The Duchess of Sussex is said to be planning a ‘Summer of Love’ to woo new fans for her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, with a major PR campaign.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle receive a traditional outfit made in Nigeria as they attend a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle is hoping to ‘soften her public image’ in a bid to make more money, an insider has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex, who has been dealing with drama involving the Archewell Foundation this week, is looking to expand her TV and business ventures in the coming months.

But a well-placed source says Meghan understands she needs to “soften” her image to hit the heights of the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba.

Meghan and husband Prince Harry are thought to currently have a net worth estimated to be in the region of more than half a billion dollars, but they are hungry for more financial success.

A source with business connections to Harry and Meghan said: “They know it’s time to turn away from family feuds and focus on firmly establishing themselves as the movers and shakers they aspire to be.

Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

“And it looks like Netflix may be ready to give them a solid push with a new deal that could turn American Riviera Orchard into a cash cow for both sides.”

Express.co.uk has been informed that Meghan and Harry are deep in discussions with Netflix about renewing their lucrative contract next year.

Meghan is tipped to host her own culinary series spotlighting exotic cuisine, complete with companion recipe books and branded kitchenware.

The source noted: “Executives at Netflix are very interested in the notion of creating a new revenue stream for the company by linking Meghan’s show to commercial sales via American Riviera Orchard.

Meghan will embark on a ‘summer of love’ (Image: Getty)

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

“They’re intrigued by the possibility of some kind of partnership agreement that could, potentially earn a lot of money for both parties. But, whatever deal is eventually concluded, the feeling is that it won’t come anywhere close to their original deal – at least, not to start with.

“The idea is that as well as promoting her company via her TV show she can build the brand into a powerhouse venture with the same level of financial success as that achieved by other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba.”

They added that Meghan is hoping to flip the script with a “feel the love” sentiment as opposed to her and Harry’s “normally hard-nosed and often hot-headed” way of handling publicity.

It also means no further attacks on Harry’s family, such as the allegations made in his book Spare and their Netflix mini series.

 

The Duchess of Sussex is plotting a “Summer of Love” to charm potential devotees to her brand with a series of chat show appearances, podcast guest spots, and interviews with handpicked media figures.

The 42-year-old is determined to bolster her stateside appeal through this strategic publicity surge.

An insider divulged: “This is going to be a full-on media blitz aimed at softening the public’s perception of her and driving online sales when her brand goes live.”

This source is reportedly in close contact with Meghan’s representatives at the powerhouse talent agency WME.

Harry and Meghan wedding confessions – ‘foul smell’, cameras in flowers and huge cost

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were ranked as the fourth most disliked celebrities in the world, but an expert has claimed the Duchess of Sussex won’t be too fussed about it Meghan Markle is “unbothered” by her ‘low levels of popularity’ in the UK says a top PR wizz.

Ranker released its most disliked celebrities of 2024 list earlier this week, which saw James Corden, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Amber Heard rank among the most unpopular A-listers by the 31,400 people who cast 394,5000 votes. Team Sussex landed in fourth place in this hall of shame, but Meghan isn’t losing any sleep over her rating according to one expert.

Speaking about Meghan’s low popularity, Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR said: “In the latest YouGov survey released at the beginning of May, Meghan received a very low score. In fact, it should be noted that 65% of respondents disliked her, and 45% had very negative views of her”, reports the Mirror.

“Only 4% of Brits expressed very positive feelings toward her while her overall net approval rating dropped from minus 43 to minus 38 at the beginning of April”, she added. Lynn went on to say she believes Meghan would be taking the survey results with a “pinch of salt”. She added: “I’m not sure how interested she is anymore in getting the British public back on her side.

 

“She is American and that is where her family life is now, so she will be more concerned in raising her popularity in her own country and focusing on building her brand American Rivera Orchard and making it a huge success.”

Lynn added: “Harry of course will be as it’s his birthplace, and he wants his children to be connected to the British heritage. But we only need to look at their visit to Nigeria last week to know that would have given the couple much confidence because they are celebrated in that country and in their eyes the tour would have been a great success and they do have more visits to other countries lined-up.”

“They did face some criticism from royal supporters as their trip had all the hallmarks of an official royal tour. As Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, if their foreign visits continue like this, it is likely to cause some friction with King Charles.”

Meghan and Prince Harry were flown around Nigeria for free by an airline whose chairman is a fugitive wanted in the US. 

Dr. Allen Onyema, founder of Nigerian airline Air Peace, provided the Sussex’s with free flights during their three day tour of Nigeria to celebrate 10 years of Harry’s Invictus Games.

However DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that he is also a wanted man in the US, facing multiple charges linked to millions of dollars worth of alleged fraud set down in a federal indictment filed in November 2019.

Stanley Olisa at Air Peace said the Sussexes were given the ‘complimentary flights’ by the CEO, along with ‘everything they wanted’ becasue ‘they are royals‘.

+13

Meghan and Prince Harry were flown around Nigeria for free by an airline whose chairman is a fugitive wanted in the US

+13

Dr. Allen Onyema, founder of Nigerian airline Air Peace, provided the Sussex’s with free flights during their three day tour of Nigeria to celebrate 10 years of Harry’s Invictus Games (left dresses in navy)

+13

Meghan was left thrilled as she was presented with a painting by her adoring young fans

+13

Harry’s Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel

Round-up of Harry and Meghan’s Nigeria tour as it comes to a close

The indictment accuses Onyema of allegedly ‘using his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive to launder more than $20million from Nigeria through US bank accounts’.

There is no suggestion that either Harry or Meghan were aware of Onyema’s history before they met him.

Mr Olisa told the Mirror: ‘The planes were chartered. It was just the royals and their entourage. They were not flying with other passengers. We understand that they are royals so we gave them top-tier treatment on board. They were given everything they wanted. It was an exclusive experience. And we flew them back to Abuja in the evening. Everything was complimentary.’

He added: ‘The chairman of Air Peace gave Prince Harry and his wonderful wife Meghan free flights to Lagos and back as part of his contribution to the successful hosting of the couple.’

In total the couple and their entourage flew 664 miles on a 120 seat plane creating around 12 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The average annual carbon footprint for one person per year is about four tonnes.

This whooping figure has left some angry at the Sussex’s for being hypocritical, as it 2019, while still working royals, the pair launched the Travalyst initiative.

He spent three years as the public face of the initiative to encourage the tourism industry to become more sustainable – despite a furore over his use of private jets.

Like his father King Charles, who has spoken out for more than 50 years on issues such as sustainability and climate change, Harry has also been a vocal champion of environmental causes.

+13

In total the couple and their entourage flew 664 miles on a 120 seat plane creating around 12 tonnes of carbon emissions

+13

Onyema is accused of using his status as a prominent business leader to launder more than $20million from Nigeria through US bank accounts

+13

Harry hears as he urges on the Invictus athletes – as Meghan looks delighted beside him

+13

Meghan is pictured stodd next to five other female dinner guests as she attended a lunch with Minister of Defence in Abuja Nigeria

Meghan Markle radiates joy whilst on a panel during Nigeria trip

During the visit the couple visited a local charity and met with military leaders, injured soldiers and school children, all of whom welcomed them smiles and enthusiasm.

Robert Murphy, the agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta field division said: ‘Allan Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the US banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt.’

The indictment goes on to allege that Onyema set up various ‘innocent sounding multi-million-dollar asset purchases which were nothing more than alleged fronts for his scam’.

It states that Onyema is the founder and chairman of several organizations across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited.

Air Peace’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged along with Onyema.

Both men were charged on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud and three counts of credit application fraud. However it is understood that they deny the claims.

+13

Speaking to The Mirror , author Tom Quinn remarked that the whistlestop 72-hour visit ‘confirmed the worst fears’ for the Duke of Sussex ‘s family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spotted arriving in LA from Nigeria

+13

Harry – who at times appeared concerned – continually cast a vigilant eye towards his wife as their US and American security team tried to keep control

This comes after it was alleged that King Charles was ‘absolutely furious’ that the trip had taken place anyway.

Author Tom Quinn said: ‘Everything you might expect from an official royal visit was there – the receptions, the visits to schools and charities, to wounded soldiers and the disabled.

‘Meghan and Harry’s speeches and their whole attitude has been designed to give the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals and William and his father King Charles don’t like it one bit.’

Mr Quinn said that Harry and Meghan appear to have ‘gone rogue’, adding ‘for Charles and William, it’s as if Meghan and Harry are saying, ‘We don’t need your permission to be working royals – we will do it on our own terms whenever and wherever we like’.

Royal expert Michael Cole told MailOnline that although the couple were on ‘a private visit by two royal personages’, they ‘exploited their royal status to the very limit and in every way, trying to give the impression that it was the real thing’.

He said that although the Sussexes’ trip ‘wasn’t a state visit, an official visit or a royal tour’, it seemed like a ‘tour proposed by Buckingham Palace and sanctioned by the British government’.

He added that the couple ‘succeeded to such an extent that they will return to California well satisfied with their three days in Nigeria’.

Despite this disapproval the Sussexes now have ‘other trips planned for the remainder of the year’ and hope to ‘share more details in the coming weeks’.

The insider added: ‘It is definitely possible they could return to Africa for more tours after that.’

The Sussex’s and Air Peace have been approached for comment.

David Beckham sent fans wild this weekend by announcing the family had brought home an adorable new addition.

The Inter Miami CF owner took to Instagram to reveal their new pet – a cute bunny named Coco.

Harper poses with her new pet bunny Credit: Eroteme

The Inter Miami FC owner posed with the sweet new addition Credit: INSTAGRAM

David revealed the tiny bunny on his Instagram storiesCredit: INSTAGRAM

David, 46, shared snaps of the rabbit on social media, as he and daughter Harper, nine, took turns cuddling up to her.

“Good morning,” the former England footballer captioned a snap of the tiny white and beige bunny.

The proud dad followed up with a photo of his daughter enjoying a snuggle with her new pet.

It comes shortly after David gave fans an insight into his 25-year marriage to former Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham.

The couple – who also share sons Brooklyn, 22, Romeo, 19, and Cruz, 16 – appear to have very different tastes in food.

The 46-year-old said he loves sharing his food but Victoria, 47, will only ever have grilled fish and steamed veg for dinner.

Discussing his wife’s eating habits on the River Cafe Table 4 podcast, he explained:  “I get quite emotional about food and wine, when I’m eating something great I want everyone to try it.

“Unfortunately I’m married to someone that has eaten the same thing for the last 25 years.

“Since I met her she only eats grilled fish, steamed vegetables, she will very rarely deviate from that.”

He continued: “The only time she’s probably ever shared something that’s been on my plate was actually when she was pregnant with Harper and it was the most amazing thing. It was one of my favourite evenings. I can’t remember what it was but I know she’s not eaten it since.”

Victoria has previously revealed she won’t eat food cooked in oil, butter or sauces, and she doesn’t eat red meat or dairy.

She admitted her comfort food was a piece of whole grain toast with salt on it and on her birthday she celebrates with a cake made from fruit.

Former sports star David went on to say he enjoys having the house to himself without the fashion designer or their four children because he can cook what he wants.

David shared: “Pretty recently I was in isolation for five days because I’d just been to Italy so I came back and on one of the last days Victoria’s parents had a party and I couldn’t actually go to it. So everyone was out of the house and I secretly loved it.

“I literally had two most amazing cuts of meat. One was a T-bone and I had some English wagyu, I poured one glass of the most amazing red wine that I treated myself to because I was on my own looking forward to watching the football in the afternoon on my own. So I set the barbecue up.”

Revealing in detail what he ate, the food lover continued:  “I think there’s nothing better than when you have time to get everything right.

“I had a nice tomato and shallot salad and the meat and a glass of wine and it was the most amazing meal that I had for a long time. Those are my most amazing afternoons and evenings.

“The wagyu was quite thick and I don’t like to brag but it was cooked to perfection … I put it on the grill and cooked it for six or seven minutes either side, bit of salt and a bit of pepper.

“I like my meat rare, medium at a push, but more rare and it came out perfect. And it was only me in the house so I ate it all.”

The family have welcomed a sweet new addition Credit: Refer to Caption

Harper Seven, the youngest child of David and Victoria Beckham, posed alongside model sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid at Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week debut.

Victoria Beckham was slammed by fans after her daughter Harper wore a dress many deemed ‘inappropriate’ for her age.

Harper Seven, the youngest child of David and Victoria Beckham, posed alongside model sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid at Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week debut. The 11-year-old arrived alongside her ex-footballer dad, and brothers Romeo and Cruz, and Cruz’s girlfriend Tanya Holding.

Following the show, Victoria shared a sweet clip of Harper on her Instagram story, in which she stood next to brothers Romeo and Cruz. The youngster gave a sweet message to her, saying: “Hi mummy, congratulations, I hope you have the best day,” before blowing a kiss to the camera.

Sharing the clip, Victoria added the caption: “Good luck kisses from #HarperSeven before the show [pink heart emoji] xx VB”

The former popstar shared a snap of her daughter alongside supermodels Bella and Gigi in her custom VB design, but not all fans thought the outfit was appropriate. She captioned the snap: ” #HarperSeven loving her time backstage with @GigiHadid and @BellaHadid #VBSS23 ”

One fan wrote: “I’m really surprised that at this girl’s age they are already dressing her that way, but anyway it’s just my personal opinion.” While another said: “I was shocked to see Harper in this dress tbh and thought it inappropriate for her age, normally dressed like young girls should but a clear miss today imo.”

“A sweet girl dressed in an adult sexualised way,” wrote a third while a fourth added: “What’s with the child’s dress #parentinggonebad ”

A fifth agreed: “I love your design so much , but Harper in that dress is so inappropriate . Let her be a girl of her age and in power her.” Meanwhile a sixth wrote: “That dress poor Harper has been made to wear is far too old for her. Whatever was @victoriabeckham thinking show her young daughters chest. Shame on you #victoriabeckham ”

Putting her face to her hands several times, the Spice Girl then ran over to hug 47-year-old David, before blowing a kiss to Brooklyn, 23, who was sat on the front row next to wife Nicola, 27. On her way back, the designer embraced her best pal, Desperate Housewives actress, Eva Longoria.

David and Victoria Beckham’s 11-year-old daughter is a mini style icon

David and Victoria Beckham’s youngest child Harper has quite the archive of designer pieces in her wardrobe. From her cloud blue Prada handbag to her £890 mini chain pouch bag from VB’s eponymous fashion label, the 11-year-old is no stranger to a luxe fashion moment.

It seems the youngest Beckham has added another designer piece to her collection, having rocked a sunshine-yellow swimsuit on Victoria’s Instagram on Sunday that looks mighty like the £160 ‘Nancy’ one-shoulder bikini set from iconic label Hunza G.

Taking to social media to mark Mother’s Day, VB penned a heartwarming tribute in honour of her four children, sharing a snap beside Harper as the mother-daughter duo enjoyed a swim in a turquoise swimming pool. Take a look at more of Harper’s cutest moments in the clip below… 

The former Spice Girls star penned: “I feel blessed every day to be a mummy. I love you all so so much. You make me smile,(controversial) every day and prouder than you could ever know. David Beckham what can I say… You really are our everything. We have done such a good job, I’m so proud of us! I love u!”

“Somebody please tell me how VB looks just as young as Harper?” a fan wrote in the comments, as another penned: “You and David are amazing parental role models. Your children turned out to be amazing human beings.”

Harper looked radiant in the sweet snap beside her mum, who kissed her mini-me on the cheek. Victoria and Harper have been known to share clothes on several occasions, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Harper’s stylish crinkle swimwear is actually from her mum’s wardrobe.

MEGHAN Markle has launched a new business venture with a surprise post on Instagram.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, unveiled her lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard.

3

Meghan Markle unveiled her lifestyle brand – American Riviera OrchardCredit: AP

3

The Duchess of Sussex launched a new business venture with a surprise post on InstagramCredit: Instagram

3

She was spotted in a vintage-style clip on Instagram

Everything we know about Meghan’s new business

MEGHAN Markle has launched a new Instagram brand called American Riviera Orchard.

Industry insiders said the site will focus on home, food, garden and lifestyle goods.

A source told the Mail: “It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.

“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix.

“Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams. And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.”

According to a report from Page Six, Meghan’s company will focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle content.

The brand will reportedly sell a variety of home goods, such as cookbooks, foods, and kitchenware.

The source said: “She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.”

A trademark application for ‘American Riviera Orchard’ showed Meghan is planning to sell cutlery, decanters, legume-based spreads and even napkin rings.

The account launched just hours before Prince William gave a speech at the Diana Legacy Award.

It was accompanied by an Instagram story showing grainy footage of the duchess arranging flowers and baking in her stunning home.

With a jazzy soundtrack by the late Nancy Wilson, the cryptic video conveys a sense of old-fashioned Hollywood glam.

A woman wearing a ball gown – believed to be the Duchess of Sussex – is also seen through open French doors in what looks like her lavish £12million Montecito mansion.

The footage also featured the brand’s logo drawn in a script-like font that resembles a wedding invitation.

The account’s biography says the brand is “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex⁣⁣⁣” and visitors are linked to a website where they can join a mailing list.

Other than that, the vague page is bare except for the American Riviera Orchard’s logo spread elegantly across nine posts.

David and Victoria Beckham are building a “bat hotel” — so the nocturnal fliers can hang out at their country home.

A new Springwatch-style barn proposed for the couple’s £6million property is to feature a “wildlife corridor”.

David and Victoria Beckham at their Cotswolds retreat Credit: David Beckham/Instagram

How we imagine David hanging out with the nocturnal fliers

The nature-loving pair promise it will provide “new roosting and nesting opportunities for bats and birds”.

Ex-England skipper David, 46, and fashion designer Victoria, 47, have spent the past few years doing up the Cotswolds retreat, despite some local opposition.

They have dug a pond and added a series of small hills for privacy.

The house has a gym, yoga space and a wine cellar with space for 7,000 bottles.

The Beckhams want to build a ‘bat hotel’ at their country pile

The planning application proposal for the shedCredit: West Oxfordshire District Council

The new barn plans were submitted to West Oxfordshire District CouncilCredit: West Oxfordshire District Council

The Beckhams had to also submit a detailed ecological report Credit: West Oxfordshire District Council

There is also a sauna, outdoor swimming pool and a football pitch.

But the Beckhams had to submit a detailed ecological report when applying for permission to build a new barn.

David Beckham with his dogs in his rural bolthole Credit: David Beckham/Instagram

Becks has spent the past few years doing up the Cotswolds retreat Credit: David Beckham/Instagram

It states that “any new lighting to be introduced should be designed to minimise light spillage and pollution and not directed on to any bird/bat boxes installed”.

Workers will be advised about local wildlife. Installation will also take place outside the bird nesting season, so cannot start until the end of August.

The Beckhams declined to comment.

PRINCESS Kate’s family have broken their silence after her shock cancer diagnosis.

Kate’s brother James Middleton has paid tribute with a heartfelt image shared of the two when they were children.

6

James Middleton wished his sister well in an Instagram post

6

Princess Kate is undergoing treatment for cancerCredit: AP

6

Kate said the news had come as a ‘huge shock’Credit: Getty

6

The transcript of Kate’s statement
He also said in the Instagram post: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”

He also added a love heart emoji and a mountain emoji to the touching post.

Kate, 42, revealed on Friday evening that she is undergoing treatment for cancer in a brave video message.

The royal said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.

Her diagnosis is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family in as many months after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight that the King was “so proud” of Kate for “speaking as she did” and remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.

Kate said the family now needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.

It is now believed she will not return to work at Easter, as was previously announced by the palace.

Comments on James’ post paid tribute to his beloved sister.

One said: “My thoughts and prayers are with both the king and the princess at these very difficult times. I wish them both well but not forgetting William as well, his father and wife at the same time. Tough times don’t last tough people do.”

Another said: “We are all praying for the Princess and your family.”

---

More from Kate’s emotional message…

Kate reveals she’s being treated for cancer
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish Kate ‘health and healing’
Kate’s family share childhood photo and break silence
King Charles says he’s ‘so proud’ of his daughter-in-law
The Princess won’t return to royal duties until she’s cleared
‘William is by my side’ says Kate in shock cancer statement
Kate’s diagnosis ‘was reason Will pulled out of service’
Experts slam trolls who caused her more pain at a difficult time

---

While a third posted: “We love your sister xx Shes is a special lady xx sending you and your family so much love xxx”

Kate mentioned the support her family had given her inthe emotional video statement:

She said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, personally, for all the understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family but I have had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.”

The palace are unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end.

Kate’s abdominal procedure took place at the London Clinic on January 16, Kensington Palace previously confirmed.

Kate was last officially seen with her family at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.

Her absence has been plagued by vile conspiracy theories over her whereabouts in the weeks that followed the announcement.

On March 4, Kate was seen for the first time since her operation. as she rode in a car with mum Carole, 69.

It’s time to show Kate more respect, blasts Sun’s Royal Editor

THE Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson says it’s time cruel trolls lay off Kate as he gives his insight into her shock cancer diagnosis.

It is sometimes hard to remember and understand that this is a family and they are going through very tough experiences at the moment.

I find it very interesting that she does speak about how they’ve taken time, they’ve needed time, to process this information and also tell their three children George, Charlotte and Louis, which would be an incredibly difficult conversation.

A lot of people who have poked fun at Kate purely to gain hits online, such as Kim Kardashian, need to have a hard look at themselves and apologise for their behaviour.

People have been asking where’s Kate? Well, she’s been coping with this cancer diagnosis and having to tell her young family.

Much of the abuse has also come from so-called ‘Sussex Squad’ members on Twitter who are fans of Harry and Meghan. This has been a shameful episode and people should show the Princess of Wales more respect.

We know the Princess of Wales went into hospital for abdominal surgery in January. That surgery was successful and it was non-cancerous. However, subsequent tests have found cancer and at the end of February she embarked on the start of preventative chemotherapy.

They’ve taken time to process this and Kate has announced this to the world today.

They’ve chosen today because it is the last day of school for George, Charlotte and Louis and it means that they can now huddle together as a family for the next couple of weeks away from all the drama and really come together and deal with this cancer diagnosis.

A cancer diagnosis that Kate has said she has found shocking, but it’s also a cancer diagnosis that many people around the world will listen to and will have sympathy for and empathy for because there are many families that are also going through this kind of situation and having to break the news to their children, as in this case.

Kate has been living her life in the spotlight for many, many years and there has been some very nasty stuff posted online. Lots of bullying, we would suggest, about Kate and about why she has been missing for the last couple of weeks.

We understand that wasn’t a motivation for her coming out today to make the statement but it’s obviously something that has dominated the front pages and dominated social media online. Questions about what has happened to Kate. Now she has answered it and said that while everyone has been discussing where she is, that actually she has been coping with the diagnosis of cancer and digesting this with her family.

She has told the rest of the Royal Family. The King – who also has his own diagnosis of cancer and is also undergoing treatment – has been made aware. The Royal Family will be circling the wagons.

I think she will be getting a huge amount of support from family and friends and she has spoken about how William, obviously, has shown her so much support.

They will now be off for a couple of weeks with the three children for Easter. William will return after the Easter holidays. And The Princess of Wales may well return.

She says she is full of hope, she says that she hopes that she will get better, she’s told the kids that she will be OK.

So we may see The Princess of Wales in coming months attending engagements but we really do need to give her time as she has asked to see how the preventative chemotherapy gets on.

6

The Sun obtained footage of smiling Kate shopping with William over the weekendCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

6

She also addressed others with cancer and told them ‘you are not alone’Credit: PA

The 1984 Olympic Games that caused heartache and anger for Mike Tyson.

Before Mike Tyson went on to have an outstanding professional boxing career, he had a dream. He had hopes of making the U.S. Olympic team back in 1984. That dream, however, was shattered when the hard-punching Tyson dropped a pair of bouts that prevented him from making the boxing team.

Mike Tyson’s legendary boxing career

Mike Tyson didn’t let his failed attempt at making the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team back in 1984 derail his quest for reaching the top of the professional boxing ranks. Tyson’s pre-pro boxing days were littered with speed bumps which included the death of his mother and sister at early ages and several arrests by the time he was 13.

Boxing was a way to help Tyson cope with his problems. He boxed often and he boxed well. He made his professional boxing debut in 1985 and quickly rose to stardom by winning his first 37 fights. Not only was he winning, he was striking fear int his opponents. Of his first 28 fights, he won 26 of them by knockout.’

Tyson went on to become the youngest boxer to ever win the heavyweight title when he was 20 years old. Tyson eventually became the lone heavyweight boxer to capture the WBA, WBC and IBF boxing titles and hold them at the same time. He finished his career with a 50-6 record, winning 44 by knockout.

Tyson’s failed bid to make the Olympics in 1984

As an amateur fighter, Mike Tyson secured gold medals in 1981 and 1982 in the Junior Olympics and had visions of earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team in 1984. There as some serious competition, however, with names such as Pernell Whittaker and Evander Holyfield also vying for spots.

The U.S, Olympic trials were held in Fort Worth, Texas in 1984, and Tyson was up against Henry Tillman, another kid who had a criminal history and who had learned to box while in prison. Tillman won a 5-0 decision. Tyson was then chosen as Tillman’s ‘most worthy’ opponent for the Olympic box-offs at Caesars Palace a month later. Tyson would have to defeat him twice to make the Olympic cut. If Tillman won the first bout, it was over for Tyson.

Tyson lost a 4-1 decision. He stormed out of the pavilion and began taking his frustrations out on a tree. While Tyson was crying, his trainer Cus D’Amato consoled him. Tillman advanced and went on to win the gold medal in the Olympics.

Tyson exacts his revenge

Mike Tyson made his professional debut on March 6, 1985, as an 18-year-old and cruised to a first-round TKO against Hector Mercedes. Tyson went on to win his next 36 fights before losing in a stunner to James ‘Buster’ Douglas on Feb. 11, 1990.

In Tyson’s next bout after the loss, on June 16, 1990, Tyson went face-to-face with Tillman in their first meeting since the Olympic trials. Tyson didn’t hold back against the man who prevented him from reaching his Olympic dreams. He knocked Tillman out in the first round in 2:47. Tillman wound up being a decent pro, going 25-6 in his career.

Tillman reflected on his time as a boxer, saying it was tougher to be an amateur than a pro. “I think amateur boxing is harder than in the pros,” Tillman said. “Where you fight every two or three months as a pro, amateur boxers fight as much as five times in tournaments.” He then said Tyson was better suited to be a pro. “Mike was a beast, period,” Tillman said. “He could fight at an early age. Some guys are great amateurs but didn’t do well as pros. It all depends on their styles and Mike’s was more suited for the pros.”