with Meghan.

The tot then decided it was too much of a step forward to shake Harry’s hand.

Meghan said: “We all get shy sometimes.”

When they were introduced to the eldest child in the class who’s five Meghan said: “Our son Archie’s five. He turned five last week.”

Within a few minutes, the couple were on their feet taking part in a riotous version of “jump up, turn around”.

Meghan then said: “That was great.

“Do you love your teacher?”

Harry added: “Is singing and dancing your favourite class?”

Meghan then sweetly said: “That’s Lili’s favourite class.

“Maybe it’s all the jumping around.”

Mr Marquis said the Sussexes were first taken to a hotel, before heading to the Light Academy.

They are then set to meet defence leaders and visit injured soldiers.

Tomorrow Harry’s set to field his own team during a seated volleyball match played by Nigeria’s Invictus team, before he and Meghan meet with more soldiers and their families.

That afternoon Meghan will host a Women in Leadership event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist who is director general of the World Trade Organisation.

Then, on Sunday, the Sussexes will head along to a basketball clinic that promotes youth getting into the sport, enjoy a cultural reception and visit a polo fundraiser.

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A massive welcome sign greeted the coupleCredit: AFP

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The Sussexes walked hand-in-hand as they greeted peopleCredit: AFP

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Harry has been chatting away with youngsters all morningCredit: AFP

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The Sussexes touched down in Nigeria at 6amCredit: AFP
Mr Marquis said there were several reasons the country was looking forward to hosting Harry and Meghan.

The Telegraph reported he said: “One because Nigeria is now a member of the Invictus community, and his coming will lay credence to the fact that you know, being part of the community, you need to be accepted.

“Number two, that Nigeria is also looking forward to hosting an Invictus Games and three, the need to build a state-of-the-art structure for the management of the wounded and injured soldiers, particularly those with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

“And finally, you know, his wife recently did a DNA genealogy test and it was confirmed that she’s 43 per cent Nigerian, so she also is looking forward to coming to Nigeria to explore her ancestry and lineage.”

Inside Sussexes’ trip to Nigeria

The Duke and Duchess are spending three days in Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.

The Sussexes will be taken to a hotel when they first touch down today, then visit the Light Academy, a school in nearby Wuse, before meeting defence leaders and visiting injured soldiers.

Tomorrow Harry’s set to field a team during a seated volleyball match played by Nigeria’s Invictus team, before he and Meghan meet with more soldiers and their families.

That afternoon Meghan will host a Women in Leadership event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist who is director general of the World Trade Organisation.

Then, on Sunday, the Sussexes will head along to a basketball clinic that promotes youth getting into the sport, enjoy a cultural reception and visit a polo fundraiser.

The trip comes after Harry didn’t meet with his “busy” dad while he was in the UK but said he “hopes to see his him soon”.

The Monarch was spotted on Tuesday leaving Windsor Castle around 11am, just hours before Harry touched down.

His son was then spotted in London before he headed to an Invictus event.

Harry released a statement around 2pm saying he would not be seeing Charles, due to his “father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities”.

Charles then snubbed his son for a second time – announcing William would take charge of Harry’s former helicopter regiment next week.

On Wednesday afternoon King Charles hosted the palace’s first garden party of the year as one of his first events back in the public eye.

Around the same time, Harry was backed by Princess Diana’s siblings at his Invictus bash.

The King was just two miles away.

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King Charles spoke to guests at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on WednesdayCredit: PA

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King Charles was snapped beaming just moments afterCredit: PA

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Prince William played his hand at volleyball in Cornwall last nightCredit: Reuters
The party wrapped up at 6pm – just as Harry finished a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Charles donned a grey suit and light blue waistcoat and beamed as he appeared alongside other Royal family members.

The monarch removed his top hat for the National Anthem performance and could be seen smiling to the crowds.

His Majesty was joined by the Queen, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

One touching video shows Charles greeting and shaking the hands of well-wishers.

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The couple were beamingCredit: AFP

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Crowds turned up to catch a glimpse of the pairCredit: Reuters

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The Sussexes are on a quickfire three-day ‘faux-Royal tour’Credit: AP
Charles stops to speak to tens of people as Camilla tries to Usher her husband along.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex was in the same city – hugging his late mum’s brother and sister Earl Spencer, 59, and Lady Jane Fellowes, 67, outside St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of a service.

Three cousins — George McCorquodale, 39, Louis Spencer, 30, and Lara Spencer, 18 — sat in a row behind Harry.

A decade ago Charles, Camilla and Prince William had joined Harry at the first Invictus Games in London.

On Wednesday, Earl Spencer and Baroness Fellowes supported him at the hour-long service followed by a drinks reception in the St Paul’s crypt.

Harry arrived at 5pm and greeted his aunt and uncle before taking his seat.

He gave a reading, as did actor Damian Lewis. Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine and friend of Diana, said the Spencers’ presence was significant.

Harry’s mental health speech in full

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

“Hi everybody,” Harry said, before asking for a show of hands, from teacher and kids, “if I say mental health do you know what it means?”

He went on: “In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it ’cause it’s invisible. It’s something in our mind that we can’t see. It’s not like a broken leg, it’s not like a broken wrist.”

“It’s something that we are still relatively unsure of. But guess what? Every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people. And other people have to be able to look after themselves, to look after you. That’s the way it works. And there is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, okay?”

He added: “And you woke up this morning feeling sad and you left school feeling stressed and you’ve lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who you talk to or who to speak to. All of these things you may be led to believe are not for conversation. We are here today to tell you that that is not the case.

“Every single one of those things is completely normal. It is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is, it comes from an experience that you have had. You can have it. She can have it. I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have that on any given day. So if, if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person in the entire world.”

And then, motioning as if to kick a football, Harry added: “And the more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people.

“So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health. If you are unsure, then ask. Ask your teachers. Ask your friends. Be there for one another. If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you gonna do? You gonna check in with them? Are you gonna ask him if they’re okay? ’cause it’s okay not to be okay.”

She said: “They are very supportive of Harry and always have been.

“It sends a clear signal to the Royal Family and to Harry that Diana’s family are there for him.

“At his address at Diana’s funeral, Charles Spencer said he would look out for William and Harry in her place.

“He said: ‘We your blood family will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering theses two exceptional young men so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing openly as you had planned’.

“Charles Spencer wanted the Spencer family to be prominent above all others, but the boys were sucked up by the Royal Family.

“Now that Harry has left the Royal Family, the Spencers have laid claim to him again.”

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Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes joined him at the St Paul’s Cathedral ceremony on WednesdayCredit: Goff
In 2019 the couple embarked on a tour of southern Africa.

The Duchess of Sussex flew with baby Archie to Johannesburg where they were later joined by Harry after he visited Malawi.

During the time apart Meghan told journalists she was struggling to cope with them being apart.

The Duke has also established a charity to help African orphans, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso from Lesotho.

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They touched down after meeting in London for a secret rendezvousCredit: AFP

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Harry was seen heading into the Windsor Suite at Heathrow airportCredit: Louis Wood

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The Sussexes walked hand-in-hand as they greeted peopleCredit: AFP

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The couple were given strings of wooden beads on arrivalCredit: AP

GOOD old Harry and Meghan, continuing to deliver the goods as another batch of “their truth” turns out to be complete b*****ks.

Mugging off the Queen by pretending she’d given the royal thumbs-up to pinching her nickname takes some next-level chutzpah.

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Prince Harry and wife Meghan are living in their own world of total delusionCredit: Getty

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Harry and Meghan pretended the Queen had given the royal thumbs-up to pinching her nicknameCredit: Getty
I’ve lost count of the cobblers they’ve spewed about themselves and all those beastly people who have made their gilded lives so miserable.

The story of their struggle is so full of holes, it makes The Crown look like a documentary.

We must all now be at the point where we no longer believe a word they say.

Yet, somehow, we’re still entertained.

The halfwit prince and his rictus-grinning mumwife are endlessly fascinating – like two stupid but adorable pets who get trapped in the tumble dryer.

We know they’re idiots. But still we want more.

So, guys, if you’re reading this – and I know you are Harry, My First Dictionary in hand – don’t take this as criticism.

Oh no! We’re actually enjoying your dedication to delusion.

Free from the strictures of the Royal Family, this is your role now.

God save the pair of you.

King’s honesty over royal seat will help to save men’s lives

HAVING only just scoffed my lunch on Wednesday, I was not expecting to then be thinking about King Charles’ backside.

But so it came to pass as His Maj announced his prostate had become enlarged and he was seeking treatment.

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King Charles’ uncomfortable health scare shines a light on an awkward areaCredit: Getty
The prostate, of course, is not actually part of the rectum but, as someone who has recently had this walnut-shaped gland probed, I can confirm the bottom is very much involved in its examination.

So our candid King was giving us a lot of intimate detail to conjure with.

Some people no doubt screamed, “TMI”.

Not me. I welcomed this self-intrusion into Charles’ medical history.

We are a nation who mostly — and I exclude the narcissistic hypochondriacs — don’t like to discuss our ailments.

“How are you?”, we ask.

“I’m fine”, we reply on cue.

Yet we’re not “fine” really, are we?

If we were fine there wouldn’t be nearly eight million of us waiting — often years — to be seen by NHS medics.

There wouldn’t be a mental health crisis which saw 5,583 people — mainly men — kill themselves in a single year in 2021.

We wouldn’t have the highest recorded average sick day figure in a decade — 7.8 days per worker.

We’re all crocked. Some more than others, granted.

Many of us simply get on with our lives aware that we have a niggling condition that won’t go away.

We just put up with it. Why make a fuss?

I worry about us — the stoic, unflappable, stiff-upper-lip folk.

We wouldn’t dream of discussing our ailments but, if we did, we might find that it helped.

A problem shared is a problem halved, so the saying goes. It could also be a problem solved.

When the King told us of his trouble this week, searches online about enlarged prostate shot up tenfold.

When someone famous talks about their health issues, we take note. We wonder if that’s what is bothering us too.

Like this column’s regular scribe, Jeremy Clarkson, who recently told of his “100-day cough” fears.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who read that and wondered: “That sounds like what I’ve got.”

But it shouldn’t take a famous person to open our eyes. We could help each other.

If someone has experienced the same issue as you, and overcome it, their advice is invaluable.

And, crucially, this wisdom could help avoid the frustration of trying to get a terrifyingly rare doctor’s appointment only to be given the exact same help.

Can’t sit down without piles flaring up

I’m not saying we should broadcast our every minor ailment to all and sundry.

No one needs a running commentary of a stranger’s physical disposition.

“Would you like fries with that?”, should never be responded to with,

“Well, I’m a bit worried I might have gout”.

It also goes without saying that if you feel seriously ill, then the doctor/A&E is where you should be.

But, among friends, we can be a little more open. Especially men.

Pick any group of blokes over 30 in the pub and they won’t be talking about how they go to the bog three times a night or can’t sit down without their piles flaring up.

That’s just disgusting, isn’t it? No. Really, it’s not.

Men will happily discuss what they did with their penis last night during their latest one-night stand, yet wouldn’t dream of asking if anyone else’s nob is a bit itchy.

And while one disclosure might make your life sound exciting, the other might save it.

Footie antics so foul

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Footballer Kyle Walker is a young, athletic, virile manboy with almost unlimited cashCredit: Getty
KYLE WALKER has a Fifa (sorry, FC24) player rating of 85.

But, as we have now learnt, a playa rating of 100.

It’s a wonder the sexually incontinent Man City right back has enough time to defend his goal when he’s busy shagging the various women in his life.

FIVE kids? Good grief, mate. Rather you than me.

But while he’s obviously been a naughty boy, I struggle to feel much pity for the women who get tangled up with the likes of him.

Most footballers, when not thinking about playing the beautiful game, are thinking about bedding beautiful women (or men, but good luck finding out about that!).

They do this because they are mostly young, athletic, virile manboys with almost unlimited cash.

They want to have fun. And the women who get with them want to have fun too. They know the drill. C’mon!

Yes, some footballers hold down lengthy, healthy relationships.

But look at them – Southgate, Kane – they’re all soooo boring, babe!

The influencers don’t want ’em.

So as long as football continues to lavish obscene sums of money on youngsters who learn about relationships from porn sites and think an orgy is just another sex position, history will carry on repeating itself in all its vulgar glory.

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Saltburn star Rosamund Pike has superb comic timing in the divisive movieCredit: Getty
IT’S five stars from me for Saltburn – “the world’s most divisive film”.

I chortled along to the deliciously daft Brideshead Revisited/The Talented Mr Ripley mash-up the other night.

Another sparkling script from Killing Eve writer Emerald Fennell, packed with clever quips.

And the beat-perfect Rosamund Pike has the kind of comic timing that would get a round of applause from Tommy Cooper.

Her Common People gag was one of the best lines I’ve heard in a comedy for donkeys.

It soon became clear why it’s so “divisive”.

You either have a sense of humour and therefore like it. Or you don’t . . . and you won’t.

What a rotten state

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Spending a year on the NHS waiting list can be a painful experienceCredit: Getty
AN exciting anniversary looms for me – an entire year on the NHS dentist waiting list.

Woo-hoo! String up the bunting, dish up the jelly (hold the ice cream – ouch!).

My troublesome root canal can apparently only be done by an NHS specialist, so said my dentist in January 2023.

So here I am in a queue that could last anything up to THREE years, according to Health-watch.

NHS dentists, like absolutely anything with the letters NHS in front of it, are on their knees.

They saw 17.5 per cent fewer patients in the two years to June 2023 than the previous two years.

For some, the only option is to go private  . . . that is until you see what that will cost.

A root canal is £70.70 on the NHS. At somewhere like Bupa, it is “from” £1,204.

And with NHS waiting lists showing little sign of improving much – just this week it was revealed 100,000 kids have been in hospital with rotten gnashers ­– you can bet your eye teeth those fees will just continue to skyrocket.

Soon the only people with healthy teeth will work for Bupa.

No wonder DIY dentistry has risen by a whopping 90 per cent.

The Government has now admitted it must do more to ensure everyone can access an NHS dentist and claims it has “begun laying the foundations of change”.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry snubbed members of the Royal Family as celebs attended Princess Lilibet’s third birthday bash.

Meghan Markle wanted to ‘avoid potential drama’ (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle didn’t invite the Royal Family to their daughter’s birthday party so they could “avoid potential drama”, according to an expert.

Princess Lilibet celebrated her third birthday on Tuesday, with her parents hosting a special birthday bash over the weekend. The party was reportedly attended by celebrities including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, but the royals didn’t make an appearance.

Royal author Tom Quinn said the Sussexes failed to send out invitations to the Royal Family and now relationship expert Louella Alderson has suggested why.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “Given the tensions between the Royal Family and Harry and Meghan, it’s not surprising that they chose to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s birthday privately with their own close circle of friends and family.”

 

Princess Lilibet turned three earlier this week (Image: Netflix)

She added: “Their decision to exclude the Royal Family from the celebration could suggest that there is still unresolved tension or distance between them.

“It’s also possible that Harry and Meghan wanted to have a more intimate and personal celebration for their daughter’s first birthday without any outside interference or potential drama.

“They may have felt that celebrating with just their closest loved ones would create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.”

Louella said there still seems to be tension between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, adding: “It seems that the relationships between Harry and Meghan and the Royal Family are still strained. Princess Kate and King Charles’ illnesses don’t seem to have opened any communication channels as of yet.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (Image: Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese )

Louella continued: “However, it’s important to remember that family dynamics and relationships are complex and can take time to heal. It’s possible that Harry and Meghan are still working through their feelings towards the Royal Family and may eventually choose to involve them in future celebrations or events once they have had more time to heal.”

Sharing what happened at Lilibet’s birthday bash, royal expert Tom Quinn said: “Rather than go for a low-key celebration Harry and Meghan have spent the past weekend enjoying a pre-birthday bash for their daughter Lillibet’s third birthday – hugely expensive presents have been ruled out but the couple’s mansion in California was awash with celebrities including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom and their daughter Daisy who is just a few months older than Lilibet.”

He added that it was “shocking” that no invitiation were issuesd to members of the Royal Family, with one of Harry’s army friends reportedly saying: “Harry knew they wouldn’t come anyway and he was pretty sure he would not have wanted them there.

“But he is really sad that Archie and Lilibet cannot have any kind of relationship with their cousins while his feud with his family continues.”

 

Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham used to be close but not there is one thing David Beckham’s wife can’t wait to see, according to a brand expert

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle business flop would be the “ultimate revenge” for Victoria Beckham amid the duo’s ongoing ‘frosty’ relationship, a brand expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have enjoyed a close relationship with David and Victoria in general but in the last few years, their bond has become somewhat strained.

It has been reported that one of the reasons behind the rift was that Harry allegedly Victoria of leaking stories to the press, which left her husband David “furious”.

Meanwhile, this year saw Meghan soft launching her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, with some experts warning the business could flop, which would be the “ultimate” satisfaction to Victoria.

Brand expert and Director at Borne Media, Denise Palmer-Davies, told the Sun: “It is a difficult market to crack – even Victoria has had her obstacles – as it is so saturated.

Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham are not that close anymore (Image: Getty)

“But given their fallout, the sceptic in me wonders if she’d be secretly pleased if it did backfire.

“That would be the ultimate revenge wouldn’t it?”

It comes as the Beckhams’ docuseries – released last October – was crowned the most-watched on Netflix in 2023, gathering a total of 208.5million hours watched.

However, Harry and Meghan’s docuseries – released in 2022 – on the same platform only managed to gather 72.9million hours watched during the same year.

Victoria and David Beckham attending the Sussexes’s wedding in 2018 (Image: Getty)
 

Now it’s been noted that while show views generally decline over time, the Sussexes’s slump could also be down to how the pair acted in it.

Some viewers had called the couple “whiny”, while others slammed Meghan for “mocking” her first curtsy to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, the Beckhams were praised for being honest in the show regarding his career, while his family life scenes are still going viral on social media.

 

Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard in March but little has been revealed about it so far.

Meghan Markle has reportedly been struggling to find a chef to work alongside her on new company American Riviera Orchard, with one royal commentator suggesting she is now at a “stalemate”.

The Duchess of Sussex launched her lifestyle brand earlier this year, and although it now has its own Instagram page, very few details about the business have been made public.

It is understood that American Riviera Orchard will sell a range of items relating to lifestyle and homeware, such as crockery, pet products and cooking paraphernalia, with Meghan also said to be working on a new Netflix cooking show to tie in with the launch.

In April, the Duchess sent out 50 individually customised jars of strawberry jam to friends and social media influencers but there has been little information so far on any new products.

Royal Family expert Angela Levin told GBN America: “She is very upset about what is happening with this American Orchard Rivera. She is not happy about how it has been received. The jam was a bit of a laughing stock, she sent it off to about fifty friends and only a few replied.

Meghan Markle launched her brand American Riviera Orchard (Image: Getty)

“Everyone said that she is in a jam. It is not moving forward. She has had a lot of trouble finding a CEO to run it for her and she is having a lot of trouble finding a chef.

“Some of them have gone along to see how it is but they say she is so meticulous about everything.

“She’s so demanding and they don’t really want that. These are chefs who have good jobs, and they’re not people who are learning.

“So it’s a bit of a stalemate, but she has got 150 things on her link, and she’s applied for a global patent.”

The Duchess is said to be looking for a chef (Image: Getty)

Ms Levin also addressed the vast range of products Meghan was hoping to sell and how difficult it would actually be to get the business up and running.

She continued: “Some of the things [she will be selling] are fabric gift wraps, cocktail napkins, meditation maps, pillows for household pets, a whole range of things from A to Z.

“We’ll have to see how she gets on. I think she’s she’s finding it much more difficult than she thought. I think she thought she would sail in and everybody would think it was wonderful, but actually it’s jolly hard work.”

One PR expert explained to Express.co.uk how Meghan could score a big win if she made her strawberry jam available to the masses, given she sourced it “in Montecito and lovingly made it by hand”.

 

The Duchess has been supported by her husband Prince Harry (Image: Getty)

Megan Boyle, head of digital PR at TAL Agency, said: “Given the limited numbers and Meghan handing out the jars herself, it’s highly likely that Meghan sourced the jam in Montecito and produced it by hand, to make the recipients feel special and considered.

“This approach shows Meghan is firmly putting the focus on her brand, and the ARO [American Riviera Orchard] lifestyle, rather than it being her own personal brand.

“The whole premise of ARO is to highlight the exceptional quality and products that have been lovingly handmade. Not only does it get the brand out there but it also keeps it in line with the homely aesthetic she’s striving for.”

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria appeared to contradict a path originally being carved out by the Duke of Sussex, according to a royal commentator.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fought tooth and nail to detach from the Royal Family and now they’re fighting just as hard to be seen as royals, according to commentators.

Prior to moving to the US in 2020, the Sussexes met with members of the Royal Family at Sandringham House to discuss their roles as senior working royals and unsuccessfully tried to negotiate their way into the fold part-time — half in, half out.

Jane Barr wrote about the perceived change of heart in the latest instalment of her From Berkshire to Buckingham newsletter, describing how Harry and Meghan embraced their quiet suburban life in Montecito, California, apple orchard and all, but then returned to “playing royals.”

Ms Barr said: “Ironically, Harry clung to his ‘I am not a royal’ act for about a year, and then the couple did an about face and went back to being as royal as they possibly could be.”

Referring to their three-day trip to Nigeria this past May, she added: “This tour being the latest and greatest of those efforts.”

The trip was meant to promote the Invictus Games with Nigeria considering being a host nation (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan are members of the Royal Family and retain their royal titles, though they do not carry out senior duties.

When making visits to foreign countries, Harry and Meghan are traveling as private citizens, and do not represent the monarchy, though commentators say these trips bear the markers of royal ceremony.

Ms Barr continued: “I expected this tour to feel very much like a royal one, but I did not expect it to straight up be a royal tour untethered from any relationship to the monarchy.”

The Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner is reportedly looking to join forces with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a powerful collaboration with the former Royals

Kris is hoping to join forces with Meghan

Kris Jenner is holding talks to have Meghan Markle appear on The Kardashians according to new reports.

The Kardashian family matriarch is apparently set on getting Meghan and husband Prince Harry to star on the hit Hulu show and has been having behind-the-scenes conversations about how to make it happen. Kris has been keen on the appearance happening since Harry and Meghan moved to the celebrity filled neighbourhood of Montecito, California.

A source has now told Bella Magazine about Kris’ plans to collaborate with the couple in an ultimate power move. They said: “It’s no coincidence that the Kardashians all move in the same circles as Meghan’s new circle. It’s just a slam dunk for the two families to team up, but Kris doesn’t want to push too aggressively, too soon.

Meghan’s mum has hung out with Kris at showbiz events ( 
Image:
Getty Images for This Is About H)

Meghan could become a closer friend of the Kardashians ( 
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“Even if it’s just a cameo, that’s a huge win for Kris, the business side is now in motion and looking very lucrative.” However, the talks are allegedly “still in the early stages” with Kris reportedly keen on “bedding them into her family’s inner circle”.

The source also claimed Kris has been “assured” by Meghan and Harry’s team that there is “no issue in principle” with the couple appearing on an episode of The Kardashians. “Even if it’s just a cameo, that’s a huge win for Kris, the business side is now in motion and looking very lucrative,” they added.

Meghan and Harry have been slowly becoming more immersed in life in Hollywood since they exited their roles in the Royal family. Last month Meghan and Harry and Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland were seen rubbing shoulders with famous faces including Kerry Washington and Kelly Rowland at Beyoncé’s concert.

Kris knows the collaboration would be a powerful move for her and her daughters ( 
Image:
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

The couple were recently seen rubbing shoulders with TV royalty Oprah Winfrey as they attended a star-studded charity event hosted by Kevin Costner. Harry and Meghan even stopped for a selfie with Katy Perry’s parents at the actor’s One805 Live! charity event. Doria meanwhile was seen chatting to Kris and daughter Kim Kardashian at a star studded bash earlier in the summer.

Fans meanwhile continue to speculate over Meghan’s return to social media after an Instagram account popped up earlier this year with the name @meghan and a profile picture of a simple flower. Meghan has also hinted at a return to social media but it is yet to become official. Meanwhile her signing to LA agency WME has created further speculation over her return to a more public lifestyle.

Inside Lilibet’s lavish 3rd birthday with cake made by Meghan, ‘plastic-free’ gifts & toy from Charles, expert claims

PRINCESS Lilibet turns three today and is likely to be celebrating in California surrounded by family and A-listers.

The Sun spoke exclusively to royal commentator Ingrid Seward about how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be celebrating their youngest child’s birthday.

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Princess Lilibet may enjoy a party surrounded by celebrity kidsCredit: Alexi Lubomirski

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Meghan and Harry could celebrate the day at a private play centreCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

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Princess Lilibet is celebrating her third birthday todayCredit: PA
Ingrid shared: “I think she [Lilibet] probably does lead quite an extravagant life because they live in one of the most expensive areas of California, they’re surrounded by movie stars and celebrities and people that have a lot of money and can afford to live an extravagant lifestyle.

“I’m not saying that they would be ostentatious, but I think it would be quietly very extravagant.”

Despite Lilibet’s privileged social circle, royal expert Tom Quinn that the Sussexes prefer a more down-to-earth lifestyle for their kids.

He previously told the Mirror: “Meghan loves homemade gifts and dislikes extravagant expensive presents”.

Here’s how the royal three-year-old may be ringing in her birthday…

A-LIST PARTY

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their daughter’s pre-birthday celebrations on Sunday by hosting a party at their £12million Montecito home with close friends and family, according to Page Six.

But they could celebrate out the house too.

The royal expert shared: “I think they probably would arrange a party outside of their house, and they probably get a whole group of kids and take them somewhere so it’s a bit different.

“Of course they’ve got a lot of very high profile celebrity friends with young children.

“So it would be I’m sure it’s quite competitive about who could give the most glamorous extravagant party, but I think Harry and Megan probably will play it down a bit.

Sun Royal Photographer slams Harry and Meghan as row erupts over daughter being named Lilibet
“I’m sure that they would organise some sort of themed party but I don’t think it would necessarily be at their house.

“They would take them somewhere maybe to a play centre or private play centre and because you know, kids at that age, they just love romping around and rolling about and just having fun.”

 

 

Celeb pals who live “just down the road”  include Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry and their daughter Daisy.

Harry revealed Orlando had given him the heads up about a photographer and that they keep in touch via text, making it easy for them to set up a play date in the future.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hosted a pre-birthday soiree at their £12million Montecito home on Sunday, according to Page SixCredit: Google Earth

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Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland is likely to help with games on Lilibet’s birthdayCredit: Getty

GRANDMA ON GAMES

Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland is likely to play a starring role at the party, according to the royal expert.

She shared of the former yoga instructor: “Doria will be involved as she is also the only grandparent they know.

“She is pretty active so will probably be involved in organising games or at least directing whoever is organising.”

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The Sussexes are said to not favour ‘plastic’ gifts for their kidsCredit: Netflix

PLASTIC-FREE GIFTS

Ingrid, who is editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, shared how Meghan and Harry “don’t like anything plastic.”

She said: “There’s a big movement amongst young parents – no plastics.

“We know that Meghan and Harry don’t approve of plastic presents but kids love them.

“They love the brighter, the shinier, the better but I don’t think we’ll see Princess Lilibet getting into one of those sort of plastic push cars or things like that.

“I don’t know what she’ll be allowed, but I’m sure they’re quite fussy.”

BILLIONAIRE GODFATHER

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Billionaire Tyler Perry was named as one of Lilibet’s godfather after growing close to Harry and MeghanCredit: Getty
Lillibet has a world-famous filmmaker as a godparent in Tyler Perry, so could be spoiled by the star.

Madea actor Tyler, worth an estimated $1billion, grew close to Harry and Meghan after he reached out to the duchess following news of her estrangement from her dad Thomas Markle.

In their self-titled Netflix docuseries, Tyler recalled when the couple asked him to be Lilibet’s godfather.

He said: “I had to take a minute to take that in. And I thought, ‘I’d be honoured. I’d absolutely be honoured’.”

CAKE FROM MEGHAN

Lilibet will likely receive a tasty cake from her parents for her third birthday milestone, claimed the expert.

Ingrid shared: “I am sure Meghan will have made a gluten-free cake as that is what she loves to do.”

DELIVERY FROM KING CHARLES

When your grandad is the King, you are likely to be sent a rather exciting gift.

Ingrid added: “Charles and Camilla will certainly send or have sent gifts.

“Camilla will have organised it as she has her own grandchildren albeit older and loves small children and their likes and dislikes.

“As for Meghan – she and Harry will give a joint gift as she is only three – possibly a small animal such as a bunny and the current non plastic toy or doll that she might particularly want.”

Inside Princess Lilibet’s £980k jewellery collection

THE daughter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is set to receive a staggering £980,000 worth of jewellery from the Duchess of Sussex in years to come.

Glamorous Meghan, 42, has an enviable collection of designer watches and jewellery heirlooms that are expected to be given to the young princess.

Around £650,000 of the items have come from Princess Diana’s precious collection, while others were purchased by the Suits star.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s jewels also include her glittering wedding day jewellery and lavish gifts from Prince Harry.

We shared the collection that’s worth nearly £1million that Lilibet could receive.

WITHOUT KEY FAMILY

While they are likely to send a gift, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter Lilibet has barely met her UK family, including her grandfather.

Royal author Phil Dampier said the birthday celebrations are tinged with an “underlying sadness” due to the “rift” that divides the family.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, he shared: “It is amazing that she’s already three but there is this underlying sadness of course because of the rift that the King is not seeing his grandchildren.

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Royal author Phil Dampier said it is ‘so sad’ King Charles has barely met his grandkidsCredit: Reuters

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Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle reportedly hasn’t met Prince Harry or Archie and LilibetCredit: Channel 5 / Thomas Markle: My Story
“I think he’s only met Lilibet possibly once and Archie only a couple of times and they are seventh and eighth in line to the throne, growing up in California on the West Coast of America with American accents and they just don’t see them.”

Phil added that it’s also “very sad” for Meghan’s father Thomas Markle, who reportedly has never met his grandkids or even son-in-law Prince Harry.

 

Former lighting director Thomas and Meghan’s relationship soured in the run-up to her 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself.

Meghan told Oprah Winfrey that her outspoken father lied to her about talking to the British press – a “betrayal” that she just can’t “reconcile”.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter Lilibet hardly knows her UK familyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

Real reason Prince Harry ‘pulled out’ of Archie’s godfather’s wedding revealed after ‘challenges’ exposed

PRINCE Harry is reportedly not attending his son’s godfather’s wedding after ‘challenges’ over his attendance were exposed.

The royal, 39, has snubbed the event set to celebrate his billionaire childhood pal, the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor, and Olivia Henson on Friday.

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Prince Harry has snubbed the wedding of childhood pal and Duke of Westminster Hugh GrosvenorCredit: Getty

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Hugh Grosvenor is set to marry Olivia Henson in the ‘wedding of the year’ on FridayCredit: PA

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Prince William, pictured with suited Hugh in 2018, is understood to be given the role as an usher at the weddingCredit: AFP

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It was unlikely Meghan Markle would have been Harry’s plus one as she ‘never wants to return’ to the UKCredit: Getty
Estranged from his family, Harry is said to have spoken personally to Hugh about his and wife Meghan Markle’s invite to Chester Cathedral tomorrow.

The Duke of Sussex and Hugh made the decision to avoid the “inevitable clamour” between the now-US-based Prince, his brother William and dozens of mutual friends who aren’t on speaking terms with Harry.

A source close to the Sussexes told People magazine: “There was an acknowledgement on both sides that it would be difficult for Harry to attend.

“It was an understanding between the two friends.

“The decision certainly avoided the inevitable clamour had estranged brothers Prince William and Prince Harry both attended the nuptials, eliminating the possibility of the big day being overshadowed for the couple.”

Hugh, who “owns half of London” is expected to have Prince William as an usher at the “wedding of the year”.

The property mogul, who owns nearly 2,000 buildings all around the world, is the godfather to cousins Prince George, 10, and Archie, five.

Rumours were sparked that Hugh and wife-to-be Olivia had avoided inviting the Sussexes all together when plans got underway following their engagement last year.

According to the Sunday Times, the 7th Duke of Westminster didn’t want there to be any awkwardness for the Royal Family.

It comes hours after the couple were excluded from a royal event.

Meghan Markle will NEVER return to Britain – she knows she is so unpopular, reveals expert
Harry and Meg have not received an invite to the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15 this year.

It marks the second time the pair, who quit the UK in 2020, have been shunned from the occasion.

After making the transatlantic relocation four years ago, the couple have launched a barrage of vile attacks against the Firm.

With Meghan “never wanting to come back” to England, it was extremely unlikely the mum-of-two would have been a wedding guest if Harry had decided to come.

Princess Kate has been invited to attend the wedding with doting husband Wills but it is unclear whether she will go as she continues with preventative chemo.

William attended a D-Day anniversary event on Wednesday with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The Heir gave a moving speech thanking veterans and their families before giving a short and sweet update on Kate’s condition.

He told attendees she was feeling “better”, adding: “She would’ve loved to be here today.”

Meanwhile, the King was introduced to a 99-year-old paratrooper who turns 100 in August. Charles said: “I’ll have your card ready.”

Earlier in the day the Monarch made his first speech since his cancer diagnosis – in two health battles that shook the Firm.

He stood tall with medals on his chest and Camilla at his side, telling veterans and their families: “We are all eternally in their debt.”

He added: “The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which you have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, to inspire us and to remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation, now tragically dwindling to so few.”

Charles said it was our privilege to hear the stories.

 

He added: “It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.”

Wills stood not far from some of the country’s last surviving veterans as they looked back on the campaign that opened the path to peace and freedom in Europe.

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

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

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

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Meghan Markle has been branded “cheap, vulgar and irresponsible” by Lady Colin CampbellCredit: Getty – Contributor
Speaking to Closer magazine she said: “She was never an A-lister, so she needs to stop acting like one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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