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A controversial painting of the Princess of Wales has caused quite a stir after appearing on the front cover of Tatler magazine.

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Hannah Uzor’s portrait of Princess Kate on the Tatler front coverCredit: PA

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Royal fans claim it looks nothing like KateCredit: PA

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The painting captured the royal at the first state banquet Of King Charles’ reignCredit: PA
Created by Hannah Uzor, the image is supposed to capture Kate’s “strength and dignity” at the King’s first state banquet held in South Africa in 2022.

It aimed to recreate an elegant vision of Kate donning a regal, caped white Jenny Packham floor-length evening dress with sparkling embellishments.

Doesn’t look like Catherine at all. If she wasn’t wearing that dress I’d have no clue as to who it’s meant to be

Royal FanX/Formerly Twitter

The princess stunned with her famous tiara, the Lover’s Knot, which was previously worn by Princess Diana.

Hannah was also inspired by the composure and bravery demonstrated by the royal mum-of-three in her emotional cancer diagnosis video in March.

“A moment of dealing with something difficult, speaking from the heart, having the courage to tackle it head-on,” she explained in awe.

But, the British-Zambian artist has been slated on social media as fans asked “are you kidding me?”.

“This is just plain weird, looks nothing like her,” penned one.

“What have they done to her face,” asked another.

A third agreed: “Doesn’t look like Catherine at all. If she wasn’t wearing that dress I’d have no clue as to who it’s meant to be.”

“Are you kidding me? What is that rubbish of a painting? Hope you won’t sell any of those trash copies, you must be joking! You call that art? How the hell did you go from this [picture of Kate] to that obnoxious thing?,” scorned someone else.

Others slated the artwork and believed it looked “like it was created by a child”.

While someone else suggested: “She needs to make an appointment urgently with Specsavers because who in the Princess of Wales is that?”

“It’s absolutely dreadful and should never have seen the light of day, let alone appear on the cover,” agreed another.

‘SHE WAS BORN FOR THIS’

However, controversial artist Hannah explained: “When you can’t meet the sitter in person, you have to look at everything you can find and piece together the subtle human moments revealed in different photographs: do they have a particular way of standing or holding their head or hands? Do they have a recurrent gesture?’

‘Quirky’ Kate painting

THE painting was done by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor – who took inspiration from Kate’s cancer diagnosis video message.

It captures the princess at the first state banquet of the King’s reign.

She is shown standing in a composed manner wearing a regal, caped white Jenny Packham floor-length evening dress with sparkling detail on the shoulders.

Kate also dons her famous tiara, the Lover’s Knot, which previously belonged to Princess Diana.

The royal stepped out in the ensemble to the South African state banquet at Buckingham Palace in November 2022.

Her image is set against a green-blue background which the artist said was a nod to Kate’s eye colour, being in a garden, and on water, symbolising her passion for rowing.

Asked whether the princess’s recent cancer diagnosis video gave her a new perspective, Hannah said: “Without a doubt. All my portraits are made up of layers of a personality, constructed from everything I can find about them.”

“[Kate] has really risen up to her role – she was born for this. She carries herself with such dignity, elegance and grace.

“I sense with her the joy of motherhood.”

Uzor is the third artist to receive a commission from Tatler to paint a portrait of a member of the royal family.

Sarah Knights was her predecessor, whose painting of the King appeared on the magazine’s July 2023 cover.

She followed Oluwole Omofemi, who crafted a beautiful tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the Platinum Jubilee issue in 2022.

KING CHARLES III PORTRAIT

It comes after the latest portrait of King Charles was unveiled by the monarch himselflast week.

The artist was by Jonathan Yeo, who is known for his paintings of Paris Hilton, Cara Delevingne and Grayson Perry.

Yeo was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’s 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company in 2022.

The portrait depicts His Majesty wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was made Regimental Colonel in 1975.

It was completed after four sittings with Charles, beginning when His Majesty was Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, and later at Clarence House.

The last sitting took place in November 2023 at Clarence House.

Yeo also took inspirations from drawings and photography he took of the king.

Yeo said: “It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation.

“When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.

“I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter’s face.

“In this case my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century Monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject’s deep humanity.

“I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming a king.”

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Hannah Uzor said she was inspired by Kate’s emotional cancer message videoCredit: PA

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Jonathan Yeo’s portrait of King Charles

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The portrait had been commissioned in 2020Credit: PA

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The work was unveiled at Buckingham PalaceCredit: PA

PRINCESS Diana would have made “Harry apologise to Charles”, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell.

The Duke of Sussex flew to the UK this month for a three-day visit, but didn’t meet up with his father or brother, Prince William.

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Former royal butler Paul Burrell claims Diana would have made Prince Harry apologise to King CharlesCredit: Getty

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Prince Harry visited the UK this month for three days but didn’t meet with his familyCredit: Reuters

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Paul claims that Harry and William’s relationship could be a ‘lost cause’Credit: AFP
Paul, who worked as Princess Diana’s butler until her death in 1997, said the late royal would have acted as a peacemaker between Harry and the rest of the family.

Speaking to Bella, the former staff member said: “There’s no love lost between Diana and Charles, but what was important to Diana is that both boys should have been influenced by both parents and she would have wanted them to respect their father.

“She would have made Harry apologise to Charles, and Diana would have been the broker of that – she was always the peacemaker.

“She wanted the four of them to stay together. It broke her heart when that disintegrated.”

Paul added: “The boys would have been glued to their mother and her word would have been final. Now there is nobody to sort them out, I’m afraid it’s a lost cause.”

During his UK trip, Prince Harry celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his Invictus Games – hosted for injured servicemen – at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Noticeably absent were King Charles and Prince William, although Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, and Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes, were in attendance.

Prince Harry’s spokesperson released a statement about why he wasn’t meeting up with his father during the UK trip – but it made no mention of William.

It read: “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.”

Harry did not see his brother Prince William – but had been “keen” to see his dad while visiting and was left “deeply stung”.

In further upset, Prince Harry was said to be “in tears” when he found out that Charles had given trained pilot William the new military honour of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, the same day he landed in the UK.

Harry, who trained as an Army Air Corps and served with them in Afghanistan, is said to have taken it as a “tremendous insult.”

If Harry and wife Meghan had not stepped down as working royals then it is thought the ceremonial appointment would have been his.

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Paul claimed Diana would have acted as a peacemaker in the familyCredit: Getty

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Prince Harry was ‘keen’ to see Charles but his ‘full programme’ got in the awayCredit: Getty

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After his UK visit, Harry jetted to Nigeria for a three-day trip with Meghan MarkleCredit: Getty
Harry and Charles last reunited at Clarence House in February for their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months.

The prince flew to the UK alone without Meghan or their children Archie and Lilibet.

William has been stung by his brother’s attacks and has not spoken to Harry since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

This follows Harry slamming his family in his bombshell Spare memoir, and criticising the royals in their Harry & Meghan documentary.

Harry’s upset over William’s new military position

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun:

It is absolutely no doubt [a snub towards Harry].

I think that Harry will be distressed by this.

Undoubtedly it’s something that he’s takes very personally, we know that what he’s done for the military family, for the Invictus games, which is a wonderful thing, and of course this featured a great deal in their visit, which was private to Nigeria.

But the fact simply is that the King is making somebody he trusts colonel in chief.

I mean this can generously be described as a mess, but it’s a serious issue, because it it tends to show that communication has gone totally haywire, and that’s a generous interpretation of it.

I frankly can see why the Sussexes haven’t been trusted.

Charles, 75, resumed public duties this month for the first time since beginning cancer treatment.

During Harry’s trip, the King met members of the public at a Buckingham Palace garden party just over two miles away.

Sources claimed the monarch had agreed to let his distant son stay in a royal residence for the trip – but the offer was turned down.

Charles reportedly had agreed to put Harry up at a secret royal residence knowing he does not have a UK base, according to The Telegraph.

Harry said no because it would leave him staying in a “visible location with public entrance and exit points and no police protection”, it has been claimed.

Harry ended up staying in a hotel, which he could leave unnoticed.

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Paul worked as Princess Diana’s butler until her death in 1997Credit: PA

A timeline of Prince Harry’s family feud

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.

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.

Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan, in his memoir.

In 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.

Prince Harry banished his best friend Tom “Skippy” Inskip from his tight-knit group after he advised the royal against marrying Meghan Markle, according to Tatler.

The Duke of Sussex, 34, is said to have “frozen out” a number of his former inner circle after marrying the actress, The Sun reports.

It was initially thought Prince Harry was distancing himself from the party-loving group to remove “temptation”.

However, according to the May issue of Tatler, the separation could be down to a rift between Prince Harry and loyal Skippy after his warning about Meghan.

Meghan has reportedly encouraged Harry to pull back on some of his friendships.
The article says: “Hang out with the Clooney/Beckham/Soho House set and be assailed for being too Hollywood, for forcing your henpecked husband to abandon his old, country-set muckers – including Tom “Skippy” Inskip, the ultraloyal, tight-lipped Harry pal who, it’s said, advised Harry not to marry Meghan and has paid the price: banishment.”

Tatler also claims Prince William, 36, “advised (his brother) against rushing into marriage”.

Skippy was one of the friends at the infamous Las Vegas night in 2012, where Prince Harry was caught playing naked billiards with showgirls in a hotel suite.

The banker has been a close friend of Prince Harry after they met at Eton, and they have been inseparable ever since.

Prince Harry had a key role at Skippy’s wedding in Jamaica in 2017, which was one of Meghan’s first appearances with the royal.

But the Express reported how his “tomfoolery” had no place in the world of “fruit smoothies” and “early nights” that Meghan is an advocate of.

Tom Inskip arrives at St George’s Chapel before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.
Another friend who Prince Harry has distanced from his life is said to be PR guru Astrid Harbord who attended Kate’s hen’s do and was close to the prince after he split up from long-term girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

According to the Express, Meghan’s “core of steel” has led to “mutterings from some of Prince Harry’s racier chums who have been miffed at being excluded from the royal couple’s cosy gatherings”.

A friend is said to have told the publication: “Like several others who were considered a questionable influence on Harry during his bad old bachelor days, Tom has been dropped, even though he himself now has a lovely wife, Lara.

“It’s all part of Meghan’s quiet airbrushing out of Harry’s old posse. She doesn’t want temptation — of any sort — being put in his way while they concentrate on starting a family.”

Ambitious Meghan has also earned herself the nickname “Me-Gain” at Kensington Palace due to rubbing staff up the wrong way, according to the publication.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex, 37, has allegedly ruffled feathers among staff, insiders claim, after it was previously rumoured courtiers referred to her as “Duchess Difficult”.

Meghan has brought Harry and Charles closer, according to Tatler.
Tatler said Sarah Ferguson was subject to cruel attacks after marrying into the royal family.

The publication added: “Meghan has seen nothing like that — even though staff at Kensington Palace are now calling her “Me-Gain”.

Kensington Palace has denied reports in the past of Meghan having a strained relationship with her staff.

Lewis Hamilton walked the paddock ahead of Saturday’s F1 Grand Prix in Miami, continuing to display his eccentric sense of style.

The world champion from Britain made a chic figure in a striking black two-piece with sequins embroidered all over it that reflect light.

Prior to Sunday’s race, the 39-year-old Formula One star seemed focused and kept his head down.

The sportsman’s pants hung loosely about his legs, giving the impression that the clothing was comfortable but not tight.

The British celebrity finished the ensemble with huge black boots and massive black sunglasses to shield his eyes from the scorching sun.

He wore his dark braids tied back in a bun and added a beaded chain necklace to complete the ensemble.

Lewis also boldly displayed his amazing hand and chest tattoos.

Due to his failure to qualify for Q3, the driver’s day at the spring race on Friday was unsuccessful. As a result, he will start Saturday’s race in 12th place.

The seven-time world champion used Instagram to connect with followers and inform them that he and the team are putting in a lot of effort to get the outcomes he knows they desire.

Not the finest today, he wrote. All I can say is that we are doing everything we can to work as hard as we can and that we are not going to give up. We’ll overcome this.

In the meantime, Max Verstappen, who set the fastest time of one minute, 28.194 seconds around the heated Miami International Autodrome, will start from the front on Saturday.

It follows after Lewis announced that, upon retiring from racing, he would concentrate on “film and fashion.”

The Formula 1 driver has acknowledged that he has already consulted with several of his well-known colleagues who have already retired from competitive racing when considering his post-race plans.

‘I’d spoken to so many fantastic players, from Boris Becker to Serena Williams, to Michael Jordan,’ he said in GQ’s annual Creativity Issue. Speaking with legendary athletes that I’ve seen along the road, some of whom are still competing others are retired, and their concerns about the future and their lack of preparedness for it

Many of them had the comment, “I stopped too early.” Or simply: “Stayed too long.” “When it ended, I didn’t have anything planned.” “My whole world came crashing down because my whole life has been about that sport” .

“I didn’t plan and it was a bit of a mess-up because I was really lost afterwards,” said a few of them. That kind of hole existed. Such a gap. Furthermore, I had no notion how I would fill it. And at first, I was in such a haste to try to fill it that you fill it with the incorrect thing.”

However, that simply made me consider, “Okay, when I stop, how do I avoid that?” I therefore started taking my search for alternative passions seriously.

‘I went through this moment of recognizing that I can’t race forever,’ he continued. Since I’m going to drop the mike and feel delighted when I stop.

Lewis continued by saying that although he has many interests, he needs to focus, so he has chosen to concentrate on cinema and fashion. He also plans to launch a luxury brand company to compete with LVMH, which is home to brands like Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Tiffany Co.

“The challenging thing is that I want to do everything,” he clarified. I have high goals. But I know you’re not able to accomplish it—well, I retract that statement because I don’t think it’s possible.

A master in everything requires 10,000 hours of practice. I have, of course, done that in racing. There’s not enough time to become proficient in every one of these areas.

“I believe it will revolve around fashion and film.” To be really honest, one of my fantasies has been to own my own diverse LVMH.

I mean, I don’t know if that’s actually feasible in the times we live in. However, I’m still conceptualizing that.

In the past, Lewis has dabbled in music and film, having established Dawn Apollo Films, his own production business, and working with Tommy Hilfiger, the American fashion designer.

Lewis Hamilton believes he’s had “enough” of losing Grand Prix races, with 51 races since his last triumph, and he wants to assist Mercedes in returning to the top step of the podium.

The seven-time World Champion took the title fight all the way to the wire in Saudi Arabia, where he triumphed in the penultimate race in 2021.

Lewis Hamilton: ‘It’s been tough of course, we exist to win’

Max Verstappen overtook him on the last lap of the Abu Dhabi race, denying him a record-breaking ninth World title.

Mercedes had only one race win, with George Russell P1 at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, as they have failed to establish themselves in the new ground-effect aerodynamic era. Hamilton has not won a race since.

As a result, Hamilton has now gone 51 games without a win in a sport in which he has seven world championships and 103 Grands Prix.

It’s “enough” for him.

“It’s been tough, it’s been a really challenge,” he told CBS News. “It could’ve been worse.

“It’s been a really transitional period where there has been a lot of team bonding, really low moments within the group which then ultimately bring you together.

“There’s been a lot of vulnerability within the team with all of us and it’s really been a growing experience.

“It’s been tough of course, we exist to win.

“When you’re not winning, your perspective has to shift, and it’s just then been about chasing and it’s about improvement.

“It’s about coming together. How can we make improvements? How can we get back to where we want to be? And rallying everyone up, I actually really enjoyed that experience.

“But three years in now, we’re like, ‘okay, I’ve had enough of this, let’s get back to where we belong’.”

Lewis Hamilton describes the “most painful part” of the challenges in 2024.

This is Hamilton’s last chance to assist Mercedes in doing so before he departs the team to join Ferrari at the end of the season.

However, things are not going as planned for his swansong.

The team has failed to finish on the podium and is currently in the distant P4 position in the Constructors’ Championship despite fielding an entirely new W15.

Hamilton ranks tenth in the Drivers’ standings with 27 points, his best Grand Prix result to date being a sixth-place finish in Miami.

In response to the question of whether he had wanted his last season with Mercedes to be his “best season,” he said, “I do and that’s probably the most painful part.”

“Everyone on the team wants this to be a fantastic year. Everyone put in a lot of effort in the past.

“This entire trip has been really emotional for me. just because I adore this team so much.

“I’m not unhappy there, so I’m not leaving.” My departure is not due to problems in my relationship.

From the time I was thirteen, Mercedes has helped me. They have supported me through good times and bad.

“Well, at the moment, it’s definitely a strange transition.”

via Reuters

Despite having an unforgettable season, Max Verstappen and Red Bull had an afternoon to forget in Brazil last Sunday. The world champion and constructors champions were humbled by the pair of Mercedes and Ferrari drivers. Moreover, the drama between Max and Checo in the final lap only made things worse for RBR boss Christian Horner.

America’s Favorite Video Today

The Dutch Lion ignored the team’s orders to give up his place to Checo, who was running behind him. The Mexican driver is in the running to finish P2 in the driver’s standing. However, after Verstappen’s little act, Checo is tied with Charles Leclerc on points. Verstappen finished the race P6 whereas Perez finished just behind him.

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Max’s decision to not be a team player caused massive outrage amongst the fans. Perez’s radio comments about the Dutchman were visibly cold and frustrating. Fans then started calling out Max and even attacked his family members with online abuse.

Verstappen called out the internet trollers in Thursday’s press conference between the Abu Dhabi GP. He condemned the attacks on his family and called them “disgusting”. Verstappen also added, “If you have a problem with me, that’s fine, but don’t go after my family because that’s unacceptable”. 

Max Verstappen & Co Get Emotional Applauding Sebastian Vettel as Curtains Close On F1 Legacy : “That Just Shows How He Is”

The Red Bull driver’s girlfriend later shared an Instagram story to answer back to the internet trolls. The Brazilian diva shared a post on her Instagram stories that said, “We don’t have enough time on earth to live unhappily.” Kelly put a caption on the post that read, “Focus on your life, your happiness and be grateful”  [Translated from Google Translate]

Red Bull defends star driver Max Verstappen, calls him a “fair team player”

After the chaotic race in Brazil, Red Bull released a statement acknowledging the events that happened on Sunday. Furthermore, they have also taken the blame on themselves after the huge backlash against their drivers. In the statement released, Red Bull also defended their driver in what was a huge mishap from their end.

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via Reuters

Red Bull said, “As a team, we made some mistakes in Brazil,”. The statement further stated, “We had not envisaged the situation that unfolded on the last lap and we had not agreed a strategy for such a scenario before the race.”

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Furthermore, it said, “Regretfully, Max was only informed at the final corner of the request to give up position without all the necessary information being relayed. This put Max, who has always been an open and fair team player, in a compromising situation with little time to react which was not our intention.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Long before Max Verstappen Sky Sports scandal Lewis Hamilton lashed out on F1 media over Snapchat antics

Max Verstappen and co will be looking to put behind the Brazilian GP and focus on the next race. The Dutch Lion would have fond memories of the Abu Dhabi GP after miraculously winning his maiden title last year. Moreover, Checo will look to grab the runners-up position in the drivers’ championship. Will Red Bull bounce back in Abu Dhabi?

Lewis Hamilton debunks two rumours as Mercedes star opens up on ’emotional’ journey ahead of Ferrari move

The Briton has endured a difficult start to the current F1 season

Lewis Hamilton has insisted he isn’t leaving Mercedes for Ferrari because he’s ‘unhappy’ or due to any ‘relationship issues’.

The 39-year-old is currently spending his last season with the Silver Arrows, who have struggled to get near Red Bull so far.

Hamilton joined Mercedes when he was a teenager but, after six F1 triumphs with the team, has opted to pursue a new challenge with Ferrari next year.

After confirming his departure, there were claims that he was leaving because he was unhappy – while rumours also suggested his relationship with Toto Wolff and other staff members had deteriorated.

Lewis Hamilton has shut down rumours of relationship issues and being unhappy as Mercedes star prepares for Ferrari move

But the Stevenage-born racer, speaking to CBS, insists that isn’t the case.

“For me, this whole journey has been massively emotional, just because I have so much love for this team,” he said.

“I’m not leaving because I’m unhappy there. I’m not leaving because of relationship issues.

“They’ve been with me through thick and thin, it’s definitely a strange transition at the moment.”

Hamilton was, until 2021, the dominant driver on the grid.

Yet the veteran has been gazumped by Max Verstappen, who is currently seeking a fourth F1 title in a row.

Hamilton admits he’s had to change his mindset amid Mercedes’ lack of success, with the 39-year-old without a race win since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP.

But he insists he enjoys the challenge of rallying the team together.

“We exist to win, and when you’re not winning, your perspective has to shift,” he said.

“It’s just then about chasing and it’s about improvement. It’s about coming together. How can we make improvements? How can we get back to where we want to be?

“And [then] rallying everyone up. I actually really enjoy that experience.”

With Hamilton off at the end of the season, it’ll be fascinating to see who Mercedes replace him with.

Talk of a blockbuster move for Verstappen continues to rumble on, despite Christian Horner insisting the Dutchman is happy at Red Bull.

There have even been suggestions Mercedes are set to meet with Verstappen to discuss a move.

And Wolff was coy when quizzed on Verstappen after the Miami Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he’s had to adjust his mindset amid the plight of Mercedes

REUTERS

“There’s always plenty of meetings, I can’t really say about the second driver,” he said.

“I think we’ve talked about the possibilities. I want to be fair to these guys and not make it look like we are playing chess with humans because we are not doing that.

“I think we want to take our time, see where Max’s thinking goes, and at the same time monitor the other drivers.

“Carlos [Sainz] was very strong in Miami again and that’s why we are a little bit in an observation mode at the moment.”

Wolff also said Verstappen should stay at Red Bull, too.

Lewis Hamilton could yet to be replaced by Max Verstappen at Mercedes with Toto Wolff refusing to rule out a controversial move

REUTERS

“If I was him [Verstappen], I wouldn’t leave – at least for 2025,” he added.

“But he’s the leading driver, he’s the top guy at the moment and that’s why it’s for him to take those decisions.

“There may not be any decisions to take, maybe everything continues like it is, but that is then also guidance for us.”

THEY have travelled the world with the royals and been present at some of the family’s most intimate moments.

Now, for the first time in the UK, photographers Anwar Hussein, 86, and his two sons, Samir, 44, and Zak, 43, are displaying their remarkable images of Princess Diana and her family, along with personal accounts of the stories behind each picture.

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Photographers Anwar Hussein and his two sons are displaying their remarkable images of Princess DianaCredit: Anwar Hussein
Zak took The Sun for an exclusive tour of the immersive exhibition in London, giving us a first look at a gallery including snaps he and his brother have taken of William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan.

Here he reveals some of the background to his father’s iconic work and recalls what it was like growing up among the royals, plus which photograph was Diana’s all-time favourite . . .

The Princess Diana: Accredited Access exhibition is running from this Saturday, May 25, to Monday, September 2, at Dockside Vaults in London. For tickets, visit princessdianaexhibit.com.

Play date plan

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Princess Diana with sons William and Harry on holiday in Majorca, SpainCredit: Anwar Hussein
AS a mum, Diana adored sons William and Harry – and once tried to arrange a play date for them with a young Zak and Samir.

Zak, who recalls the Princess watching Charles play polo when he was a child, said: “My dad used to bring my brother and I along. William and Harry were roughly the same ages as Samir and me.

“When I was six or seven, my dad was talking to Diana and when she saw us, she said, ‘You must come to Highgrove!’. My dad said, ‘No, no, you must come to our house’. She said, ‘I think that’s going to be difficult’. Sadly, the meeting never happened.”

Diana’s tears

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A teary-eyed Diana cradles a young cancer patient in her arms on a private visit to PakistanCredit: Anwar Hussein
DIANA herself was captivated by this photo of her cradling a child cancer patient on a private visit to Pakistan in 1997.

Zak said: “This photo my dad remembers taking extremely well. She visited a cancer hospital and met all these children, including this one boy.

“My dad recalls how at ease and comforted the boy looked, and remembers tears in Diana’s eyes as he took the photo.

“Afterwards, Diana said to my dad, ‘Out of all the pictures you’ve taken, this is probably my favourite one’.”

Solo Taj Mahal trip

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Princess Diana was pictured at the Taj Mahal alone because Charles had other engagementsCredit: Anwar Hussein

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Zak was able to recreate the picture with William and Kate during their trip to IndiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
A VISIT to the Taj Mahal in India in 1992 did not go to plan for Charles and Diana because he had other engagements – so the Princess was pictured there alone.

Zak said: “The royal tours are definitely my favourite part of the job as you get to go to some amazing places.

“My father has always spoken proudly about the Taj Mahal picture. It was a place that Charles always promised to take Diana and, when they were in India, it was on the itinerary. But on the day . . . Diana ended up going and posing alone. So it’s outside this huge monument to love and it showed the loneliness she felt at the time.

“It became such an iconic photo and the bench is now known as the Diana bench.

“Around 24 years later I was on a tour with William and Kate in India and the last engagement was the Taj Mahal. We weren’t sure if they were going to pose in front of it, but they ended up doing it. So it’s amazing that I took a picture of Diana’s son years after my dad took a picture of Diana.”

Shaking hands with ‘Untouchable’

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Diana crouches to clasp the hand of a so-called ‘Untouchable’ – considered the lowest in India’s ancient caste systemCredit: Anwar Hussein
WEARING an elegant cream dress, Princess Diana crouched to clasp the hand of a so-called “Untouchable” – considered the lowest in India’s ancient caste system.

Zak said of the February 1992 image: “She was so good with people and so kind and compassionate, which can be seen in the photo my father took of her in India, shaking hands with the ‘Untouchable’.

“She changed how these people were seen because she was interested in all people from different backgrounds.”

Revenge dress

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Diana walking out in her ‘revenge dress’ at a Vanity Fair partyCredit: Anwar Hussein
ON the night in 1994 that the then Prince Charles admitted to cheating on wife Diana, she bravely attended a Vanity Fair party in this figure-hugging outfit which became known as her “revenge dress”.

Zak explained: “Every day as a royal photographer is so different. You’re documenting history, photographing things like Coronations, royal weddings and royal babies.

“Sometimes you don’t even realise you’re documenting history until after, like this photo my father took of Diana wearing her ‘revenge dress’ on the night Charles made his notorious adultery admission on television.”

He’s known to cut a stylish figure.

And Lewis Hamilton, put on his usual fashion forward display at the Formula One Pre Season testing in Bahrain on Thursday.

The racing driver, 37, donned an abstract print knitted sweater with black and pink swirls and paint strokes as he stepped out to the circuit.

Fashion forward: Lewis Hamilton, 37, cut a stylish figure in an abstract sweater and baggy trousers as he stepped out to the Formula One Pre Season testing on Thursday

Lewis added a pair of navy baggy trousers with large pockets and thick cuffs at his ankle.

To complete his ensemble he slipped into a  par of chunky soled black boots with contrasting white laces.

He strutted confidently to the track as he shielded his eyes with some blacked out square framed sunglasses.

Stylish! To complete his ensemble he slipped into a par of chunky soled black boots with contrasting white laces

Confident: He strutted confidently to the track as he shielded his eyes with some blacked out square framed sunglasses

Lewis later changed into his black and green one piece as he took to the track for Mercedes.

A ‘robbed’ Lewis will be out to ‘destroy’ title rival Max Verstappen this season after experiencing heartbreak in the final race of the 2021 campaign, insists former F1 driver Anthony Davidson.

The Mercedes star was one lap away from winning a record-breaking eighth world title last season but lost under hugely controversial circumstances to Red Bull’s Max.

Lewis declared: ‘If you think what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see this year.’

Ready to go! Lewis later changed into his black and green one piece as he took to the track for Mercedes

Challenge: A ‘robbed’ Lewis will be out to ‘destroy’ title rival Max Verstappen this season after experiencing heartbreak in the final race of the 2021 campaign

This comes as Formula One drivers sent a strong message in support for the people of Ukraine after the invasion of Russia as they gathered on the eve of pre-season testing to plead for peace.

Drivers lined up in two rows wearing shirts with the caption ‘No War,’ while a banner saying the same thing was lined out on the track in front of them – behind a Ukraine flag.

Notably absent was seven-time world champion Lewis.

Tough: The Mercedes star was one lap away from winning a record-breaking eighth world title last season but lost under hugely controversial circumstances to Red Bull’s Verstappen

Team: Lewis posed for photos with driver George Russell, who is partnered with him this season

Support: This comes as Formula One drivers sent a strong message in support for the people of Ukraine after the invasion of Russia as they gathered on the eve of pre-season

The Mercedes driver in his most recent Instagram story confirmed the reason why he was unable to be there with his fellow drivers.

Sharing a picture of the drivers, he said: ‘Great to see our sport coming together in this way. Sorry to have missed it, my flight was delayed.’

Lewis has regularly posted on social media since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as he commented: ‘My heart is with the courageous people of Ukraine who are standing firmly with their values of freedom and peace.

‘I’m certain I’m not alone in feeling our day to day feels heavier, and sometimes trivial, knowing this crisis is happening in our world.’

Stance: Lewis was unable to be part of the picture opportunity after his flight to Bahrain was delayed but said: ‘Great to see our sport coming together’

He famously dated Nicole Scherzinger for eight years on and off until 2015.

And Lewis Hamilton, 35, appears to have a type as he was seen embarking on a luxury yacht trip with stunning model Florence Mueller who bore a resemblance to his Pussycat Doll ex, 42.

The Formula 1 champion seemed in high spirits as he joined Florence for a few days aboard Sir Philip Green’s yacht Lionheart in Calvi, Corsica on Thursday.

Two’s company: Lewis Hamilton, 35, appears to have a type as he was seen embarking on a luxury yacht trip with model Florence Mueller who bore a resemblance to his Pussycat Doll ex, 42

Two’s company: The Formula 1 champion seemed in high spirits as he joined the model for a few days aboard Sir Philip Green’s yacht Lionheart in Calvi, Corsica on Thursday

According to onlookers, the pair only left the boat to walk Lewis’ beloved pet bulldog Roscoe and then to board a helicopter to go to Italy where the next Formula 1 grand prix will take place.

As of the seventh round of the 2020 season, Lewis leads the drivers’ standings by 47 points over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with wins at the Hungarian, British, Spanish and Belgian Grands Prix, respectively.

In his typical flamboyant fashion, Lewis ensured he stood out from the crowds in a vibrant purple and pink tie dye hoodie and green shorts. He added more colour with a pink baseball cap and donning a black face mask.

Florence put her tanned and toned figure on display in a green crop top and black tracksuit bottoms, layering up with a denim black jacket.

Seeing double: Successful model Florence (left) is the spitting image of Lewis’ former longtime love, Nicole Scherzinger (right)

Yacht life: According to onlookers, the pair only left the boat to walk Lewis’ beloved pet bulldog Roscoe and then to board a helicopter to go to Italy where the next Formula 1 grand prix will take place

Luxury living: Philip bought his lavish $150million yacht in 2016 which sleeps 12 guests and 30 crew

Keeping close: Lewis stayed by Florence’s side as they strolled along the harbour together with his pooch

She accessorised with a large Louis Vuitton handbag and concealed her face with a baby blue face mask.

Florence is part of Next Model Management’s Miami roster and also works with Click Models, she is fluent in English, Spanish, and German and also has her own Only Fans account.

With her long limbs, toned abs and luscious raven locks, Florence bore a striking resemblance to his former flame, Nicole.

But a source speaking to The Sun on Sunday claimed that Lewis and the model were strictly friends, as they claimed they were ‘just good mates.’

The inside said: ‘Lewis and Florence aren’t dating, they’re just good mates. She joined him on the boat as part of a group of pals with Lewis.

‘They get on but there’s nothing romantic going on between them at the moment.’

MailOnline has contacted Lewis’ representatives for comment.

Something to say? The pair were seen chatting to one another as they strolled along the harbour

Stunning: Florence put her tanned and toned figure on display in a green crop top and black tracksuit bottoms, layering up with a denim black jacket

All about the finishing touches: Florence accessorised with a large Louis Vuitton handbag and concealed her face with a baby blue face mask

Seeing double: With her long limbs, toned abs and luscious raven locks, Florence bore a striking resemblance to his former flame, Nicole

Think pink! In his typical flamboyant fashion, Lewis ensured he stood out from the crowds in a vibrant purple and pink tie dye hoodie and green shorts. He added more colour with a pink baseball cap and donning a black face mask

Three’s company: The pair were seen laughing along with a blonde member of Lewis’ entourage

Lewis and Nicole called time on their on and off eight year relationship in 2015 but have remained amicable, reuniting last year at the Fashion Awards in London in December.

Speaking about their split during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Nicole revealed: ‘I don’t see anything negative.

‘I think it’s quite natural when people separate and go their own ways and you just have to be adult about it and just always wish the other person happiness, success and love like sincerely and I do.’

When asked whether they still stay in touch, the Poison hitmaker – who first started seeing the race car driver in 2007 – was frank in her admission.

Intense: The pair seemed deep in conversation as she left the boat carrying a wad of face masks in her hand

Cosy: The pair were flagged by Lewis’ entourage as they helped his pet pooch on and off the luxury liner

Something caught your eye? Lewis could be seen watching on as Florence sashayed along the harbour

She added: ‘Yeah we don’t, like, talk. I think that he is the best driver since Ayrton Senna and I think that he’s probably going to win this year and I only wish him happiness and success.’

The American beauty is now dating retired British rugby player Thom Evans after meeting on Celebrity X Factor at the end of last year.

They may have been dating for less than a year, but Nicole and Thom are clearly devoted to one another and divide their time between her LA pad and London.

Feeling good: Florence seemed to be in good spirits as she flashed a smile while walking down the street

Packing up: Florence appeared to be struggling with her Louis Vuitton tote which was no doubt packed full as they prepared to fly to Italy for the Grand Prix

Meanwhile, Lewis has been linked to a strong of women since ending his eight-year relationship with Nicole.

Model Barbara Palvin, Winnie Harlow and Kendall Jenner, singers Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Rita Ora, and young socialite Sofia Richie have all been romantically connected to the star over the ensuing four years.

Back in July, Russian model Viktoria Odintcova spoke out to claim that she had a romantic relationship with the star shortly after his split from his longterm girlfriend.

Puppy love: The group all paid plenty of attention to Lewis’ pampered pet pooch Roscoe, who is famously vegan and likes to fly on private jets

Weighed down: Lewis was seen lugging his suitcase and bag off the yacht ahead of flying to Italy

It’s a dog life: Roscoe seemed rather confused by all the commotion as the group changed their method of transportation

The 26-year-old brunette beauty claimed that Formula 1 world champ Lewis pursued her four years ago, after parting ways with the former Pussycat Doll though she insists they’re now just friends.

RT quotes her as saying: ‘We had different types of relationship. At a certain period of time it was romantic. He was courting me.

‘But then this relationship evolved into friendship. I live in Russia and he lives abroad. We just became friends who can message each other and send holiday greetings.’

Viktoria reportedly revealed that the pair met in Barcelona four years ago, before exchanging direct messages on Instagram, though they’re not just friends.

Every dog has it’s day: Lewis assisted his pet pooch by carrying it on and off the luxury liner when needed

Vroom vroom: The pair hopped into a mini bus that transported them from the yacht to the helipad

The model has previously claimed that she’s been messaged by countless footballers and athletes on Instagram in the past, including Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

As for Lewis, in recent months he appeared more focused on his racing career, as well as maintaining his physical fitness, as was shown in recent snapshots.

The star said he had been channelling his energy into exercise during lockdown and urged others to follow suit for mental health.

Got things to do: The pair kept their travel as short as possible by hiring a helicopter to take them to Italy ahead of the Grand Prix

Got a title to defend: As of the seventh round of the 2020 season, Lewisleads the drivers’ standings by 47 points over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with wins at the Hungarian, British, Spanish and Belgian Grands Prix, respectively

Going, going, gone: Florence could be seen hopping onto the helicopter to join the star on his travels

He wrote on Instagram: ‘With all that is happening in the world, my only get away is to train and channel the emotions and energy into building my body stronger. This has been the best training period I’ve ever had, I can’t stop and I won’t!

‘Staying active both mentally and physically is so important today, I want to encourage those of you out there to keep working out even if it’s only for 20 minutes. Every little helps.’

Do you know Lewis’ mystery female companion? Contact [email protected]

Then and now: Lewis Hamilton famously dated Nicole Scherzinger for eight years on and off until 2015 (pictured left in 2014) Nicole is now in a relationship with rugby hunk Thom Evans (right) after meeting on Celebrity X Factor last year

Lovely ladies: Since splitting from Nicole, Lewis has been linked to a slew of stunning women, including (L-R) Russian model Viktoria Odintcova, America’s Next Top Model star Winnie Harlow and socialite Sofia Richie