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Online post, media misleadingly claim Nigeria’s first lady criticised Meghan’s choice of clothes

I asked 50 men over the age of 40 what they think of Meghan Markle & her behavior in Nigeria

They all said the same thing

“She’s a low class, uneducated actress who married a prince and thinks she can preach to others how to live their lives” pic.twitter.com/Q2dY0O3gWG

— MeghansMole©️ (@MeghansMole) May 11, 2024

The visit of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle to Nigeria in May elicited a flurry of media attention. It also sparked disinformation when a YouTuber suggested that a video showed Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu berating the Duchess of Sussex for dressing indecently during her trip to the West African country.

But the claim, which made international headlines, is misleading: Tinubu’s comments were aimed at young Nigerian women in her televised speech. The first lady’s office told AFP Fact Check she had not criticised “Meghan’s dressing”. The TV station that filmed the speech and whose footage was shown in the YouTuber’s post, also denied that Tinubu had reprimanded Markle.

“Meghan Markle managed to create an international incident! We warned her about the clothes,” reads a post shared on X on May 25, 2024.

A screenshot of the misleading claim, taken on May 29, 2024
It features a 1’14” clip of Nigerian First Lady Oluremi Tinubu speaking at an event.

It also contains two photos: one shows Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wearing a patterned halter-neck gown. In the other, she is seen in a dress with spaghetti straps, holding Prince Harry’s hand as they walk together.

The caption includes disparaging hashtags directed at Markle.

The post has received nearly 3,000 likes and more than 350 reshares.

It was shared by Nancy Sidley-Sussex, one half of a US online duo called the Sidley Twins who run a YouTube channel discussing “pop culture” and “Royal gossip” (archived here). Their feed, which boasts more than 50,000 subscribers, features numerous clips critical of Markle.

News outlets around the world, including British media, picked up Sidley-Sussex’s X post.

UK tabloid The Sun ran a story with the headline “Meghan Markle is blasted by Nigeria’s First Lady over her ‘nakedness’ during ‘faux royal visit’ to the country” (archived here). Other examples can be found here, here, here and here.

The claim surfaced after Markle and Prince Harry visited Nigeria in May to promote his Invictus Games (archived here).

During the trip, Meghan spoke at an event for women in leadership with Nigerian-born World Trade Organization director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The Duchess discussed her Nigerian heritage – referring to the West African nation as “my country” – and being a role model for women.

“I think, being African-American, part of it is not really knowing so much about your genealogy, background, where you came from specifically,” Meghan told the audience on May 10, 2024 (archived here).

“It was exciting…to discover more and what that (having Nigerian heritage) really means.”

A few days later, Nigeria’s first lady held an address celebrating her husband Bola Tinubu’s first year in office and discussed the importance of “good morals” and “cultural values” (archived here).

However, the claim that she criticised Meghan’s choice of clothing is misleading.

‘Meghan’s Nigerian Heritage’

In her speech, seen in the clip shared by Sidley-Sussex, Tinubu reprimanded young Nigerian women for dressing indecently, accusing them of mimicking “film stars from America” who “don’t know where they came from” (archived here).

She then said that Markle had visited Nigeria “looking for Africa” to understand her identity and where she came from.

The first lady did not comment on the Duchess’s attire. Tinubu’s office also said her comments had been taken out of context.

“She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here,” the office said in an email to AFP Fact Check.

“At no point did she say anything about Meghan’s dressing.”

Arise News, whose clip was used in the misleading post, also rejected the claim.

The footage shows Tinubu commenting that Markle “came looking for her roots,” the broadcaster told AFP Fact Check.

Prince Harry and Meghan quit the royal frontline in 2020. They now live in California and have been largely estranged from the family following an acrimonious split (archived here).

We are used to seeing royal women in formal skirts, expensive gowns or, from time to time, even jeans. 

Yet even today, leather, is likely to raise an eyebrow or two.

It was Princess Diana who first led the way when she wore bright scarlet trousers for a theatre outing in 1987.

Leather has slowly and stylishly been infiltrating royal wardrobes ever since…

Diana, Princess of Wales

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Princess Diana made a memorable entrance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1987 – thanks to her striking leather trousers

Always one to break the mould, Princess Diana made a memorable entrance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End in 1987 – thanks to her striking leather trousers.

For a performance of Phantom of the Opera, the royal paired her vibrant trousers with a voluminous bomber jacket, showcasing her distinctive style.

Queen Letizia of Spain 

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Queen Letizia of Spain has reached for her Hugo Boss leather trousers on three occasions. Above: During an outing in Barcelona in November 2022

A staple in Queen Letizia’s wardrobe, these Hugo Boss trousers have been worn by her on three separate occasions.

Made from genuine leather, they incorporate a flattering high waist and a slim, cropped leg.

The rich berry hue offers a welcome splash of colour, without being overly conspicuous.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

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Meghan Markle impressed in a pair of form-fitting leather trousers at a 2016 Suits event in New York

Meghan Markle is known for her appreciation of leather in its various forms, ranging from biker jackets to pencil skirts.

In 2016, she impressed at a Suits event in New York, wearing a pair of form-fitting leather trousers.

She completed her polished ensemble with nude lace-up heels and a swipe of red lipstick.

Charlene, Princess of Monaco 

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Princess Charlene showed off her edgy flair in Philip Plein trousers at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards gala

Princess Charlene of Monaco demonstrated her edgy flair at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards gala.

For the occasion, the royal chose faux leather Philip Plein trousers, a Prince of Wales checked bustier and classic court shoes.

To finish her outfit, she draped a double-breasted blazer across her shoulders.

Princess Eugenie 

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Princess Eugenie exuded glamour as she arrived at Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill in 2020

After employing stylist Olivia Buckingham, Princess Eugenie quickly transformed into a style maven.

The royal showed off her newfound glamour during an excursion in Notting Hill in 2020.

Her outfit featured a pair of faux leather leggings, which proved perfect for the swanky location of Casa Cruz restaurant.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

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Queen Maxima of the Netherlands lived up to her style reputation at the meeting of NLgroeit at Centraal Beheer

Beloved for her bold fashion choices, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands did not disappoint in this plum-coloured ensemble.

She teamed a Zara polka dot blouse with cropped leather trousers, completing the look with suede court shoes for a meeting in 2019.

Zara Tindall 

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Zara Tindall paired sleek leather trousers with a suede trench coat for a visit to the races in April

Zara Tindall was the epitome of chic during a recent visit to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The daughter of Princess Anne opted for sleek leather trousers, paired with a suede trench coat by Fairfax and Favor.

Adding a touch of sophistication, she accessorised with a Camilla Rose Millinery headband, LK Bennett boots and an Aspinal of London bag, resulting in a flawless aesthetic.

Princess Lilibet Diana is celebrating her third birthday today (June 4), and fans think she is a spitting image of one member of the Royal Family.

Princess Lilibet turns three today (Image: Social media)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are ringing in a special milestone today (June 4) as their darling princess turns three.

Born in sun-kissed California in June 2021, Princess Lilibet got her namesake from the late Queen Elizabeth II, hailing her roots while adding a sweet nod to Harry’s beloved mum with Diana as her middle name.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex threw a birthday bash for their little one at their swank Montecito abode, Santa Barbara, just last weekend. It was reportedly an intimate gathering, attended by their friends and relatives based stateside. The Royal Family, however, were not in attendance.

Eager followers will undoubtedly want to get an insight into the birthday party, anticipating Meghan and Harry to roll out some photos. An earlier sneak peek into their home life and Lilibet’s first birthday via their Netflix docuseries saw fans spot a striking resemblance between the baby girl and a particular Royal Family member.

Secluded celebrations took place at Frogmore Cottage where photographer Misan Harriman earned himself a coveted spot on the select guest list. Snaps from the heartwarming celebration showed the birthday girl looking oh-so-adorable in a chic bow-adorned hairstyle and her special day dress.

This morning (June 4) has seen a flurry of social media activity with thousands pouring in their well-wishes for the young princess. One fervent Royal fan mentioned in a tweet about the noticeable similarity in looks between the cherubic Princess Lilli and her late grandmother.

They penned: “Happy Birthday Princess Lilli. You look so much like your grandmother, Princess Diana.” People on X seemed to agree with the sentiment, with one saying: “I am convinced Lilibet will grow up to look just like Diana.”

Another chimed in: “Lilibet looks 100% like her grandma (Princess Diana).” Another added: “Archie looks like Meghan and Lilibet looks like Diana’s family.”

One other wrote: “The only granddaughter that resembles the late Princess Diana is Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Princess Lilibet inherited her grandmother blue eyes, face shape and smile.”

During a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Meghan Markle gave an intimate portrayal of her daughter Lilibet’s personality, ahead of her third birthday. Engaging in a discussion about mental health, the Duchess of Sussex said: “Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three.

“Just a few weeks ago, she looked at me and saw her reflection in my eyes. She said ‘Mama, I see me in you’. Though she meant it quite literally, I took those words in a far different vein. And though I do see me and you in her words, as I look around this room, I also see myself reflected in all of you.”

Prince Harry wrote about using marijuana, cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms in his bestselling memoir Spare, leading to questions about what he disclosed on his US visa application.

A royal commentator has warned things could be ‘very different’ for Harry if Donald Trump is re-elected. (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may target a move to Canada if they’re forced to leave the US over the Duke’s ongoing visa row, a royal commentator has claimed.

Harry publicly admitted past drug use in his January 2023 tell-all memoir Spare, and it has led to questions over whether this was admitted on his American visa application.

Speaking to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said the Prince “must regret having been so frank about drugs in his book. It really wasn’t a necessary part of the narrative although I understand that he was trying to explain his mental health issues.”

“But admissions like that can have consequences and, right now, he must be feeling the heat,” she added.

“I think he’s fine as long as the Biden administration continues to back him. But things could be very different if [Donald] Trump became president again.

The pair have relocated to California since stepping down as senior royals in 2020. (Image: Getty)

But she said she ultimately couldn’t imagine the US throwing out the royal. “Lawyers would find some way around it, I think,” she said. “But it must be an unnecessary worry and embarrassment for Harry at the moment.”

“I suppose if the worst came to the worst, they would have to find somewhere else to live but I doubt that it would be the UK,” Bond added. “Perhaps Canada would look kindly on them. But I don’t think it will come to that.”

Last year, the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation launched a lawsuit demanding the Joe Biden administration make Harry’s US visa documents public, to show whether past drug use was disclosed.

It came after the Prince wrote about using marijuana, cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms in his bestselling memoir.

Illicit drug use can result in non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications being rejected, though immigration officers can use discretion to make a final decision, taking into account several factors.

The Duke and Duchess visited Nigeria last month in their first major overseas trip. (Image: Getty)

A judge in the US is currently reviewing the case, and a decision may take weeks.

The Department of Homeland Security has argued that this information should remain confidential and said it will not be released while President Biden is in office.

United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane Hartley has insisted that the current president would under no circumstances deport the Duke.

However, a former staffer in the administration of Trump, who will face US President Joe Biden in November’s general election, has claimed Harry would not receive favourable treatment should their ex-boss regain the White House.

The Sussexes relocated to California with their children Lilibet and Archie after stepping down as senior royals in January 2020.

The late Queen Elizabeth made an “out of character” comment about Meghan Markle during a reception at Balmoral in 2022, a source has claimed.

One month before her passing, the late Queen Elizabeth II made a shocking remark about Meghan Markle that stunned attendees at a royal event in Balmoral, Scotland, an insider has claimed.

The source claimed that the monarch, aged 96, labelled her granddaughter-in-law “evil”.

Speaking to The Spectator, the source said the alleged incident occurred at a Balmoral reception in August 2022.

The source explained: “It was out of character for the Queen to use such a word as ‘evil’ to describe Meghan, but she saw straight through her.

“It was a startling sentence to hear from the most forgiving woman on earth.

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Queen Elizabeth’s ‘startling’ dig at Meghan Markle just one month before she died. (Image: Getty)

“At the drinks before the dinner, a small group were talking to the monarch and she explained that Harry meeting Meghan had become a complete catastrophe and described her as evil.

“The Queen, whose health was known to be failing and who had only months to live, appeared to express regret over how the situation had unfolded.”

Despite the Queen’s alleged remarks, Meghan has always spoken fondly of the late monarch.

In the past, she described their relationship as “lovely and easy”.

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Meghan Markle has always spoken highly of the Queen. (Image: Getty)

“The Queen has always been wonderful to me,” she revealed to Oprah Winfrey during their infamous 2021 interview.

“I’ve loved being in her company. She’s always been warm, welcoming, and inviting.”

 

But following their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan made numerous explosive claims about other members of the Royal Family.

Among these was the notorious allegation that Prince William physically confronted Prince Harry during a dispute concerning Meghan.

 

 

The young royal, who is thought to have only visited the UK once, was born in California – a stark difference to the start of Archie’s life in the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have largely kept their two children out of the media spotlight, but have given fans a rare glimpse into their lives over the past few years.

In 2022, Meghan and Harry featured various sweet clips and pictures of their little girl on their Netflix docuseries – and shared an official picture of Lilibet to mark her first birthday back in 2022.

Here Express.co.uk looks at five adorable pictures of Harry and Meghan’s little girl to mark her third birthday.

Meghan and Harry shared the happy news of Lilibet’s birth two days after she was welcomed to the world. On June 6, 2021, the proud parents shared a statement via their Archewell website, which read, “On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.” They added: “She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe.” Their daughter’s full name is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Her name pays homage to her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II – who held the nickname of ‘Lilibet’. Her middle name honours her late grandmother, and Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.

(Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

In their Netflix docuseries in 2022, Meghan and Harry gave fans a glimpse of their daughter’s first year. Having not shared many pictures beforehand, the pair shared touching personal images, including one of a newborn Lilibet tucked into Meghan’s arms. The little one can be seen sleeping peacefully, and wrapped up in a blanket, she lay in her arms. Meghan previously told Ellen Degeneres in 2021 that their son “loved” being a big brother to his new sister.

(Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

Unlike following the birth of their son, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle didn’t formally present their daughter to the world following her birth. The couple, however, surprised fans with a first glimpse of Lilibet in December 2021. The couple released a Christmas card to the world – which was also the first official portrait of the family-of-four. Meghan is holding her little girl – who at the time was around five or six-months-old – in the air with both her and Harry beaming up at Lilibet. Archie, sporting his father’s same red hair, was sat on Harry’s knee.

(Image: Instagram-alexilubomirski)

Meghan and Harry also documented their daughter’s first steps in their Netflix docuseries at the end of 2022. In one clip, Lilibet can be seen being aided by her mum. A few months prior, Harry had revealed that his then-10-month-old daughter had began walking. In an interview for PEOPLE, Harry said: “[Lilibet’s] current priorities are trying to keep up with her brother; she took her first step just a few days ago! Proud papa, here.” Affectionately speaking of their daughter, Harry and Meghan are both known to refer to her as ‘Lili’.

(Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

Princess Lilibet is thought to have spent her first birthday in Britain. The little one joined her parents and brother in the UK for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A few days after her birthday, which reportedly included a low-key party at Frogmore Cottage, an adorable photo of Lilibet was released to the public. The little girl can be seen, like her brother, sporting their dad’s red locks and, according to Harry, Lili also has “blue, blue, blue eyes”. Gushing over his little girl, Harry also said in their docuseries that Lili favors the Spencers and that he sees “a lot of his mum in Lili”.

A royal author has revealed the true cost of Prince Harry’s estrangement on other members of the family, and how this has affected hopes of a reconciliation.

Prince Harry’s ‘deepest concern’ has been revealed. (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry’s “deepest upset” has been revealed by a royal expert amid ongoing tensions with the Royal Family that have been growing since his departure from royal life in 2020.

The Duke has experienced an increasingly strained relationship with his family since stepping down as a senior working royal with Meghan Markle, and subsequently making a series of bombshell claims against them.

Now, a royal author has revealed the true cost of this estrangement on other members of the family and how this has affected Prince Harry.

Royal expert Tom Quinn said the feud is now impacting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – their father’s “deepest upset”.

He told The Mirror: “We know that Harry’s deepest upset concerns not just his lack of relationship with George, Charlotte and Louis, but also his own children’s lack of a relationship with their cousins.”

Quinn said Prince Harry would want his children to have a relationship with his cousins. (Image: Getty)

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s cousins are Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte – the three children of Prince William and Princess Kate.

Prince Harry hasn’t seen his brother Prince William recently as his rift with the royals rumbles on, and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon, so their children don’t have any relationship with each other.

While their children could provide a way to end the Royal Family feud, Quinn believes Prince Harry and Meghan still “cannot see a way” to end it and bring about a reconciliation.

He said: “Harry and Meghan would love to get around the problem – they would love it if the cousins could meet regularly and have a positive relationship as they grow up.

“But they cannot see a way to do it while they themselves, Harry and Meghan, are estranged. Harry has said that he hopes the cousins can at least be friends as adults.”

It’s not just Prince Harry that has regrets over the current feud, according to Quinn. He claimed Prince William has also been hit with a “sad reminder” of just how much has been lost, and it also involves his children.

Quinn explained: “William’s hints that his son George might follow in his footsteps and become a pilot will certainly remind Harry of everything he is missing.

“After all, Harry was himself a helicopter pilot and would love to entertain his nephew with tales of his own time in the air. It’s a sad reminder that he has no relationship at all with George.”

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are in a ‘battle over raising Archie and Lilibet as both royals and Americans’, says a royal expert.

Esteemed royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, claimed The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s children face an “upbringing with which is unorthodox to the rest of the world”.

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Harry and Meghan are ‘battling’ over Archie’s upbringing, it is claimedCredit: Mega

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Meghan and Harry shared a candid shot with Doria and Archie on his birthday two years agoCredit: Netflix
Dividing time between the UK and the States could be a nightmare for the royal couple.

Meghan faces a “hostile press” and “rift with the Royal Family”, should she cross the pond with Archie and Lilibet – who ” have obvious links to Britain”.

It’s a balance between Harry raising them as Royals and Megan, raising them as Americans

Richard Fitzwilliams

Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: “There’s little doubt that Megan and Harry are raising Archie and Lily very much the same way as in in the United States is as they would here.

“Because obviously you get an occasional photograph, or and you get an obsession, and quite rightly, with privacy.

“Also, you’re dealing with very young people so far as the rather extraordinary circumstances in which Archie and Lily find themselves, the fact that they are being raised in the United States, and yet, of course, have obvious links to Britain.

“And obviously the British Royal family, I mean whether one day they choose to use that titles.”

While the future is unknown, the expert questioned the duke’s bid for more security and how comfortable his wife – previously branded “toxic” – would fare in the UK.

“Megan is extremely unpopular, and that does feed into the narrative which is linked to their children, because it’s most unlikely they would come without their mother, and if Megan comes she knows very well she’s firstly got a hostile press,” Continued Mr Fitzwilliams.

“Secondly, there’s the rift with the royal family.

“This doesn’t bode well.”

He also believed it would be “quite a long period of time”, before anything healing could happen with Prince William.

The royal commentator believed there would be more fuss made over Archie and Lilibet in the States.

“They may very well prove to be extremely popular, but their parents aren’t,” he added.

“I think that his parents have certainly in the way that things are working out, at least at the moment, have arranged a very unorthodox future for him.

“It’s a balance between Harry raising them as Royals and Megan, raising them as Americans.”

But Mr Fitzwilliams claimed it will be normal for the children “who’ve never known anything else”.

He added that the real difficulties will come later in life, “if they do choose to use royal titles”.

‘KING LEFT DOOR OPEN FOR HARRY’

It comes as Harry announced his return to the UK in just days for the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th Anniversary.

He will arrive at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8th May.

Archie’s birthday lands just two days prior and will mark the same day as King Charles’ first coronation anniversary, May 6

It will be his first time in Britain since Princess Kate announced she is receiving treatment for cancer on March 22.

While experts have speculated a face-to-face reunion may be on the cards with King Charles, it may be a much longer process with The Prince and Princess of Wales.

“The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception,” said Mr Fitzwilliams.

“It will take its time. But clearly the situation has changed in recent weeks beyond all expectations.

“I don’t think it would be too difficult, it depends how you define reconcile.

“I think there’s a long way to go before Harry is bringing over Meghan and the children.”

The royal expert also spoke of Harry meeting with Wills and Kate: “We don’t know, but Catherine is receiving preventative treatment for cancer and there’s no doubt it’s a very very difficult time for her, and it’s most unlikely that she would want visitors who might be in some form controversial, whatever the intention.

“William has a very deep rift with him and I don’t see it instantly being resolved.

“The Sussexes aren’t trusted by the Royal Family.”

‘WATCH THIS SPACE’

And, The Sun’s Royal Editor, Matt Wilkinson, answered all our readers’ burning questions surrounding Harry’s transatlantic trip.

Including his thoughts on Meghan returning to the UK and said: “Talks could be happening in the background in a vain hope that Meghan could arrive with their children and meet the King.

“She could join Harry at other Invictus events held next week.

“But I think she knows that she is not welcome and being the centre of attention will not go down well.

“Yes, I’d expect her to return on the odd occasion for major events like funerals, marriages or coronations, like Wallis Simpson would. But as for next week? Watch this space.”

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Meghan and Harry with newborn ArchieCredit: AFP

PRINCE Harry was backed by Princess Diana’s siblings at his Invictus bash yesterday — after being snubbed by his dad King Charles.

Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes joined him at the St Paul’s Cathedral ceremony.

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Prince Harry was backed by Princess Diana’s siblings at his Invictus bashCredit: Max Mumby

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Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes joined Harry at the ceremonyCredit: Splash

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The King was two miles away but too busy to meet his sonCredit: PA

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The King was just two miles away but too busy to meet Harry.

The Duke of Sussex hugged his late mum’s brother and sister Earl Spencer, 59, and Lady Jane Fellowes, 67, outside St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of a service marking ten years of his Invictus Games.

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

Just down the road, the King, Queen Camilla and royals mingled among 8,000 guests on the Palace lawns.

Harry had been keen to meet his dad on a three-day UK visit, but on Tuesday his office said it was not possible due to the King’s busy diary.

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

Yesterday, 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.

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.

‘Sucked up by the Royal Family’

“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.”

The King, back to public duties despite cancer treatment, led the royals at Buckingham Palace from 4pm.

Prince Harry’s statement in full

A spokesperson for Prince Harry said:

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week:

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

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

Also on the lawns were Princess Anne, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, plus the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The only working royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales.

William had conducted an investiture in Windsor earlier in the day, and Kate is not carrying out public duties due to her own cancer fight.

The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra were missing as they are carrying out less engagements due to their frailty.

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

Ingrid Seward

Applause erupted from the crowds as the royal party arrived on the Palace terrace.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla mingled among 8,000 guests at the Buckingham Palace Garden PartyCredit: PA

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Also on the Palace lawns was Princess AnneCredit: PA

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Earl Spencer with Wills, Harry and Charles at the 1997 funeral of DianaCredit: PA

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Princess Di’s brother ‘said he would look out for William and Harry in her place’Credit: Getty
The King then began greeting charity heroes with warm handshakes and big smiles. He was heard saying: “I’m not doing badly”. Asked ‘How are you feeling?’, he replied: “Not too bad.”

He chatted with Royal Commonwealth Society members plus Team GB’s synchronised swimming team — promising to watch them at the Paris Olympics.

In all, he spent around an hour with guests despite doctors “calibrating” his engagements.

This morning he will meet the 3 Royal School of Military Engineering (3RSME) at Gibraltar Barracks in Surrey.

He and Harry have not seen each other since February when the US-based Duke flew 5,000 miles following his father’s diagnosis.

WILLS ON DUTY AT WINDSOR

PRINCE William was just 25 miles away from Harry as he dished out gongs yesterday.

England goalkeeping heroes Mary Earps and Peter Shilton both picked up honours.

Shilton, 74, discussed England men’s Euros prospects with Wills as he was made a CBE.

He told reporters in Windsor: “I think we can win it. You just need a bit of luck . . . a bad referee decision.”

Earps, 31, was made an MBE for her services to football.

She said it will be the highlight of her season when she plays for Man United against Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday.

The pair then spoke for just 30 minutes. Today is Harry’s last in the UK before he and wife Meghan visit Nigeria for Invictus events.

He is currently appealing a decision to remove his automatic right to 24-hour armed police in the UK, stripped after Megxit.

One guard sat in the front row of the cathedral, while ex-Barack Obama bodyguard Christopher Sanchez watched on six feet behind the Duke.

 

Harry wore four medals on his chest including one awarded from his gran, Queen Elizabeth II for services to the monarchy.

But for the second time in recent weeks he failed to wear his King’s Coronation Medal.

Harry & the King can’t play happy families with such huge public attention, says The Sun’s Matt Wilkinson

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

Prince Harry is in London but he won’t meet his father The King.

The Duke of Sussex arrived from LA alone without Meghan or their children for a busy diary of events marking 10 years of his Invictus Games.

Before setting off from California it is understood Harry was said to have been “keen’ to see the King for only the second time since his cancer diagnosis.

It is rather telling that confirmation there will be no meeting has come from the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex rather than Buckingham Palace.

His team say “it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program”.

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

Now, the word that jumps out is “priorities”.

The King, we understand, is busy as he returns to public duty.

For instance, on Tuesday while Harry was in London the King was carrying out his constitutional duty and meeting the Prime Minister of Fiji at the palace.

He is also set to host a palace garden party and weekly audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

And Harry’s diary is packed full for three days with Invictus. However, they will be at times just two miles apart and risk even driving past each other on London’s roads.

Some observers may see this as “sad” that father and son cannot find time.

Others may say that it’s understandable as both have work commitments and “priorities”.

But maybe there has just been too much water under the bridge for father and son to play happy families amid such huge public attention.

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Prince Harry waves as he leaves after attending the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service of ThanksgivingCredit: Reuters

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Harry wore his military medals to the serviceCredit: AFP

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Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer seen at Harry’s serviceCredit: Getty

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Harry gave a reading during the service

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Harry hugged his uncle before taking his seat

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Harry was all smiles as he caught up with Diana’s brother

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Harry is in London for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus GamesCredit: Getty

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The Prince at an Invictus bash in central London yesterdayCredit: Getty

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly declined an invite to Archie’s godfather’s wedding to “avoid overshadowing the day”.

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, will marry Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral on June 7.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly declined an invite to Archie’s godfather’s weddingCredit: Getty

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Hugh Grosvenor, the seventh Duke of Westminster, 33, is marrying Olivia Henson next monthCredit: PA

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Prince William with General Timothy Granville-Chapman, Hugh Grosvenor and John PeaceCredit: AFP

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Hugh and William attend the wedding of Edward van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor at Chester Cathedral in 2004Credit: Getty
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not attend the wedding, the Sunday Times reported.

The 33-year-old aristocrat and businessman is godfather to Harry’s five-year-old son Prince Archie.

Their absence from the wedding is allegedly to “avoid royal tensions overshadowing the day”.

Reports emerged in December suggesting Harry and his wife Meghan were not on the guest list for the wedding.

Grosvenor was said to be concerned that the ongoing rift between Prince William and Harry could overshadow the day.

“It’s incredibly sad it has come to this,” a friend of the princes previously told the Sunday Times.

“Hugh is one of the very few close friends of William and Harry’s who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both.

“He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it’s unlikely to happen before the wedding.

“He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn’t want any awkwardness.”

However sources close to the Sussexes claim the pair did receive a “save the date” card but thought attending would be “too awkward”.

The Sun has contacted representatives of the Sussexes for comment.

It comes after it was reported the Prince of Wales is to be an usher at the wedding of his close friend.

William will be among the groom’s party at the 400-person ceremony.

The Princess of Wales, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is not expected to attend.

The Duke of Westminster is a godson of the King and godfather to William’s son, Prince George.

A timeline of Prince Harry and William’s ‘feud’: Brothers ‘at war’

IN 2018, the Sun told how “simmering tension

The first hints of friction reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace.

Once she’d returned home to Canada, William and Harry sat down for a brother-to-brother chat.

He knew Harry was already head-over-heels for her but it has been claimed he advised him to take it slowly.

The younger prince reportedly didn’t take too kindly to the advice, with one royal source saying he “went mental”.

Then in June 2019 Harry and Meghan officially split off from the charity they shared with William and Kate.

The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.

Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.

The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.

The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.

Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.

The move further increased rumours of a fallout.

Harry, 39, also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.

It came after Prince Philip called Meghan the “D.O.W” after the Duchess of Windsor — the American divorcee who led Edward VIII to abdicate.

And he warned the late Queen to be “cautious” of Harry’s then bride-to-be, a royal author claims.

Ingrid Seward revealed in new book My Mother And I that Prince Philip felt it was “uncanny…how much Meghan reminded him of the Duchess of Windsor”.

In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.

Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.

In 2022, just before their grandmother the Queen died, sources claimed Kate acts as a “peacemaker” between the brothers.

Last year Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan.

In his book Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.

Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.

He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.

In January this year, Harry flew in to be with Charles after the monarch’s shock cancer diagnosis.

Harry flew back to the US the following day – without seeing Wills.

The couple announced their engagement at Eaton Hall in Cheshire in April last year after being together for two years.

The Duke of Westminster topped The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 Rich List this week, boasting a fortune of £10.1 billion.

He became an instant billionaire when he inherited his title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate aged 25 following the death of his father from a heart attack in 2016.

His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns about 300 acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city centre developments such as Liverpool’s ONE shopping centre, and the duke is part of the royal inner circle.

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Hugh became an instant billionaire at 25Credit: Getty

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Prince Harry and Meghan attend a polo fundraiser event in Lagos, Nigeria, last weekCredit: Reuters

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Harry and Meghan have just completed a brief tour of NigeriaCredit: Getty

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Harry and William are said to have been feuding for several yearsCredit: AFP