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King Charles is taking on a new patronage for the Gordonstoun Association after spending his adolescence at the Moray boarding school, famously depicted in Netflix’s The Crown

Charles with his mum in 1967 at Gordonstoun (
Image: Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

The King has become a patron of the school he attended as a child after inheriting the role from his late-father.

Charles accepted the patronage of the Gordonstoun Association after he went to the prestigious Moray boarding school in the 1960s. Despite claims the monarch was miserable at the institution, the King previously made a touching nod to the school after choosing four Gordonstoun pipers to welcome him to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh for the Honours of Scotland ceremony.

Charles spent five years at the boarding school between 1962 and 1967, securing five O-levels and two A-levels, before going on to study archaeology and anthropology at Trinity College at Cambridge. The patronage marks the first anniversary of his coronation, and also comes as both he and Queen Camilla take on a litany of new similar roles for charities and institutions.

The King was said to have been miserable at the school, although recently made a gesture to his place of education in a ceremony in Scotland

King Charles photographed on May 13, 2024

The royal household recently announced a shake-up, with a host of new patronages for both the King and Queen following the death of the late-Queen Elizabeth. He now joins the Princess Royal as an official supporter of the school, with Anne holding the role of warden at Gordonstoun.

His time there was portrayed in an episode of The Crown, which depicts the 13-year-old Prince of Wales struggling to make friends and being subjected to brutal outdoor pursuits in the merciless Scottish weather. One former pupil of the school revealed in ITV documentary Charles: Our New King how he was often targeted by other boys, who blamed him for the strict rules there.

School principal Lisa Kerr said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has accepted patronage of the Gordonstoun Association. As our most prominent former student, His Majesty exemplifies so many of the qualities we seek to instil in our students, notably a lifelong commitment to service.

The late-Queen Elizabeth with Charles at the prestigious school in 1967

“That His Majesty has chosen a patronage of our alumni body is a great honour both for the school and all members of the Gordonstoun Association. We look forward to His Majesty’s engagement and support with the association and its members in the years to come.”

Heather Woodward, chairwoman of the association, added: “The aim of the Gordonstoun Association is to promote and strengthen pupils’ links with each other and the school. There is no person more suited than the King to highlight the unique experience of what it means to be a former student of Gordonstoun, and I am therefore delighted that His Majesty has accepted patronage of the Gordonstoun Association.

“Although it’s almost 60 years since His Majesty attended Gordonstoun, his duty to service is an example of how the ethos and values of the school teaches students to think about others rather than themselves. We are looking forward to engaging with the King on his views on how we can further the aims of the association.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning more trips after their successful visit to Nigeria, but senior royals fear they are being overshadowed, royal author Tom Quinn clims

The Royal Family has been engaging in “intense damage limitation discussions” over fears that senior royals are being “overshadowed” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a royal expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be already be planning future trips following their successful visit to Nigeria earlier this month which saw them promote the Invictus Games, and meet charity organisations and politicians in the country in West Africa. The Royal Family is currently postponing engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement this week after months of reduced engagements due to King Charles and Princess Kates’ cancer diagnoses. According to royal author Tom Quinn, senior royals have accepted that “for now they are going to be overshadowed”.

The expert argued that while Harry will “always be a member of the Royal Family”, the Sussexes feel “a sense of mission” since stepping down as senior royals. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Mr Quinn said: “So far as many world leaders are concerned, Harry is and always will be a member of the Royal Family. Believing their trip to Nigeria was a huge success, Meghan and Harry are already planning future trips.

The Sussexes’ 72-hour trip to Nigeria was successful ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Archewell F)

Meghan Markle and Catherine attending the Christmas Day morning church service before the Sussexes stepped down as senior royals ( 
Image:
PA)

“Intense damage limitation discussions are taking place at Kensington Palace and Clarence House, but until and unless Kate and King Charles recover fully, the senior Royals accept that for now they are going to be overshadowed.” Mr Quinn said Harry and Meghan feel that there was “a sense of injustice” within the Royal Family which prompted the Duke of Sussex to previously declare: “It’s us against the world.”

But according to the royal author, this worked in the pair’s interest as it created a “sense of mission” and a feeling that they needed to “stick together and be strong in the face of their enemies.” The expert told us: “At the core of Meghan and Harry’s intense relationship is a sense of injustice. Harry has actually said, ‘it’s us against the world’. Feeling driven in on themselves has actually worked to their advantage as it gives them an increased sense of mission and a sense that they need to stick together and be strong in the face of their enemies.”

King Charles III during The Sovereign’s Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 15 ( 
Image:
PA)
While in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan supported the “Giants of Africa” programming, including an announcement that they plan to expand their efforts by providing “an additional adaptive court and accessible sport for the community of Abuja.” Meghan and Harry also hosted a basketball clinic while they were there, with Harry taking to the court to “participate in an array of fun ball bouncing drills.”

And after their successful visit, sources claimed that Harry and Meghan could now be invited to Ghana. Insiders say the country’s leading bigwigs and artistic influencers are keen for the Sussexes to fly to Accra, the capital of Ghana that was so loved by Harry’s late Grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, and they will pull out all the stops to make them feel at home.

A source told The Mirror: “There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth. Several top names have already visited Ghana in recent years from Ed Sheeran, Naomi Campbell and One Direction’s Liam Payne. Idris Elba, who DJ’d at Harry and Meghan’s wedding is a regular too, he is part-Ghanaian and loves spending time ‘back home.’”

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

The source continued: “Harry certainly won’t be short of people to show him around and they will certainly roll out the red carpet for him, drafting in some of the finest Afro-beats performers to welcome him and his family. So perhaps it is only a matter of time before Harry and Meghan come out, and sample the famous jollof rice!” It comes as royal expert Jennie Bond said Meghan still showed all the signs of being a royal during the pair’s recent visit to Nigeria.

The Duchess kicked off her 72-hour visit to Nigeria with a £450 peach-coloured maxi dress by Heidi Merrick, vintage gold earrings, a matching gold necklace worth £1,453, and a £50,000 Lorraine Schwartz ring. She completed the outfit with a £4,391 diamond hex tennis bracelet and a £20,824 golden yellow Tank Française watch.

Ms Bond questioned her need to wear such an expensive outfit during the visit. She told Times Radio: “Perhaps Meghan felt that was what was expected of her because she does still feel royal even though she doesn’t want to be part of the royals. I find that a bit odd personally, but she looked great.”

Prince William and his younger brother Harry in 2018DON’T MISS
She later noted: “I personally have a bit of a problem with Meghan or anyone, including members of the Royal Family, wearing such expensive outfits and dripping with jewels that are worth thousands and thousands of pounds when you’re going somewhere like Nigeria.

“Personally, I don’t see how you do that, it feels a bit out of tune when most Nigerians are thinking where the next meal is going to come from. But it’s not only Meghan who does that, the royals do as well.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new projects will be successful if they do one thing, according to an expert who has shared his thoughts with The Mirror

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “need more A-List endorsements” for their pending projects to be successful, it has been claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to America almost four years ago, with their move coming just months after they announced that they would be stepping down from their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family. The couple now reside in Montecito, California, with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Since moving across the pond and stepping down from their royal duties, the Sussexes have worked on various projects. Less than a year after announcing they were stepping down, the couple appeared on television with Oprah Winfrey for a bombshell chat.

The Sussexes enjoyed a trip to Nigeria last weekend ( 
The couple has also notably worked on a Netflix docuseries together, Harry has written a book, and Meghan briefly collaborated with Spotify on her Archetypes podcast. The Sussexes have many other exciting things in the pipeline currently, with Meghan gearing up to work on an audio project with Lemonada, and the couple both working on separate shows with Netflix, as well as Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Rivieria Orchard.

The Duchess of Sussex announced her new lifestyle brand back in March, with the hard launch of it still yet to take place. Meghan has however gifted some strawberry jam to influencers and famous faces as a way to get the brand’s name out there, with the likes of Kris Jenner gifted a lavish hamper.

But as the Sussexes gear up to work on and launch their new projects, the couple “clearly need more A-List endorsements”, according to an expert.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, royal commentator and expert Richard Fitzwilliams told us: “The Sussexes celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday. After their successful three day trip to Nigeria, which, though private, was much like a royal tour, things could be looking up for them if they plan their future activities with care.”

He went on to add: “Meghan’s programme for Netflix on cookery and entertaining and her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and Harry’s series for Netflix on polo, show some much needed activity. They clearly need more A list endorsements however.”

The King was said to be in discussion with Prince William about the possibility of stripping the Duke and Duchess of Sussex if their titles.

King Charles has been “in discussions” about stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their titles, according to sources. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s titles have proved controversial after the couple stepped down from their roles as working royals.

Following their move to the US, the Palace faced calls for the couple to have their titles stripped. According to sources, this has been a topic of discussion for King Charles in recent weeks, with Prince William having “lengthy” conversations with his father about it.

The Sussexes proudly sat in chairs labelled “Duke” and “Duchess” during their recent tour of Nigeria and were said to be “delighted” their royal titles were on display.

Speaking to the Mirror, royal author and expert Tom Quinn said the King and Prince William “have had lengthy discussions about stripping Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, but they are terrified this would backfire and make the situation worse”.

King Charles has had ‘discussions’ over stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle used their titles on their recent trip to Nigeria (Image: Getty)

Mr Quinn added: “The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals something else to complain about. William and his father know that even without their royal titles, Meghan and Harry would carry on travelling the world as if they were royals and most people in the world will still welcome them.”

When the couple stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, they kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but were no longer referred to as his or her royal highness.

Earlier this year, the Sussexes doubled down on their association with the Royal Family when they relaunched their website, calling it Sussex.com and using their royal titles, as well as and imagery of a coat of arms.

The website features a picture of the couple overlaid with the text: “The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex.”

The landing page also includes their credentials, short descriptions, as well as news about their activities such as their recent Nigeria trip.

 

But while the topic has been discussed, Mr Quinn thinks Charles is hesitant to strip the titles over fears of backlash. He added: “The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals something else to complain about.

“William and his father know that even without their royal titles Meghan and Harry would carry on travelling the world as if they were royals and most people in the world will still welcome them.”

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to celebrate their sixth anniversary with close pals Tracey and Brian Robbins as they enjoyed a double date in a fancy Montecito restaurant

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted celebrating their sixth anniversary in style alongside celebrity pals Tracey and Brian Robbins on Saturday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stayed quiet online as they appeared to avoid any mention of their special day, but they were in celebratory mood at the lavish Montecito restaurant. The LA steakhouse in question was Lucky’s, where a steak can cost up to $129 (£101).

It’s reported they were joined by the Paramount boss and his fashion designer wife, to whom they’ve reportedly grown close to recently. Tracey was one of the 50 people to have received a jar of Meghan’s homemade American Riviera Orchard jam earlier this month.

The Sussexes went to Lucky’s in Montecito ( 
It’s not the first time Harry and Meghan have been spotted at the diner. Back in 2020, shortly after their stateside move, the couple enjoyed a dinner date with Katharine McPhee and David Foster. On that occasion, they opted to sit in the outside dining area. Meghan also was snapped enjoying the establishment last year.

The latest occasion comes after Harry and Meghan recently returned from a successful tour of Nigeria. The trip saw the couple continue their work around the Invictus Games, while it also offered the former Suits actress an opportunity to explore her heritage.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married for six years ( 
Harry was keen to stress the success of the trip and admitted the pair will be visiting more places as they continued to strive for change. Speaking shortly after their return from the three-day tour, he told PEOPLE : “It is hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening, in order to bring about solutions, support and positive change.

“There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters. Whether it’s the Archewell Foundation, Invictus or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work.”

However, he has risked the wrath of the public once again after previously being criticised for for comments regarding air miles. In December 2022, the Prince raised eyebrows after urging travellers to fly less.

King Charles III and Prince William ‘have discussed stripping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal titles’, according to a royal expert, who claims they are weary over the backlash they would face

King Charles and Prince William have discussed stripping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘s royal titles, according to a royal expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, with them moving to America mere months later. The couple now reside in Montecito, California with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Since the couple moved across the pond, they have taken part in several projects, with them often making bombshell revelations about their time in the Royal Family, raising eyebrows and causing tensions to brew. The Sussexes proudly sat in chairs labelled ‘Duke’ and ‘Duchess’ during their recent tour of Nigeria and were “delighted” their royal titles were on display.

But royal author and expert Tom Quinn has exclusively told The Mirror that King Charles and Prince William “have had lengthy discussions about stripping Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, but they are terrified this would backfire and make the situation worse”.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

King Charles III and Prince William ‘have discussed stripping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal titles’
Mr Quinn added: “The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals something else to complain about. William and his father know that even without their Royal titles Meghan and Harry would carry on travelling the world as if they were royals and most people in the world will still welcome them.”

When the couple stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, they kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, but no longer had their HRH titles with them no longer addressed as his or her royal highness. Also when they departed the monarchy and the United Kingdom, Harry gave up his military titles.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 ( 
Image:
Netflix)
Earlier this year, the Sussexes doubled down on their association with the Royal Family when they relaunched their website, calling it Sussex.com and using their royal titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and imagery of a coat of arms.

The website features a picture of the couple overlaid with the text: “The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex”. The landing page also includes their credentials, short descriptions, as well as news about their activities such as their recent Nigeria trip.

A picture of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be hung in the National Portrait Gallery, but do you think it should be? Have your say in our poll.

Do you agree with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s picture going in the National Portrait Gallery? (Image: GETTY)

A portrait of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been accepted into the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The picture was taken in 2022 by photographer Misan Harriman who revealed the news on social media.

Sharing several pictures he wrote: “I am humbled and proud to announce that my portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is now part of the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery. Dare to dream folks!”

The photo of the couple is in black and white and shows them standing side by side holding hands as they attended at the One Young World Summit in Manchester.

It has been praised for its use of soft light and the striking angle at which it was taken.

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Fans have congratulated Mr Harriman – who has often taken photos of Sussexes – for having his photo permanently entered into the National Portrait Gallery.

Royal Family members have often graced the walls of the National Portrait Gallery, including both historic and modern royals.

The Firm has close ties to the gallery, with Kate, Princess of Wales the patron of the famous portrait house.

So do you agree with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s picture going in the National Portrait Gallery?

Meghan Markle is said to be “begging” Prince Harry to fix the Royal feud, as she and the Duke of Sussex struggle to hold onto their Hollywood hopes amid the “fading” of their connection.

Meghan Markle reportedly shared “awkward pleasantries” with King Charles during a phone call last week, and it’s said she’s pleading with Prince Harry to mend the Royal rift.

The phone call between Harry and his dad, their first contact in six months, was described as “polite”, with Harry wishing the King a happy birthday.

Reports suggest that Meghan also spoke with the King over the phone, with their children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, sharing a pre-recorded video with their grandad.

It’s believed that Charles and Meghan’s conversation was somewhat awkward.

A source told Closer that amid last week’s phone call, the couple are finding it tough to keep their Hollywood dreams alive, leading Meghan to make an effort and plead with Harry to fix things.

Meghan Markle ‘begs’ Harry to ‘fix Royal feud’ after ‘desperate’ plea (Image: GETTY)

This comes as they’re reportedly “desperate to save their reputation.”

“They’ve already been turned down for numerous projects they had in the pipeline, including an HBO documentary, which Meghan is blaming on the fact their royal connection is fading,” a source revealed to the magazine.

The source shared: “She’s become extremely snappy and begged Harry to do something to prevent them from being cut off completely…

“Even urging him to take a solo trip to talk to Charles and William in a desperate attempt to keep a foot in the door.”

Meghan Markle reportedly shared “awkward pleasantries” with the King (Image: GETTY)

This follows rumours that the Sussexes are eager to mend fences with King Charles III and the British Royal Family. They reportedly wouldn’t say no to an invite to spend Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk.

An insider told The Times: “I can’t imagine the Sussexes would decline an invitation to spend time with His Majesty.

“As of yet, there have not been any invitations for the holidays.”

Prince Harry made contacted with King Charles for the first time in six months (Image: GETTY)

The last time Harry and Meghan spent Christmas in Sandringham was in 2018.

They were spotted walking alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, Kate and William, on Christmas Day.

A stunning photograph of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, taken by their friend Misan Harriman, has been added to the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection

A portrait of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been added to the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.

The black-and-white image of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was taken by photographer Misan Harriman after the couple stepped down as senior royals and moved to the US. The portrait, captured at the One Young World Summit in September 2022, shows Harry and Meghan standing side to side while holding their hands as they both gaze into the distance.

Mr Harriman, who is a close friend of the Sussexes, announced on Instagram that the portrait will be placed on permanent display at the gallery in London. The photographer said he feels “humbled and proud” that the image was acquired by the gallery.

The photographer said he feels ‘humbled’

Mr Harriman took the image in September 2022

He explained that due to his dyslexia, he never thought he could be so successful in his career. He said in a moving video: “I am in the archive at the National Portrait Gallery and it never gets old that this extraordinary image of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is now part of the public collection.

“And as I’ve said before, I am a dyslexic boy who never really believed that my mind was worth much.” The photographer added he wants to send a message to the rest of the world, telling parents and children that they should never stop dreaming and do what they enjoy. He said: “Dare to dream and keep taking pictures.”

Many people congratulated the photographer with one describing the portrait as a “powerful image” that shows “strength, love and teamwork”. Another person wrote on Instagram: “Your visual interpretation of their path so beautiful and reverent. Every photo has so much life. Congratulations!”

One more commented: “I am so proud of you. You didn’t listen to naysayers, you followed your heart, set goals and continue to achieve. I have huge respect for how you stand for equality, equity and you do it with integrity. You’re a wonderful role model to us all and I love seeing you succeed.” Catherine, Princess of Wales, is a patron of the National Portrait Gallery.

This photograph of Harry and Meghan will be added to the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery ( Misan Harriman/Instagram)

Harry and Meghan during their visit to Nigeria earlier this month ( 
Image:

Mr Harriman has taken several pictures of Harry and Meghan, including Prince Archie’s christening in 2019, their pregnancy announcement in 2021 and Princess Lilibet’s first birthday. Other milestone moments he has captured with his camera include the pair’s recent trip to Nigeria as he accompanied Harry and Meghan during important events including when they visited the Nigerian Armed Forces’ Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Earlier this year, the photographer unearthed a picture of Meghan taken during the One Young World event. Meghan had initially attended the event back in 2019, returning in 2022 on September 5, three days before Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Queen. Writing in the picture’s comments, one fan responded: “Thank you for your steadfast support of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Especially towards Meghan.”

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

“I call this image THE ARRIVAL,” Misan penned in his caption. “The Duchess Of Sussex about to take the stage at the opening ceremony of @oneyoungworld #lightandshadows @royalalberthall. From my archive,” he added as fans filled the replies.

“Beautiful woman and beautiful picture,” a person wrote. “Wow! Stunning shot!” Speaking at the event in 2022, Meghan said: “It is very nice to be back in the UK and it is very nice to be back with all of you at One Young World.” She has not returned since.

Meghan Markle is reportedly desperate to diffuse tensions with the Royal Family and is willing to take on one bold act in order to make it happen.

Meghan is reportedly keen for the royal feud to end (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle is said to be desperate to end ongoing tensions with the Royal Family, and is even willing to do one major thing to make this happen.

The Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down from royal duties alongside Prince Harry in 2020, is said to be willing to “re-engage with royal life”, if it means the royal feud can finally come to an end.

According to an insider, Meghan and Harry are both aware that the feud is having a “knock-on” effect on their future prospects and that anything they want to do rests “on their royal connections”.

At present, Harry and Meghan live in California with their two young children – a stark difference from their former life as royals.

The pair were keen on a life of privacy but have since remerged as public figures with Meghan, in particular, reportedly looking to get back into Hollywood.

A source told Closer: “Meghan and Harry are in panic mode and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that their royal currency is dwindling which is having a knock-on effect on their Hollywood careers.

“They both know full-well that their success rests on their royal connections and being snubbed from King Charles’ birthday celebrations was a huge wake-up call that the Royal Family is no longer prepared to put on a façade in a bid to fund their Hollywood lifestyles.”

The source added that while Harry is keen for them to “stand on their own two feet”, Meghan feels as though they are slowly being “phased out”.

Because of this, the source added that Meghan is very keen for a reconciliation between Harry and the royals to take place.

The couple have been at loggerheads with the royals for a number of years (Image: Getty)

They added: “She says she won’t be seen as two-faced but they will need to make an effort to hold on to their connections. It’s a difficult balance and it’s definitely causing tension.”

This news comes as it was reported that Harry and Meghan were both left off of the King’s 75th birthday guest list last week.

Despite the ongoing feud, it has been reported that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were able to wish their paternal grandfather a happy birthday via a video message.

The couple stepped down as senior royals in 2020 (Image: GETTY)

Harry and Meghan announced their plans to step down as senior working royals at the start of 2020 when, at the time, they were only parents to Prince Archie.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana, in June 2021.