Blog

Prince William spoke about his wife the Princess of Wales while chatting to veterans and their families at a D-Day event in Portsmouth.

Prince William speaks to D-Day veterans (Image: Getty)

Prince William said his wife would have “loved” to have joining him and the King and Queen at an event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Speaking to war veterans and their families, the Prince of Wales was told by one veteran that it was “carnage” on Juno beach.
The D-Day hero asked William if the Princess of Wales was ‘getting better’ and William replied: “She’d have loved to be here.”

Speaking to another very, called Norman, William said: “We want you here five years time for the 85th”.
He also spoke with a woman who is understood to have been a Bletchley Park codebreaker.

William told her: “My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life.”

Valerie Middleton, Kate’s grandmother, worked as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park which broke the Enigma code.

One veteran told William he was on Juno beach and described it as ‘carnage’.

The King also spoke with veterans and was introduced to a 99-year-old paratrooper who turns 100 in August, and Charles said: “I’ll have your card ready.”

 

Earlier the Prince of Wales paid tribute to the “bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe” and the loved ones who waited for their return as he read a haunting extract from the diary of a D-Day soldier at the 80th anniversary commemorations.

Heir to the throne William took centre stage at the national ceremony in Portsmouth marking the historic 1944 Normandy landings, the turning point in the allies’ Second World War victory.

The King also spoke at the event where he praised the “truly collective effort” of those on the Home Front during the Second World War and said Britain today was “eternally” indebted to those who served.

Meghan Markle’s ghost memoir causing problems already as she’s issued major warning

After quitting the royal family in 2020, Harry and Meghan signed a lucrative book deal with Penguin Random House.

Meghan Markle could potentially pen a memoir

Meghan Markle has been warned against publishing a tell-all memoir as it would involve including a “negative sentiment” and, in turn, worsen her already frosty connection with the Royal Family, it has been claimed.

According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, is rumoured to be following her husband and putting together a tell-all memoir. The rumours started swirling last year after Harry released his book Spare in January 2023.

After stepping back from their royal roles and relocating to the US, Harry and Meghan signed a lucrative book deal with Penguin Random House.

The deal is said to include four books as part of their contract, with two already on bookshelves and two more said to be in the works, writes The Mirror.

In June 2021, Meghan’s first book, children’s book The Bench, was released and Prince Harry has already penned his shocking and scathing memoir Spare.

Rumours are also swirling that the pair are working on a third book together, a wellness book, with the fourth rumoured to be a memoir by Meghan – although this has not been confirmed.

Meghan has already penned a children’s book (Image: Getty Images)
However, there have been claims that Prince Harry wants to “put an end to her plans” for a memoir so that he can reconcile with his family in the UK, whom he has been estranged from for several years now.

PR expert Ryan McCormick spoke exclusively to our sister paper The Mirror, he said: “From a PR perspective, I think Harry made the right decision in kiboshing Meghan’s new book which could have strained the relationship with his family even further.”

He added: “Would another book by Meghan revealing new tales from Buckingham Palace be successful? I think it will be in the short term. However, in the long term, I can see it fanning the flames of negative sentiment towards Meghan.”

Speaking to New magazine, the source explained: “They eventually compromised so that Meghan could work on a book about female empowerment.” The source said Meghan’s book will focus on her work championing women, instead of “taking fresh swipes at the Royal Family.”

KATE MIDDLETON, Prince William and Prince George joined football fans on Sunday at the final of Euro 2020. The royals’ reaction to the game seemed to give a look into how they handle “disappointment”, an expert claimed.

Kate Middleton and Prince William stood in the crowds at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to watch England play Italy. During the game, body language expert Judi James commented on how the royals handled the event.

Last night saw the final of Euro 2020 take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

After going to penalties, Italy won the game with four goals against England’s three goals.

Kate and Prince William were seen watching the match with their eldest son Prince George.

By taking him to the football, Judi suggested they were helping Prince George understand that “sport can be tough”.

Kate Middleton: The royals were seen at the Euro 2020 final (Image: PA)

Kate Middleton: An expert commented on their body language (Image: BBC)

She told Express.co.uk: “Watching William with little George last night was like watching any other parent having to teach their children the simple fact of life that sport can be tough, especially English football, and that coping with the pain of losing is an important life skill if you’re going to be a fan.”

During an early goal from England, Prince George could be seen celebrating with his parents.

Judi said: “George’s look of uninhibited joy at the early goal was one of the best moments of the match.

“Like fans around the country, he threw his arms up in the air and roared in delight, celebrating with both parents, looking up at his dad first and then hugging his mum by throwing his arms around her neck as she crouched to cuddle him.

 

“Even then though, William must have been alert to the fact that English football is rarely a smooth ride in terms of emotion and after the penalties, it was, sadly, another story.”

As the football match went into penalties, there was disappointment among England fans as Italy won.

Looking at how the Cambridges reacted to the defeat may have given a look into how they handle the disappointment, Judi continued.

She said: “Kate’s hands-covering-her face gesture spoke for all the fans, but it was telling to see how the Cambridge family coped with the disappointment.

Kate Middleton: They attended the game with Prince George (Image: PA)

 

“George did of course look glum but he also stood facing the pitch with his hands on the rail, looking impressively mature and brave given the horrible change of mood.”

Kate and Prince William appeared to use their body language gestures to signal “unity and support”.

The expert added: “Kate moved in close to her husband to signal quiet unity and support, placing one hand on her waist in a gesture of empathy and fear.

“William placed two huge hands of parental support on his son’s shoulders and this was a gesture that we were probably all in need of at that moment, to supply silent strength and comfort.”

Kate Middleton: She is the wife of Prince William (Image: EXPRESS)

Kate, Prince William and Prince George showed “dignity” after the results of the game, Judi suggested.

She concluded: “The Cambridges managed to show body language signals of pure joy when we were winning.

“But they were also role models of dignity when we lost the game.

“George will probably be learning the skill of coping when people tell you ‘It’s only a game’ right now or ‘It wasn’t meant to be’ and hopefully emerging with all that seven-year-old optimism and enthusiasm still intact.”

The royal line of succession – who outranks who?

The line of succession to the British throne dictates the order in which each member of the Royal Family would ascend to the throne.

It is also seen as a ranking of importance with the head of the line, the Queen, taking the place of ruler.

Older children come before younger children. Traditionally boys came before girls, but this law was changed on March 26, 2015 before the birth of Prince William’s first child.

Incredibly, Catholics are still excluded from the line of succession, as are children born outside of wedlock.

The royals, who usually stick to a strict protocol when appearing in public, often arrive at events in ascending order of importance, with the most important royal arriving last.

Prince Charles, 72, is currently first-in-line to the British throne, followed by Prince William, 39, his oldest son.

Then comes Prince William’s children, George, seven, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three, and they are followed by Prince Harry, 36. Prince Harry is succeeded by his son Archie Harrison, born in May 2019.

 

Prince William gave an update on the Princess of Wales’ condition as he revealed his wife ‘would have loved’ to attend a D-Day anniversary event with him today.

The Prince of Wales, 41, joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the event in Portsmouth this afternoon.

After delivering a moving speech to veterans and leading politicians, William met with members of the public – including war hero who asked after his wife amid her ongoing cancer treatment.

In footage posted on X, the Prince is seen telling him: ‘She is better, thanks. She would’ve loved to be here today.’

The royal went on to reveal how he had been speaking with women who worked at Bletchley Park as codebreakers along with Kate’s grandmother Valerie Middleton.

+97
View gallery

Pictured: The Prince of Wales seen giving a speech to over 500 members of the Armed Forces at a D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth today

The royal continued: ‘I was reminding everyone how her grandmother served at Bletchley so she had quite a bit in common with some of the ladies here.’

Before this, the royal told one of the women: ‘My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life.’

Valerie and her twin sister Mary worked in Hut 16 at Bletchley Park, now engulfed in Milton Keynes, and she was part of the team of crack codebreakers who unlocked the secrets of the German Enigma machine – ultimately helping to win the war for Britain.

The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden reported in 2019 that Valerie ‘never breathed a word’ when the Princess of Wales asked her about her war efforts as a child.

‘She was so sworn to secrecy that she never felt able to tell us,’ Kate told visiting schoolchildren during her tour of the estate near Milton Keynes in 2019.

‘When she was alive, sadly she could never talk about it.’

Valerie was recruited with her twin sister Mary — Kate’s great-aunt — and they monitored diplomatic traffic from secret listening stations.

In this role, they witnessed one of the most extraordinary moments in Bletchley’s history – as the twins were on duty when a message was intercepted that Japan had surrendered.

+97
View gallery

Pictured: the Princess of Wales in May 2021. The Princess of Wales’ grandmother Valerie Middleton worked as a codebreaker in WWII

+97
View gallery

Valerie Middleton (pictured) was part of the team of crack codebreakers who unlocked the secrets of the German Enigma machine

+97
View gallery

Pictured: the Princess of Wales uses German Enigma machine during her visit to Bletchley Park to view a D-Day Exhibition in Milton Keynes in May 2019

This meant they were among the first handful of people — with George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill — to learn that World War II was over.

In 2016, Kate paid tribute to her late grandmother – who passed away in 2006 – and said how proud she was of what she achieved.

Writing a forward for The GCHQ Puzzle Book, the Princess said: ‘They rarely talked about their wartime service, but we now know just how important the men and women of Bletchley Park were, as they tackled some of the hardest problems facing the country.

‘In a new century, their successors at GCHQ continue this intellectual tradition. Like their Bletchley predecessors, they have become well known for valuing neurodiversity and understanding the importance of mental well-being.’

In 2019, Kate paid tribute to her grandmother by wearing a special ‘Codebreakers’ poppy brooch during the wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales revealed in an emotional video message that she is receiving treatment for cancer and has taken a step back from public duties.

Kate’s codebreaking family history at Bletchley Park

The Princess of Wales’ grandmother Valerie Glassborow and her twin sister Mary were among the codebreakers stationed at the top secret base at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

The crack team, which also included famed British mathematician Alan Turing, of researchers and cryptographers was tasked with intercepting and interpreting enemy communication and breaking the German enigma code.

Enigmas, which resembled large typewriters, were used by German air, naval and army forces to safely send messages throughout the Second World War.

It used a complex series of rotors and lights to encrypt messages by swapping letters around via an ever-changing ‘enigma code’. The code was eventually broken in 1941 by mathematicians at Bletchley – a feat that proved a crucial turning point in the war.

+97
View gallery

Valerie Glassborow and her twin sister Mary worked in Hut 16 at Bletchley Park. She later married Peter Francis Middleton (pictured on their wedding day) and had four sons, Michael, Richard, Simon and Nicholas. Michael is the father of the Princess of Wales

+97
View gallery

Two women work in hut 6 at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, during the Second World War. Cryptographers deciphered top-secret military communiques between Hitler and his armed forces, which ultimately aided the victory of the Allied forces

Then a young, unmarried woman, Valerie Glassborow worked in Hut 16 on the estate, which is no longer standing.

Many of her colleagues were ‘ordinary’ middle-class women like herself, whose work, kept secret for almost half a century, helped change the course of the war.

However very few went on to pursue a career in intelligence. Indeed of the 9,000 people who worked at Bletchley Park during World War II, just 600 women went on to join the fledgling GCHQ or other branches of the secret services.

Among those to leave the service for a life of domesticity was Miss Glassborow, who married Peter Francis Middleton in 1946 in the village of Adel, Yorkshire.

The couple went on to have four sons, Michael, Richard, Simon and Nicholas in quick succession.

Michael, the eldest, is the father of the Princess of Wales and is known to have been close to his mother.

Miss Glassborow died in 2006, without ever speaking publicly of her wartime service.

+97
View gallery

A black and white photo offering a look inside one of the huts on the Buckinghamshire estate. Among the roughly 9,000-strong workforce was Valerie Glassborow, the paternal grandmother of the Duchess of Cambridge

+97
View gallery

Prince William met with members of the public – including war hero who asked after his wife amid her ongoing cancer treatment

+97
View gallery

Pictured: the Prince of Wales seen speaking to a handful of 500 war veterans at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth today

+97
View gallery

King Charles and Queen Camilla watched proceedings from the Royal Box in Portsmouth after Charles had delivered his speech

+97
View gallery

Camilla looked to an emotional King Charles as they watched the commemorative event in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared emotional as they observed the proceedings from the Royal Box

+97
View gallery

Veteran Eric Bateman (centre), talks about the loss of his best friend Fred who he signed up to the war. Pictured on stage with his two great-grand daughters Imogen and Annabel

+97
View gallery

Members of the armed forces pictured performing during the UK’s national commemorative event at Southsea Common in Portsmouth

Queen Camilla was overcome with emotion today as a D-Day veteran recounted the horror of losing his best friend on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.

Tears welled up in the Queen’s eyes as former Royal Navy serviceman Eric Bateman recalled his experience on Utah beach – while King Charles also appeared visibly moved.

Mr Bateman, who served on the warship HMS Erebus, described how you could ‘walk across the Channel’ because there were so many boats involved in the invasion.

And paying tribute to his fallen comrades, he said: ‘So many men and women, including my dear friend Fred, joined up with me but unfortunately never made it.’

Charles and Camilla joined the Prince of Wales, leading UK politicians and veterans at a major event in Portsmouth, where the King gave his first public speech since being diagnosed with cancer.

He told the crowd: ‘The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity we 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.’

+97
View gallery

King Charles greets D-Day veteran Eric Bateman after the royal had delivered his emotional address in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

Dame Helen Mirren was leading proceedings today and is pictured here up on stage at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

A specular Red Arrows flypast over Type 23 Frigate HMS St Albans. The anniversary D-Day event was held at Southsea Common

+97
View gallery

A French 1st RPIMa Special Forces paratrooper flies a French national flag beneath his red, white and blue parachute canopy, during a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died in Brittany during World War II, at La Gree mill SAS (Special Air Service) memorial in Plumelec, western France

+97
View gallery

The RAF Red Arrows performed a flypast over Portsmouth for the D-Day 80th anniversary today

+97
View gallery

Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, performed a flypast over Portsmouth for the D-Day 80th anniversary

+97
View gallery

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic display team were joined by the Typhoon display pilot, Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull in his Typhoon FGR4 as the Red Arrows led the flypast over the city for all to see

+97
View gallery

The aircraft is painted in a scheme that remembers a Hawker Typhoon of 257 Squadron, FM-G

+97
View gallery

+97
View gallery

The RAF Red Arrows performed a flypast for the D-Day 80th anniversary today for the people of Portsmouth to observe

At the Portsmouth commemorations – hosted by Dame Helen Mirren – William read an extract from the diary of Captain Alastair Bannerman, a soldier who was part of D-Day, addressed to his wife on the morning of the landings.

He told the flag-waving crowd he was ‘deeply honoured’ to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and said ‘we will always remember those who served’.

Delivering his speech to the crowd, the King said: ‘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.

‘It is our privilege to hear that testimony, but our role is not purely passive. It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom.’

In his programme notes for the event, the King spoke of his ‘profound admiration and respect’ for those who took part in D-Day, adding: ‘It remains our solemn duty to continue to honour the outstanding gallantry, service and sacrifice of those who took part in that perilous mission.’

D-Day veterans, armed forces personnel and local schoolchildren were among the guests at the star-studded event held on Southsea Common in Portsmouth.

The Hampshire port city was a major staging post for the key Second World War battle, having been the base for the vessels and troops heading to Sword Beach, and nearby Southwick was the headquarters for Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower, who led the Operation Overlord planning.

The commemoration, which took place on a specially erected stage, was kicked off with a flypast by Dakota aircraft before host Dame Helen Mirren took to the stage to narrate a history of how D-Day unfolded and affected those who took part.

The event featured veterans reading dramatic accounts from the invasion as well as wartime songs performed by EastEnders star Emma Barton, American actress Marisha Wallace and Call The Midwife’s Helen George.

+97
View gallery

King Charles and Queen Camilla pictured on stage at the commemorative event on Southsea Common in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

The Prince of Wales pictured shaking hands with D-Day veteran Mr Eric Bateman after the former soldier had delivered his poignant speech

+97
View gallery

The Prince of Wales greeted Rishi Sunak at he UK’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

The Prince of Wales also greeted Rishi’s wife – Akshata Murty, 44

+97
View gallery

Rishi, 44, appeared animated as he chatted with the royal father-of-three

+97
View gallery

Rishi looked dapper in a crisp black suit and blue tie for the occasion in Portsmouth today

What role did his ship HMS Erebus play in the Normandy landings?

D-Day veteran Eric Bateman served on board HMS Erebus, a Royal Navy warship.

Launched in 1915, HMS Erebus entered active service a year later.

One of its first major missions was a bombardment of Belgian ports where enemy warships were based, which led to the ship being seriously damaged.

It was later refitted and entered active service again following the outbreak of the Second World War.

During the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944 it accompanied American troops as they landed on Sword Beach – bombarding the German batteries of Barfleur and La Pernelle.

In the summer of 1944 it made its way to Le Havre to support invading Allied forces, before performing another tour of duty in Holland.

HMS Erebus was retired after the end of WWII and scrapped in July 1946.

The King and Queen took to the stage for Charles to give a reading followed later in proceedings by Rishi Sunak.

Readings were also given by Jonny Weldon from The Outlaws and Kate Phillips from Peaky Blinders as well as Iain Glen from Game Of Thrones, Leonie Elliott, also from Call The Midwife, Anjli Mohindra from Bodyguard and Julian Ovenden from Downton Abbey.

The show concluded with a gun salute from the frigate HMS St Albans, which sailed past in the Solent, and a rendition of the national anthem before a flypast by the Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

Mr Sunak read an address by Field Marshal Montgomery, which was delivered to the troops ahead of the D-Day landings.

The Prime Minister read out the short address which began: ‘The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe. The blow will be struck by the combined sea, land and air forces of the Allies together constituting one great allied team, under the supreme command of General Eisenhower.’

It continued: ‘To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history; and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings. We have a great and a righteous cause.’

Prince William took centre stage at the event by making the opening address, in which he spoke of the families who ‘watched their loved ones go into battle’ as they left for the largest seaborne invasion in history in June 1944.

Addressing the crowd at Southsea Common, William said: ‘We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off.

‘The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.

‘Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.’

He said those who fought on D-Day ‘came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny’.

‘Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens,’ he added.

The prince read a moving and poetic letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, written in his diary at 3am on the morning of D-Day, just hours before the landings, and addressed to his wife.

+97
View gallery

Queen Camilla – who had been visibly moved by D-Day veteran Eric Bateman’s speech – pictured greeting him in Portsmouth today

+97
View gallery

Members of the public pictured watching as the Red Arrows perform a flypast above HMS St Albans, a Type 23 Frigate, this afternoon

+97
View gallery

King Charles pictured smiling as he walks onto the stage alongside Queen Camilla as he prepares to deliver his emotional speech

+97
View gallery

King Charles pictured acknowledging a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 500 veterans as he walks onto the stage today

+97
View gallery

Earlier, William praised the ‘bravery’ of those who took part in the D-Day landings and read an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment

+97
View gallery

Royal Navy Veteran Thomas Cuthbert was seen on a huge TV screen during the D-Day national commemoration

+97
View gallery

D-Day veteran Roy Hayward (pictured) appeared on stage during the national commemorative event

+97
View gallery

Roy Hayward gave a speech during the event, hosted by the Ministry of Defence on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

Dame Helen Mirren (pictured left) introduced the D-Day veteran, Roy Hayward, onto the stage

+97
View gallery

William looked focused as he applauded the performances and speeches at the event today

+97
View gallery

Helen Mirren donned a floral dress as she addressed the crowd at today’s event

+97
View gallery

Performers took to the stage during the UK’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

A stage was built for the D-Day national commemoration event, which featured the words: ‘We never surrender’

+97
View gallery

Prince William shook hands with Britain’s Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, as he arrived at the commemorative event

+97
View gallery

American actress and singer Marisha Wallace entertained guests with a live performance during the event

+97
View gallery

King Charles appeared cheerful as he waved to those gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke during the national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary commemorations of Allied amphibious landing

It spoke of the moon shining though heavy clouds and the ‘row of small ships and of darker balloons silhouetted in front and behind us against the grey sea’.

Captain Bannerman thought of his wife and two young sons asleep in their nursery – and photographs of the soldier and his blond-haired children were shown on the screen behind William as he read the words.

”I can imagine how you listen to the news at 9 o’clock and think of me with love. I hope that Andrew’s golden head rests gently and quietly upon his small pillow and that Richard is nice and comfortable lying in his narrow little carry-cot’,’ the prince said.

William continued: ”The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France.

”The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.

”I do not believe that I can now write for very long. We can now see the French coast and very soon we will have to play our part.

+97
View gallery

King Charles pictured wearing his military medals for D-Day anniversary event that was held on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

The King, who was giving his first public speech since being diagnosed with cancer, received a standing ovation from the crowds

+97
View gallery

After his speech, King Charles was pictured taking his seat in the Royal Box alongside his eldest son Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla

+97
View gallery

The Prince of Wales donned a black suit and white shirt for the occasion to mark the 80th anniversary commemorations of Allied amphibious landing (D-Day Landings) in France in 1944

+97
View gallery

The father-of-three looked pensive as he observed the event in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – dressed in a black suit – also gave an address at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth this afternoon.

+97
View gallery

Dame Helen, 78, beckons to the crowd assembled on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

The actress praised the assembled veterans for their bravery, saying: ‘The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege’

+97
View gallery

A member of the audience watches on during today’s event in Portsmouth. The emotional event was attended by over 500 veterans

+97
View gallery

Singer Marisha Wallace performs ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ during the UK’s national commemorative event to mark 80 years since D-Day

+97
View gallery

The performance by Marisha Wallace was witnessed by a large crowd of over 500 veterans and wellwishers in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

Leonie Elliott, best known for her role as Lucille Anderson in the BBC series Call the Midwife, is pictured speaking at the event today

+97
View gallery

Service personnel pictured watching from the standds during the commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

A veteran looked on as people gathered to attend a commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

Veterans and members of the armed services gathered this afternoon to commemorate D-Day in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron shook hands with a member of the armed forces as he arrived at the event

+97
View gallery

Artists are seen performing on stage during the event on Southsea Common in Portsmouth commemorating D-Day this afternoon

+97
View gallery

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets D-Day veteran Mr Eric Bateman, who delivered a moving address to the crowds of 500 wellwishers

+97
View gallery

Earlier, William praised the ‘bravery’ of those who took part in the D-Day landings and read an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment

”I must go now and look for the landing markings with my binoculars to ascertain our landing points. So, my darling, on we go! I know that you are with me. Au revoir, God bless, I love you!”

Prince William’s reading at the D-Day event in Portsmouth 

I am deeply honoured to join you today to recognise the bravery of all of those like John Haddock who participated in the D-Day landings, the start of the liberation of France and Europe, that led to victory of the Allied Powers.

Our guests of honour today are those veterans from the Normandy landing, that came from across our nation and from all walks of life to join in the fight against tyranny. Many of those that took up arms had never seen combat before, some were still only in their teens.

In their letters and diaries we see their great strength.

This is an extract from a letter by Captain Alastair Bannerman of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, addressed to his wife and written in his diary on the morning of D-Day:

It is now 03.00 hours in the morning and I have just been up to the bridge. It is rather light because the moon is shining, though heavy clouds cover her. One can see the row of small ships and of darker balloons silhouetted in front and behind us against the grey sea.

You, my angel, sleep gently in the nursery, I hope. Your thoughts have helped me so much. They have given me real strength. I can imagine how you listen to the news at 9 o’clock and think of me with love. I hope that Andrew’s golden head rests gently and quietly upon his small pillow and that Richard is nice and comfortable lying in his narrow little carry-cot.

A long line of flares hangs over Cherbourg, or I suppose it is Cherbourg, and a few anti-aircraft tracer shots go up in the air above the immediate front line. Funny to imagine that there Germans run around their guns. I would like to know what they are thinking. The whole Channel between us and Cherbourg is filled with little ships which all quietly and efficiently sail towards France. The British, Canadian and American fighting forces on the war-path.

I do not believe that I can now write for very long. We can now see the French coast and very soon we will have to play our part.

I must go now and look for the landing markings with my binoculars to ascertain our landing points. So, my darling, on we go! I know that you are with me. Au revoir, God bless, I love you!

Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, being taken prisoner and returning home to his wife and sons in April the next year. Too many never returned. They remain in ‘some corner of a foreign field that is forever England.’

We will always remember those who served and those who waved them off. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who watched their loved ones go into battle, unsure if they would ever return.

Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return.

William shared how Captain Bannerman survived the landings and the war, was taken prisoner, but returned home to his wife and sons in April the next year.

He added, quoting Rupert Brooke’s famous war poem The Soldier: ‘Too many never returned. They remain in ‘some corner of a foreign field that is forever England’.’

The prince said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to join the commemoration to recognise the bravery of those who took part in the landings.

William delivered his speech before the arrival of the King and Queen, with Charles also making his own address.

During the service, he sat between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

The prince was wearing his Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medals and his Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath neck order.

Dame Helen Mirren formerly introduced the event just after 11am by addressing the assembled veterans, saying: ‘The presence today of some of those who contributed to that remarkable venture is an extraordinary privilege.

‘Your bravery remains as inspiring now as it was eight decades ago. Thank you.’

The commemorations in Portsmouth opened with a musical performance and a flypast of two historic Dakota military transport aircraft, widely used by the Allies during the Second World War.

Charles and Queen Camilla will join the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer tomorrow.

Charles is said to have been determined to mark the landmark anniversary given it will be the last event of its kind that D-Day veterans will be able to witness.

This has been aided by a good recovery that has allowed his public duties to be brought forward by ‘about a month’, a source told The Times.

Meanwhile, William will attend the Canadian ceremony at Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer hosted by the Canadian government, alongside veterans and Canadian armed forces personnel.

The Prince of Wales will then attend the international commemorative ceremony at Omaha Beach, Saint Laurent sur Mer, later on June 6 alongside 25 heads of state and veterans from around the world.

William took his place in the royal box today alongside military veterans shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

Some veterans will attend two days of remembrance events in Portsmouth to mark the historic milestone.

The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with the 1944 battle laying the foundation for an Allied victory.

Troops from the UK, the USA, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the beaches at Normandy in northern France on June 6, 1944.

Allied troops departed from Portsmouth on June 5, so the UK and French governments will host memorial events at both ports to commemorate the D-Day landings.

+97
View gallery

FRANCE: D-Day veteran Henry Rice, 98, sheds a tear at the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery during the Spirit of Normandy Trust service in Coleville-Montgomery, France

+97
View gallery

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) speaks with Achille Muller (L), 98, last survivor of the Free French Forces, as they attend a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died in Brittany during World War II, at La Gree mill SAS (Special Air Service) memorial in Plumelec, western France

+97
View gallery

France’s President Emmanuel Macron (center R) and Achille Muller (center L), 98, last survivor of the Free French Forces, look on as a wreath is layed during a ceremony commemorating SAS paratroopers and Free French Forces who died

+97
View gallery

Princess Royal Anne attends a ceremony of unveiling of a statue of a Second World War Canadian Royal Regina Rifleman during a reception with members of the regiment to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, at Place des Canadiens in Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse, Normandy

+97
View gallery

Members of the royal box pictured as they stand and applaud at the start of this morning’s ceremony on Southsea Common in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

Prince William is seen talking with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at today’s national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

William, wearing his military medals, pictured alongside Mr Sunak and Ms Murty in Portsmouth at the event commemorating D-Day

+97
View gallery

Prince William is seen smiling as he greets former PM David Cameron – who was among the dignitaries in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

The Prince of Wales pictured shaking hands with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps at the D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth

Over the course of two days, the King, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a slew of other dignitaries, and-most importantly-those who fought on the beaches in 1944 will come together to remember the battle that became the turning point towards an Allied victory.

However, the proceedings have already begun for dozens of other Second World War veterans.

Yesterday, a slew of former D-Day soldiers boarded a ferry to make the journey from Portsmouth to Normandy once again, retracing their steps 80 years ago.

The morning will culminate in a flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.

The Prime Minister will then deliver a reading to the crowds and meet with veterans to hear their D-Day stories to mark the occasion.

In the afternoon, tributes will move to the beaches of Normandy, where hundreds of allied defence personnel will parachute into a historic D-Day drop zone to commemorate the airborne invasion of 80 years ago.

The Royal British Legion will host a commemoration service at Bayeux War Cemetery before the Ministry of Defence and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission host a joint UK-France thanksgiving service at Bayeux Cathedral.

Tonight, as the sun sets, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery will light up in honour of those who fought on the beaches. The light show will be streamed live on the BBC so all can witness the occasion.

+97
View gallery

Akshata Murty, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, next to Sir Keir Starmer and Johnny Mercer at today’s D-Day commemorations

+97
View gallery

Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer is seen posing for a photo at the D-Day commemoration in Portsmouth this afternoon

+97
View gallery

David Cameron sips from a can behind Sir Keir Starmer as the nation prepared to commemorate the D-Day landings in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

Johnny Mercer – the minister for Veterans’ Affairs and a local MP – pictured speaking with Former PM David Cameron in Portsmouth

+97
View gallery

A veteran looks on as people gather to attend today’s national commemorative event. Over 500 veterans gathered for the event

+97
View gallery

A Normandy veteran watches on as he prepares for the commemoration to begin on Southsea Common in Portsmouth this morning

+97
View gallery

Members of the military on stage during the UK’s national commemorative event as an emotional video was projected onto the big screen

On Thursday – the 80th anniversary of D-Day – commemorations will begin in Normandy at 7.25am, the same time the beach invasion began in 1944.

A military piper will land on the beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains in a Royal Marines landing craft and begin playing a lament in tribute to those who led the beach landings.

The official British commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, where the King will join French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Sunak.

Charles and Camilla hosted four D-Day veterans at Buckingham Palace yesterday, hearing moving personal stories and seeing their poignant keepsakes.

+97
View gallery

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey chats to a fellow attendee at today’s event in Portsmouth commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day

+97
View gallery

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps speaks with service personnel at the event this morning before the D-Day event got underway

+97
View gallery

Lone bagpiper Richard Cowie, from the Cumbria Freemasons, warms up his pipes ahead of playing at a D-Day commemoration event on Windermere, Lake District

+97
View gallery

Mr Richard Cowie will be playing on board one of Windermere Lake Cruises traditional steamers at Bowness-on-Windermere today

+97
View gallery

Planes fly overhead the Standing with Giants installation at the Normandy British Memorial, in Ver-Ser-Mer, France, this morning

+97
View gallery

The memorial – pictured this morning – features 1,475 silhouettes across the wild meadow fields of the British Normandy Memorial

Football boots carried on the straps of a military backpack, dog tags still bearing blood, and photos of a much cherished wife were among the mementoes shared with Charles and Camilla.

Charles, in turn, read aloud from his grandfather’s handwritten diary, recounting George VI‘s D-Day entry about the breaking news of the ‘successful landings’ in June 1944.

The special meeting was filmed and will be broadcast as part of BBC One’s D-Day 80: Tribute to The Fallen on June 5.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally broken their silence on an episode of South Park in which they were mercilessly mocked and ridiculed, slamming claims that they are planning to sue the show – while failing to address reports that the Duchess was left ‘upset and overwhelmed’ by their unflattering depiction.

The satirical cartoon launched a series of attacks against the couple in an episode of the show, which was entitled The Worldwide Privacy Tour and depicted the couple embarking on a publicity blitz to promote the Prince’s new book, Waaagh.

After the show aired, reports surfaced suggesting that 41-year-old Meghan had been left ‘upset and overwhelmed’ by the couple’s less-than-flattering portrayal – while one royal commentator claimed that the Sussexes’ lawyers were ‘casting an eye’ over the animated series.

However, a spokesperson for Harry, 38, and his wife has now slammed speculation that they are planning to sue South Park over the satirical episode, blasting the rumors as ‘boring and baseless’ in a statement given to Newsweek.

The terse statement did not address claims that the couple’s lawyers will be monitoring the show in order to see whether South Park’s creators launch any fresh attacks on the pair in the future. Similarly, no comment was made in response to claims that Meghan has been left ‘upset and overwhelmed’ by the couple’s depiction in the episode.

‘We want privacy!’ South Park ROASTS Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
0:00

Previous

Play

Skip

Mute

Current Time0:00

/

Duration Time1:09

Fullscreen

Need Text

+10
View gallery

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally broken their silence on a now-infamous episode of South Park in which they were mercilessly ridiculed

+10
View gallery

A spokesperson for the couple has now spoken out to slam speculation that they are planning to sue the satirical cartoon, blasting the rumors as ‘boring and baseless’

It comes just one day after royal commentator Neil Sean told Fox News that representatives for the pair were watching the series closely for any more attacks.

He said: ‘According to sources close to the ex-Royals, it appears that, like so many things with Meghan and Harry, this may have legal ramifications attached.

‘Their legal team are casting an eye over the episode to see what is wrong, and what could be turned into something more sinister.’

Sean added that the makers of South Park have, as yet, received no legal correspondence.

Last week’s episode depicted the ‘Prince and Princess of Canada’ – a young royal couple who loudly beg for privacy while drawing attention to themselves.

The red-headed prince and his wife, who wears the same pink outfit that Meghan wore for Trooping the Colour in 2018, are seen promoting the prince’s book – Waaagh – the cover of which strongly resembles Harry’s memoir Spare.

The episode is filled with swipes at the Sussexes, with main character Stan branding their cartoon equivalents the ‘dumb prince and his stupid wife’, while Kyle complains about the private jet parked outside their home.

Meghan is cuttingly referred to in the show as a ‘sorority girl, actress, influencer, and victim’ – and it was claimed this week by a source familiar with the couple that she had been left ‘upset and overwhelmed’ by the couple’s depiction in the animated series.

+10
View gallery

Meghan and Harry’s spokesperson did not address reports that the Sussexes’ lawyers will be monitoring future South Park episodes for any further attacks on the pair

+10
View gallery

Last week’s episode depicted the ‘Prince and Princess of Canada’ – a young royal couple who loudly beg for privacy while drawing attention to themselves

According to a source in California, Meghan has spent the last few days ‘upset and overwhelmed’ over how she was portrayed. The source added to The Spectator that the Duchess of Sussex ‘is annoyed by South Park but refuses to watch it all.’

The now-infamous episode opens with Kyle’s younger brother Ike, adopted from Canada, inconsolable at the news that the Queen of Canada – who resembles the late Queen Elizabeth II – is dead.

The Prince and Princess of Canada are seen at a large state funeral, where they are booed by the rest of the royal family, accused of bashing the Canadian monarchy.

Against the backlash, the couple appear on breakfast television to demand their privacy.

Arriving on the set of Good Morning Canada with a book to promote, the prince holds aloft a placard reading, ‘we want privacy’, while the princess’s banner reads: ‘Stop looking at us.’

The host asks whether, in reporting on the royal family for his new book, ‘Waaagh’, he has now become a journalist himself, despite hating them.

‘We just want to be normal people – all this attention is so hard,’ the prince replies.

The couple are challenged by the host who questions how sincerely they want privacy, and the royals storm off the set.

+10
View gallery

The episode takes aim at Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, by showing the Prince of Canada promoting his own near-identical tome, which is entitled Waaagh

+10
View gallery

Having stormed off a morning show appearance, the couple then embark upon a ‘Worldwide Privacy Tour’ in which they travel the globe parroting their demands for privacy

They then board their private jet and embark on a worldwide ‘we want privacy’ tour – complete with dancing rainbows and a catchy theme tune.

They visit France and India where they chant their pro-privacy slogans to bemused locals – and even a field of kangaroos during a pit stop in Australia.

Eventually they settle in the quiet town of South Park, Colorado, in an attempt to appear more ‘normal’.

‘If we moved here, people would think we’re really serious about wanting to be normal,’ the characters insist.

However, their arrival in the small town is met with uproar from locals after they begin loudly parroting their demands for privacy once again, brandishing their ‘we want privacy’ signs as they exit their private aircraft, before posting banners outside their home that read: ‘Leave us alone,’ and ‘Respect our privacy’.

Kyle wakes one morning and finds that his house has been covered with magazines featuring the princess – many of which strongly resemble real-life cover shoots that Meghan and Harry have done in the past, including the Duchess’s interview with The Cut and one that saw them featured on the front of Time magazine.

When Kyle confronts the royals, the princess yells: ‘He victimized me!’

The prince then quickly springs to his wife’s defense.

‘This is an outrage!’ he cries. ‘We’ll see how he deals with my blue penis!’

It depicted Meghan as a ‘sorority girl, actress, influencer and victim’ and also described her as a ‘First Lady botherer’, seemingly taking aim at her relationship with Michelle Obama

+10
View gallery

+10
View gallery

The joke, which was only spotted by eagle-eyed viewers days after the show had aired, appeared to suggest that Meghan’s friendship with Michelle is cooling

This appears to refer to a case of frostbite detailed in Harry’s autobiography, Spare.

The prince and princess turn to a crudely-named marketing agency for help protecting their privacy.

‘There’s this horrible spy who lives across the street from us,’ the prince explains.

The branding manager says he already has a file on the princess, which she created several years ago.

‘I have your brand already: Sorority girl, actress, influencer and victim,’ he tells her.

The prince’s brand is decided as: ‘Royal prince, millionaire, world traveler, victim.’

The prince, inside the agency, suddenly has a lightbulb moment and realises that he doesn’t want to be a brand.

‘Trying to make ourselves into a brand just turned us into products,’ the Canadian prince declares.

‘No more magazines and Netflix shows, we can just live a normal life!’

He stands to leave, and walks towards the door – but his wife remains inside the branding company.

‘Come on honey, we don’t need this place!’ he says. ‘Honey?’

The prince leaves alone. Kyle rejoins his friends, who invite him out to play. The prince then arrives, and asks if he can play too, before bringing out his drum kit.

Phil Dampier said on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show the Sussexes should “try to build some bridges” after criticising the royals.

5

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry need to start ‘building bridges’, according to royal author Phil DampierCredit: AP

5

The royal expert claims the couple need to stop ‘slagging off the royal family’Credit: AP
The author shared: “They’ve got new PR people and if they listen to their PR people – sometimes people don’t listen to their PR people – but if they listen to their PR people, I’m sure they’re telling them that right, you’ve made your point, you’ve had Spare, you’ve had Netflix, you’ve had the Oprah Winfrey interview, you’ve got it all off your chest.

“Now’s the time to row back a bit and try and try and build some bridges or at least create a life for yourself.”

Phil, who is the author of Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan in their own words, claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent three-day Nigeria tour was a way for them to try to achieve that.

He added: “Obviously the Nigeria trip they were trying to do that, the jury’s out as to whether that was a good idea.

“I mean, some people call it a sort of ‘quasi’ Royal Tour and I’m not sure that the palace would have been particularly happy about it.

“But we can’t stop them doing these things if they want to.

“But it’s now time for them to focus on positive things and not just keep slagging off the royal family.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and have since relocated to California.

Following leaving royal duties behind four years ago, the couple have made a number of accusations against the Royal Family, including in their Netflix docuseries.

Meanwhile, in Prince Harry’s bombshell Spare memoir, he made a number of claims, including how William allegedly branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row at his then residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace, Nottingham Cottage.

Harry and William haven’t been seen together in years after their rift.

Recently, Prince Harry visited the UK for a three-day trip and didn’t see King Charles or Prince William.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said the reason for him not seeing King Charles was due to the monarch’s schedule.

They said: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

5

Royal author Phil Dampier spoke to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson for our Royal Exclusive showCredit: THE SUN

5

The Sussexes criticised the royals in their Spare memoir and in their Netflix documentaryCredit: Getty

5

Prince Harry visited the UK last month and didn’t meet up with Charles or WilliamCredit: Alamy

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.

“The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

The statement made no mention of Harry seeing Prince William.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter Lilibet turned three this week and has barely met her UK family, including her grandfather.

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

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.

Meghan Markle has reportedly set forth two conditions, including a ‘grovelling apology’, before she considers mending fences with Prince William and Kate Middleton, claims one Royal expert.

The Sussexes’ rapport with the Royal Family has been tense post their Royal duty departure in 2020 and their move stateside, placing Prince Harry and Meghan at loggerheads with the upper echelons of royalty.

Royal commentator Tom Quinn told the Mirror: “Harry would like a reconciliation, but supports his wife completely and until she feels that the Royal family have been sufficiently nice to her – and grovelingly apologised for the past – it’s not going to happen.”

One royal expert has claimed that Meghan has ‘demands’ to be met before she will consider a reconciliation with Kate and William -Credit:Getty Images
Since stepping back, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex haven’t shied away from airing their Royal grievances, be it through their explosive Oprah Winfrey interview or their contentious Netflix docuseries.

Quinn implies that Meghan is the barrier to Harry seeking amends with the Prince and Princess of Wales, despite Kate’s recent health scare, reports the Daily Record.

He maintained: “There has been a shift here since Kate’s illness Harry and Meghan do feel they need to extend an olive branch, but Meghan’s sense of grievance is still preventing anything really meaningful happening. Illness often brings warring family members together, and there have been hopes at Kensington Palace that Kate’s illness might do it.”

Royal author Tom Quinn maintains that Kate and William have extended an invation to Meghan and Harry -Credit:Getty Images
The royal author claims that William and Kate have made efforts to repair ties with the Sussexes and have extended an invitation to Meghan and Harry, encouraging them to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK for a visit – but Meghan has “refused.”

The Royal author alleges that despite efforts by William and Kate to mend fences with the Sussexes – including an invitation for Meghan and Harry to bring their children Archie and Lilibet to the UK for a visit – Meghan has declined.

“There is no way Meghan would bring the children to the UK,” he added. “William and Kate have suggested that Meghan and Harry bring the children and that the two couples and their families try to makeup, but the suggestion is not leading anywhere so far.”

The royal author claims that William and Kate would love Meghan and Harry to bring their children to the UK -Credit:alexilubomirski/Instagram
The relationship between the Sussexes and the Cambridges has been fraught following the Sussexes’ candid revelations about Royal life in their Netflix documentary series and their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare sent shockwaves through the Royal family with its explosive claims. The Duke of Sussex recounts a fierce row with his brother Prince William, accusing him of labelling Meghan Markle as “difficult”, “rude”, and “abrasive”.

The book goes on to describe how the altercation escalated, alleging that William grabbed Harry by the collar, ripped his necklace, and knocked him to the floor.

KATE Middleton is the “biggest star” among the royal family and “no one else compares” to her, The Sun’s royal photographer has said.

Arthur Edwards spoke on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show praised the Princess of Wales, 42, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, for being an “incredible woman.”

7

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards praised Kate Middleton for being the ‘biggest star’ of the royal familyCredit: Getty

7

The Princess of Wales was praised for being a great mum and ‘hardworking royal’Credit: Getty
Princess Kate has yet to return to her public role four months after having surgery in January, and later sharing that she was undergoing a preventative treatment programme.

A senior royal aide said she will only resume those duties once she has the “green light from doctors”.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, Arthur shared: “She’s just a huge star in the royal family. I mean, it’s no secret that she is the biggest star of them all.”

He added: “I think she’s just an incredible woman in my view.

“She is not only a mother and rearing three beautiful children, she’s a great member of the royal family.

“She’s a hardworking member of the royal family.

“She’s a great photographer, I have to say that, I must say her pictures get better and better and she shares them with us all.”

Hardworking royal

It was revealed last week that the Princess of Wales has played a key role in a new early years project and has been regularly informed about its development.

A senior royal aide confirmed: “The Princess of Wales was the driving force behind the business task force.

“She has been kept up to date since the inception of the task force and she has read the report and been briefed on it.”

Arthur, who has served as a royal photographer for The Sun for over 45 years and has done over 200 royal tours in over 120 countries, added that he expects the royal mum-of-three has been “pretty busy” working behind closed doors.

He continued: “I imagine like the King when he was getting treatment he was still working on his boxes and stuff, I imagined she’s doing the same.

“Even though we’re not seeing her, she’s not making public appearances, I imagine she’s still pretty busy doing that.”

He added that he thought it “won’t be long” before we see Princess Kate in action again.

7

Princess Kate and King Charles have been supporting one another through their cancer treatmentsCredit: AFP

7

Arthur praised Kate’s photography skills. Pictured is a shot she took of her family to commemorate William’s 38th birthdayCredit: AP

7

The Sun’s Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards spoke to Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson on our Royal Exclusive showCredit: The Sun

7

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer doing royal duties after stepping back in 2020Credit: The Mega Agency
Arthur said: “The thing is, they can’t engage with the public because of infection, that’s the problem.

“So it’s not like you wouldn’t want to, it’s just she’s ordered not to.”

Box office star

This follows recent YouGov data finding Kate to be the most popular royal with 76 per cent of people viewing her positively, which is an increase of six per cent since January.

Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous: “There’s no doubt that the Princess of Wales is the box office star of the royal family and they are missing her terribly.”

Prince William is the second most popular royal with a 73 per cent approval rating, Princess Anne was third (71 per cent), with King Charles coming in fourth (63 per cent).

Kensington Palace’s original statement on Kate Middleton’s surgery

KENSINGTON Palace released a statement in January after Kate had undergone surgery.

Sources made it clear Kate would be out of action until at least Easter.

The palace said: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.

“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.

“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.

“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.

“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”

Prince Harry (31 per cent) and Meghan Markle (26 per cent) came bottom of the list, with only Prince Andrew (six per cent) below them in the table.

This follows Harry slamming the royal family in his bombshell Spare memoir where he claimed William ‘attacked’ him in a row over Meghan.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also spilled details about the royal family in their Harry & Meghan Netflix documentary.

Finding solace

Kate and King Charles are said to be “seeking solace and comfort from one another” and will be each other’s “shoulder to lean on” after both being diagnosed with cancer.

Amid their ongoing health battles, royal commentator Jennie Bond claimed the pair, who have been growing “closer and closer” over the years, will take comfort in the fact they both have a “shoulder to lean.”

She’s just a huge star in the royal family. I mean, it’s no secret that she is the biggest star of them all

Arthur EdwardsThe Sun’s Royal Photographer

The Sun previously revealed King Charles had an “emotional” lunch with “beloved daughter-in-law” Kate hours before she revealed cancer diagnosis.

“Charles and Catherine have been getting closer and closer over the years,” the royal commentator told Bella.

“He’s had a lot of admiration for her, even before they both became ill, but adversity always has the effect of binding people so much closer together.”

7

Kate has the most positive public opinion, according to the recent pollCredit: YouGov

John Lennon’s son took to Twitter last week to mock Prince Harry’s memoir, and royal fans aren’t happy.

Sean Ono made a comment on Prince Harry’s memoir title (Image: Getty)

Sean Ono has received death threats after mocking Prince Harry’s memoir with a brutal two-word swipe.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Sean revealed that he has faced numerous death threats after he made an indirect comment that Harry should have titled his memoir “Spare Me”.

He wrote: “I’ve had three to four death threats since making fun of Harry’s book title and then later saying it was justified because he’s an idiot and that he and I both deserve to be mocked. Yay internet.”

Some comments were particularly hurtful, with one referencing his late father’s murder.

John Lennon was murdered in December 1980 by Mark David Chapman, who was sentenced to 20 years to life before being repeatedly denied parole.

READ MORE Meghan’s pal brutally mocked Kate for missing Lilibet’s birthday

Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal newsJoin us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Sean’s initial tweet read: “My long-awaited review of Prince Harry’s autobiography is two words: ‘Spare Me.’”

He added: “We met once. That was before I realised he was an idiot.”

In a separate post, Sean said he sympathises with Harry to a certain level but that the Duke of Sussex has “earned some mockery”.

He wrote: “I do empathise with him generally. But the way he whines and wangs on about things is really too much. I’m just having a little fun. I think he’s earned some mockery. (I’m sure I have as well).”

READ MORE Inside Lilibet’s very unusual christening that broke protocol

Prince Harry’s book was released in January 2023 (Image: Penguin Random House)

 SUBSCRIBE
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

This is not the first time that Sean has criticised Spare. After the 316-page read was published, he said: “When Harry’s editor read the sentence: ‘My penis was oscillating between extremely sensitive, and borderline traumatised,’ did they not want to stage an intervention of some sort?

“I mean that is for sure one of the worst sentences ever written in the English language.”

Prince Harry released his memoir in January 2023. He received a mountain of criticism over the attacks in the book against members of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry’s memoir is titled Spare (Image: Getty)

Harry has no been tipped to release a “Spare 2.0” because of the initial release’s commercial success.

Speaking about the limited information on Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Spare, royal expert and biographer Robert Hardman – as quoted by The Independent – said: “Now, as an author, that says to me one thing and one thing only: part two might be on its way.”

Following its release, Spare became the UK’s fastest-selling non-fiction book ever.

A shy Prince Harry was seen looking extremely happy in a clip which has been dubbed his fans’ ‘favourite moment’.

Prince Harry could be seen announcing the birth of Archie (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Prince Harry enthusiasts have been gushing over a resurfaced clip that captures the Duke of Sussex beaming with joy, dubbing it a top moment for the Royal.

A bashful Prince Harry, 39, was captured on film ambling towards the lens, hands tucked away, as ardent Royal Family followers declared this scene as “one of my favourite moments”. The footage, shared on Twitter, quickly amassed thousands of likes, endearing the Duke to fans even more with his charming demeanour in the video.

The video’s caption expressed heartfelt sentiment: “Undoubtedly one of my favourite moments. Watching Prince Harry so overjoyed at the birth of his sweet baby Archie warms my heart. Am so happy he got the beautiful family he always dreamed of.”

An animated Prince Harry was heard exclaiming “X marks the spot” while grinning during a media appearance. Surrounded by horses, he paused to admire them, sharing a smile before turning back to face the camera.

READ MORE: Firm ignore Lilibet’s birthday in brutal snub to Harry and Meghan

This endearing moment occurred shortly after the arrival of his son, Archie, who entered the world on May 6, 2019.

In the heartwarming footage, the Duke is seen briskly rubbing his hands together before joyfully announcing: “I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy earlier this morning, a very healthy boy.

“Mother and baby are doing incredibly well. It’s been the most amazing experience I can ever possibly imagine. How any woman does it is beyond comprehension, but we’re both absolutely thrilled.”

Later in the footage, Prince Harry was overheard lavishing praise on Meghan, expressing his immense pride for the Duchess of Sussex before returning indoors. The affectionate Royal even took a moment to thank the horses behind him.

Archie was born on May 6, 2019 (Image: Getty Images)

The resurfaced video from May 2019 delighted the public who took to social media to express their sentiments.

One touched viewer wrote: “Aww thank you for revisiting and reminding us what a beautiful joyful day that was. To see Harry so happy warms my heart so so much. Meghan his soul mate gave him the love he was so lacking in that system.”