Nearly two years after Liam Payne's tragic death shocked millions around the world, a dramatic new development has reignited questions surrounding the circumstances of his final hours.

The former One Direction star died on 16 October 2024 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. He was just 31 years old, and the devastating news sent fans, friends and the music industry into mourning.

Among those paying tribute was Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who had been by his side since 2022. The influencer had left Argentina just days before his sudden death, returning home alone to care for their beloved rescue dog.

Since then, investigators in both Argentina and the UK have been working to piece together exactly what happened in the moments before Liam's fatal fall. But despite months of inquiries, official reports and criminal charges, many questions remain unanswered.

A significant twist in the long-running legal investigation has now left fans wondering whether they will ever get the full picture.

Official toxicology reports confirmed that the singer had cocaine in his system when he died, alongside alcohol and a prescription antidepressant. Testing showed he had ingested these substances within the 72 hours leading up to his fatal fall.

Argentinian businessman Roger Nores – a close friend of Liam – as well as two hotel staff members, manager Gilda Martin and receptionist Esteban Grassi, were charged over his death.

38-year-old Roger was a close friend to the late star and had been accused of abandoning Liam despite knowing about his addiction issues.

And now, a dramatic new twist has now turned the investigation on its head.

After facing the terrifying possibility of prison on a negligent homicide charge, Roger, 38, has now been cleared of all criminal charges, along with the two hotel workers.

‘There is no chance that Nores will be brought back into the case. The court was clear in its ruling that cleared him of any criminal wrongdoing,’ Nores defence attorney said. ‘Roger never had the duty of caring for Payne, much less caring for his addictions.’

But despite this latest blow to the investigation, the case is still hurtling towards another courtroom showdown.

Ezequiel Pereya, 22, and Braian Paiz, 26, are being held in custody ahead of trial, where they face allegations that they supplied Liam with the drugs.

It has been reported that restaurant waiter Braian, who was revealed to be a longtime fan of Liam, admitted in his witness statement that he agreed to obtain drugs after being persuaded by the singer. ‘He ended up convincing me to get them for him,’ he said. ‘And, in all honesty, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see him again. That's why I agreed to do it.’

Behind the scenes, prosecutors are allegedly negotiating plea deals with the two men – a move that could mean a full trial into the circumstances surrounding Liam's tragic death never takes place.

Following Liam’s death, early reports suggested he may have jumped from his balcony, possibly attempting to reach the swimming pool below after allegedly being denied access because of his intoxication.

However, later findings indicated that he had fallen backward - potentially after losing consciousness - and suffered fatal head injuries on impact.
‘Due to the position in which the body was found and the injuries from the fall, it is presumed that Payne did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness,’ the toxicology report stated.

At the centre of the heartbreaking investigation is Cheryl – his former partner and mother to his only son, Bear – who has officially been named as a co-administrator of Liam’s massive estate, after he died without leaving a will.

The former Girls Aloud member first met Liam during his X Factor audition back in 2008, where Cheryl,43, was a judge. Following her separation from second husband, the couple went public with their romance in 2016 They welcomed their son Bear the following year, and despite ending their relationship in 2018, Cheryl and Liam remained on good terms and were committed to co-parenting their son.

In the aftermath of Liam’s death, Cheryl described the loss as ‘earth-shattering’ in an emotional statement, before revealing her heartbreak for their son. ‘Liam was a father to our 7-year-old son,’ she wrote. ‘A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.’

Nearly two years on, Cheryl’s anxieties have now been brought to the surface as it was recently revealed that nine-year-old Bear is the sole beneficiary of his late father’s entire £21.7 million estate.

A source tells us, ‘While she is obviously relieved that his financial future is completely secure, she is deeply concerned about the long-term psychological impact of handing a teenager that level of extreme wealth and the thought of her son receiving direct, completely unrestricted access to millions at just 18 years old is terrifying for her.

‘Cheryl is incredibly anxious behind the scenes,’ our source says. ‘She has worked incredibly hard to give Bear a deeply grounded, totally normal childhood out in Buckinghamshire, keeping him entirely out of the spotlight, and she is genuinely devastated by the thought that a sudden influx of millions could completely unravel all her years of careful, protective parenting. She is petrified that hitting the financial jackpot the second he enters adulthood could completely destroy his normal work ethic and turn him into an instant target for the wrong crowd. Because she knows the clock is officially ticking, Cheryl is already quietly pulling together an emergency blueprint to keep Bear’s feet firmly on the ground.

The source continues, ‘She is actively consulting with financial advisors to see if there are any legal avenues within the trust administration to stretch out the payouts or restrict his access until he is much older and more mature.’

Before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their long-awaited return to the UK, there was plenty of speculation about exactly how the Sussexes might play their cards – particularly as they looked to reverse what some have described as a decline in their popularity.

There were even whispers that the couple could be preparing to unleash another explosive tell-all.

But, perhaps surprisingly, Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, kept remarkably quiet. Instead, the Sussexes appeared to agree to what was likely to have been King Charles’ request for complete discretion as they reunited with the monarch earlier this month.

The result was a remarkably low-key royal reunion, with Harry and Meghan arriving at Highgrove House alongside their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, under the radar during a Chanel event at the estate and apparently managing to evade the waiting photographers.

For Meghan, who had reportedly vowed never to return to the UK, her decision to come back represented a significant U-turn. Inevitably, questions followed over whether her return could also help revive her public standing – and, by extension, boost interest in her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Then, just days later, Meghan appeared to get a stroke of personal good fortune when her now-defunct Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, landed a Daytime Emmy nomination – shortly before her much-anticipated appearance on MasterChef Australia, which airs next weekend.

Now, a source tells us Meghan is determined to make the most of her moment in the spotlight and is urging Harry to step aside and let her shine, rather than becoming distracted by his own ongoing dramas or putting all their eggs in one basket by focusing solely on rebuilding ties with the royals.

An insider says, ‘Meghan feels she’s done her bit to help him. She went to England, kept out of sight, and abided by all the rules because she knew how important the trip was.

‘But now that they’re back home, she’s saying it’s time to forget about the royals and put their energy back into the life they’re building in America, which really means focusing on her and her brand.’

For months, Harry and Meghan have reportedly faced mounting questions over their finances and how they plan to sustain their lavish Montecito lifestyle amid signs that their popularity has taken a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Last month, data collected by YouGov America was reported to show a sharp decline in Meghan’s popularity over the past year. In 2025, 37% of voters reportedly said they ‘liked’ Meghan, compared with just 29% who expressed support for the Duchess at the beginning of this year.

Meanwhile, US site Newsweek claimed separate research had found that traffic to Meghan’s As Ever brand website had fallen by 89,000 in the US during January.

Against that backdrop, there is little doubt that the Emmy nomination will have provided Meghan with a welcome boost, both professionally and personally. But with the awards ceremony bringing together some of the biggest names and power players in television, there is also plenty riding on the night.

And we’re told Meghan is determined that she and Harry present a united front when the ceremony takes place in LA on September 14 - ensuring that, whatever is happening behind closed doors, the Sussexes are very much on the same page when they step into the spotlight.

The insider says, ‘She’s got a lot going on over the next few months and she wants her husband to stop making everything about his battles with the royals and let her needs take precedence for a little while, she feels that’s more than fair.

‘She’s getting this significant push in Australia and of course her show has been nominated for an Emmy, which is huge, and she has no intention of squandering the opportunity.

‘She’s very excited about Emmy night, she’ll be with all sorts of power players and her peers so it will be an amazing chance to network, and she wants Harry by her side for that.’

Beyond the celebratory scenes in Montecito, however, it appears the rest of Hollywood has been left baffled by this sudden turnaround, given that the lifestyle venture received a lacklustre 26% at best on review site Rotten Tomatoes.

On top of the dismal reviews, ratings also fell from 5.3 million for the first season to 2 million in the second, leading one PR expert to point out, ‘In any normal boardroom, a drop-off that severe means failure.’

But even Meghan’s harshest critics would admit that having ‘emmy-nominated’ ahead of her name gives off a certain prestige and a level of kudos within Hollywood circles – whether they think Meghan’s nomination is fairly earned or not.

And for Meghan, who King Charles reportedly nicknamed Tungsten for the metal with the highest melting point, we’re told the determined Duchess is again ready to re-mould herself into a whole new Hollywood persona that has directors and TV bosses falling at her feet.

The source says, ‘Meghan's in full campaign mode and sees [this Emmy nomination as] a very real opportunity to take her Hollywood dreams to the next level. She’s going to be busy day and night for the next few months, trying to maximize every bit of momentum she can out of this.

‘She would love to win the Emmy but even if she doesn’t win, getting this nomination has already given her a huge boost and she wants to use it as leverage to get meetings with people that have turned her down in the past.’

Back at the Palace, it remains unclear whether the King laid down any specific conditions for the Sussexes as they embark on what appears to be a cautious return to the royal fold, although it has been widely reported that the monarch may have issued the couple with some form of ultimatum.

However, this latest show of interest from Hollywood could potentially complicate any rules surrounding television appearances and ‘quasi royal’ tours. We’re told Meghan is also planning to ‘capitalize’ on the attention generated by her upcoming MasterChef Australia debut, which could provide a valuable boost as she looks to expand her profile internationally.

For now, her lifestyle products are exclusively available in the US, but Meghan and her team have made clear that they intend to take her range of preserves and candles global in the near future.

And following the warm reception the Sussexes received during their visit in April, Australia could prove an obvious next step for the expansion of her lifestyle empire.

Now the source says, ‘Meghan isn’t limiting herself, or her brand, to America. She’s very keen to crack the Aussie market, which is why she filmed this segment for The MasterChef Australia, it’s going to put her in front of a massive new audience, and she’s very keen to capitalize on that attention.

‘She knows these opportunities don’t come around every day and she has no intention of letting anything distract her or allowing Harry’s family drama to overshadow this major moment.’

Now the couple could face a major turning point in their marriage as both the trajectory of Meghan’s business and Harry’s wish to appease his family have collided at what could be a crucial crossroads for both of them.

But the source claims Meghan is adamant that their future in the US could be dependent on the success of her brand and that this needs to take priority, meaning Harry’s reunion hopes may have to take a backseat – at least for now.

They tell us, ‘For Harry it’s not as easy as simply deciding to switch off when it comes to everything going on with his family. He’s thrilled with the progress that’s been made but he’s already trying to plan the next trip back to England so his father can see the grandchildren again.

‘But even if she wanted to go back to England, Meghan simply doesn’t have the time right now; she’s far too busy and feels now is the time for Harry to take on the supportive role so that she can start achieving some of her goals. This is the biggest opening she’s had in a long time, and she wants Harry to put his own issues aside and help her make the absolute most of it.’

Say what you want about Sydney Sweeney, she knows how to get your attention and cause a stir.

It’s a tactic she’s used both on and off-screen since first finding fame on Euphoria in 2019, upping her sex appeal status to Carry On levels of innuendo – while cashing in nicely as a result.

Sure, she may be chiselled in the silhouette of old bombshell starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, but while their images were largely controlled by men, Sydney’s in control of hers – and she’s harnessed that sex symbol status to fully become a brand unto herself.

Just look at her lingerie brand, SYRN, which she launched in January with a range of sexy bras, corsets, thongs and knickers sultrily modelled by the would-be mogul herself. The company made a whopping $18m in the first quarter of 2026 alone – proving that Sydney’s more than just a storm in a D cup.

And according to insiders, this is only the beginning. We’re told the 28-year-old won’t rest until she’s proven she can build a billion-dollar brand to rival the likes of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Now, with a marketing strategy that’s fuelled by sex appeal, financial backing from Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, and more than a helping hand from her boyfriend, the controversial businessman and investor Scooter Braun, it looks like Sydney’s ready to do just that.

‘People used to dismiss Sydney as a one-trick pony who was relying on her looks,’ says an insider close to the actress-slash-businesswoman, who’s never shied away from playing X-rated characters on-screen. ‘For a while, that got under her skin because she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. But somewhere along the way, she realised she could either keep fighting that perception or turn it into a massive advantage. She decided to embrace it and that’s when everything started falling into place. People can mock Sydney’s marketing all they want, but she’s the one laughing because the numbers are absolutely incredible.’

Crucially, it seems that key to Sydney’s success is her tongue-in-cheek ability to lean into her sex symbol persona. It’s something she did again this week, after sharing ‘a little Aussie dump’ on Instagram - featuring photos of her and Scooter, 45, looking loved-up on holiday. In addition were extra selfies of the star flaunting her famous curves in various states of undress – making sure, of course, that she was wearing her own SYRN knickers (which were tagged) in the process.

We’re told that having Scooter on board has enabled her to think even more strategically about her sexy self-branding, and how she can use it to take her fashion brand to the stratosphere. He himself is no stranger to rocking the boat; he infamously acquired all the rights to Taylor Swift’s music in 2019 after buying Big Machine Label Group, which owned the master recordings (before Taylor finally bought them back last year) and he’s also copped flak for his allegedly exploitative management style while managing young artists like a then-teenage Justin Bieber. This has clearly made him divisive - and an enemy to Swifties worldwide - but it’s also built him a personal fortune worth $500m.

Clearly, Sydney’s not afraid to be associated with a bit of controversy – as evidenced by the fact that she’s happy to put their relationship on full display. So, having Scooter behind the scenes, encouraging her, is only going to push her envelope-pushing stragey moving forwards. Add to that her financial backing from Jeff Bezos, who helped launch her brand back in January with $1billion of support from his investment fund, and it’s no surprise that Sydney is more willing than ever to up the ante.

At present, her brand is still focused on selling sexy lingerie – at inclusive sizes that go up to a 42DDD. But having already secured trademarks to expand into ‘skincare, cosmetics and beauty care’ we’re told she fully has world domination in mind.

‘Getting serious financial backing completely changed the game and now, with Scooter helping steer the business side of things, she's thinking much bigger than just selling lingerie,’ our insider reveals. ‘She wants to build an empire. Scooter's been encouraging her to look at the long term, make smart investments and build something that keeps making money long after she's done acting. It’s exhilarating because he really believes in her. She’s always had huge dreams and now she has a boyfriend that has the knowledge and connections to help her make them all happen.’

Let’s not forget, this transition from actress to mogul has been a long-time coming for the star. For the past few years, Sydney has made various commercial decisions that – true to form – caused a stir, and netted her a pretty pay packet too. As well as signing huge brand deals with the likes of MiuMiu, HEYDUDE shoes, Armani makeup, Samsung, Laneige, Kérastase, Ford and Dickies, she also didn’t shy away from campaigns that were bound to divide opinion. Who could forget the storm that raged last year, after she posed for American Eagle, alongside the tagline ‘Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.’? Critics slammed the actress, claiming the line was racist and saying it promoted white supremacy. Yet Sydney remained unapologetic, refusing to distance herself, while the brand reported a massive spike in sales, plus a stock surge of 25 per cent.

The furore ultimately proved that – like sex – Sydney sells. And her refusal to apologise attested to her steely sense of business and her focus on making money.

Meanwhile, it wasn’t the first time the actress caused a splash – literally – after posing for a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign for men’s soap brand Dr Squatch last year, which saw her release a range of soap made out of her own bathwater. Joking that the idea was born from ‘dirty little boys’ who ‘wouldn’t stop asking’ for her dirty water, Sydney cheekily posed in a bathtub.

As our insider explains, her willingness to fully embrace her bombshell image is all part of the plan. It might seem antithetical to any hopes of being a serious actress, but – in reality – it’s guaranteeing her the money and power to ultimately be able to choose the projects she wants.

We’re told, ‘Sydney still loves acting and as much as she wants to build this business empire, she also wants to make movies. But now that she has all this money, and more coming in every day, she’s going to be in the position to finance the films she believes in. She won’t be foolish about it and throw money down the drain, but it’s certainly thrilling to go from an actress that has to audition to someone that can afford to fund anything she wants to star in.’

Ultimately, whether you agree with her business moves or not, you can’t deny that Sydney’s clearly got a big brain to match her other famously large assets. With a tongue-in-cheek sense of her own persona, an ambitious boyfriend encouraging her steely-eyed focus, and a hefty fanbase desperate to buy her dirty bathwater, she’s cleaning up very nicely indeed.

They enjoyed an insistently innocent – yet objectively flirty friendship – while working together as co-judges on American Idol. So, with Jennifer Lopez, 56, and Keith Urban, 58, both becoming single over the last couple years, it’s no wonder there have been whispers of romance… especially since the erstwhile workmates have been leaning on each other more in the wake of their respective divorces.

And according to insiders, we’re not the only ones. We’re told Keith’s mates are urging the singer to take the bull by the horns and get over his divorce from one of the most famous women in the world by, erm, rebounding with one of the most famous women in the world. But much to their frustrations, he’s just not feeling up to the task.

Still, he’s being urged to drop the humble act and throw his hat into the ring now before she’s snapped up sharpish.

‘Keith and Jennifer actually have a huge amount in common,’ says a mutual friend of the pair, who first set tongues wagging over their easy bond and chemistry while starring on American Idol in 2014 – despite the fact that they were both in relationships at the time. ‘They got along so well when they worked together and really developed a great friendship, so – of course – when the news broke out about Keith’s divorce, Jen reached out to offer her support. They’ve been in touch ever since.

‘At this point, it’s still very much in the friend zone, but it’s no secret Keith thinks that Jen is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. The problem is he doesn’t seem to have the guts to make the first move. Whenever his friends tell him he should ask her out, he comes up with excuses.’

As heat has previously told you, whispers of a potential love-match have been bubbling for years, ever since they first sat side by side as TV judges 12 years ago. Back then, of course, Keith was happily married to his now ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, while Jen had finalised her divorce from singer Marc Anthony that year (they’d separated three years prior) and had since moved on with dancer Casper Smart. Still, they made no bones about their mutual respect, with Jen describing Keith as ‘so cute’ and confessing it would be a ‘dream come true’ if they recorded a duet together, while Keith set tongues wagging after being pictured whispering in her ear.

The timing clearly wasn’t right, but the pair still kept in touch. And last September, after news broke that Keith and Nicole had split after 19 years of marriage, it was Jen who – still nursing her wounds following her own split from ex-husband Ben Affleck in 2024 – quickly leant an empathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on. As we reported, Jen’s support came at a critical time for Keith, who was feeling like the whole of Hollywood was rallying behind showbiz darling Nicole.

Now, as we approach the one-year mark since Keith and Nicole’s split – and two years since Jen and Ben said ‘I don’t’ – we’re told the pressure is on Keith to turn this friendship red-hot. But, by all accounts, his divorce has left him feeling just a bit too bashful to thrown down the gauntlet.

‘Right now, Keith just doesn’t see himself the way everyone else does,’ our insider explains. ‘He’s still rebuilding his confidence after everything that’s happened with Nicole, and he needs a little push.’

Let’s remember, before they shocked us all last September, Keith and Nicole were the poster pair for a very happy – and unconventionally long – showbiz marriage. But after the dust settled, any notion that things were amicable faded, as it was revealed they were only communicating through their lawyers, and Keith was struggling to keep in touch with their daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15, who had seemingly sided with their mum. What’s more, rumours that he was hooking up with his 25-year-old support act Maggie Baugh – though refuted – led to a massive backlash, with fans calling him ‘creepy’ and ‘cliché’, in the throes of a ‘mid-life crisis’.

While Nicole and Keith have since buried the hatchet and finalised their divorce under friendly terms, the outcome has left Keith reportedly feeling lonelier than ever, especially since Nicole has been granted primary custody of the girls. The fact that he stepped out alone at the American Country Awards in May – having attended the event for so many years with Nicole by his side – was a stark reminder of just how much he’s lost.

So, all things considered, it’s perhaps not surprising that he’s feeling somewhat timid when it comes to ‘shooting his shot’ with Jen – especially since, having been married four times and spent most of her adult life in relationships, she has since said she’s focused on putting herself first for the first time in years.

But the irony, we’re told, is that Keith has the goods Jen needs when it comes to a future partner. With a mutual love for music and performing, he certainly has more time for her spotlight-loving sensibilities than someone like her ex, Ben, who – despite his fame and fortune – really couldn’t handle life in the very public eye as one half of a power couple. What’s more, Keith is lacking any of that male bravado that could end up being threatened by someone of her superstar stature. As our source explains, there really is fertile ground for a love match.

‘Jen definitely needs someone who can keep up with her level of fame and ambition and Keith is one of the very few men who genuinely can,’ the insider continues. ‘He's a megastar in his own right and has earned enormous respect throughout the music industry, so it's not as though he'd ever be intimidated by Jennifer's success or expect her to tone herself down. A lot of their mutual friends think his personality could be exactly what she needs. She’s almost always gone for these very alpha male, dominant types, and none of those relationships ever worked out. Keith, in contrast, is much more laid back and more than happy to let his partner have her own spotlight. They think she'd really appreciate that because she's reached a point where she's looking for a man that isn’t going to ask her to change who she is.

‘She loves being in a relationship, and the feeling is that the first guy willing to make a genuine effort stands a very good chance - provided he ticks all the right boxes. Now, it’s just a matter of convincing Keith that he’s got what it takes.’

Keith, if you’re reading this, the ball’s in your court.

We may be currently in the throes of our short-lived British summer but before long, thoughts will turn to Christmas which, for royal observers, also means finding out which member of the fold will be feasting on the turkey at Sandringham, and who will be receiving a proverbial lump of coal.

Of course, following Prince Harry’s return to the UK alongside Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, earlier this month, talk of an invite being extended to the Sussexes for the festive season has already begun. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want fireworks at Christmas?

However, we’re told that while King Charles may be poised with his fountain pen, the sentimental monarch continues to run into resistance over his decision to forgive the Sussexes.

We’re told one senior royal in particular does not want to be breaking bread with Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, on Christmas morning – Queen Camilla, who the source says believes Harry is a ‘spoiled brat’, albeit a lovable one.

‘Harry is doing everything he can to keep the dialogue going through aides and quietly pushing for a Christmas invitation, but none of it is going anywhere unless Camilla signs off on it first,’ the insider says.

‘She and Harry have never gotten along. It’s no secret she thinks he’s been a spoiled brat who’s made a whole lot of mistakes, but she does believe there’s still some good in him and that, deep down, he can be steered in the right direction.’

Camilla, who celebrated her 79th birthday last week, is renowned to be a strong woman; an attribute Charles undoubtedly sees as a huge asset in her contribution to the monarchy and for the causes she champions. More poignantly, the Queen has also remained by Charles’ side as he continues his treatment for the undisclosed form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2024.

So it comes as little surprise that one royal author recently described her presence as ‘non-negotiable’ when it comes to any communication between Charles and the Sussexes, including her well-publicised inclusion in their reunion at Highgrove House.

Royal author Catherine Mayer said, ‘She is a non-negotiable part of Charles’ life. There is no reconciliation with him without her.’

Yes, this omnipresence may spark some evil stepmother vibes, especially for Harry who has already characterised her as such. But frankly, we’re told that Harry will have to like it or lump it as Charles knows Camilla has his best interests at heart.
An insider says, 'She wants to be front and centre for every single discussion and negotiation, and Charles has agreed because he knows how strongly she feels about itm especially about Meghan.

‘By Camilla’s estimation, she has Harry wrapped around her little finger. There's a concern that whenever Harry speaks to his father he’s reading from a script Meghan has prepared for him, which is exactly why she refuses to let any of these conversations happen without her sitting in on them.’

Ahead of Harry’s homecoming, it had been ten months since he had last met with his father in September for a brief afternoon tea at Clarence House.

For Meghan and the children, it had been four years since they were last in the UK and the source says that while Harry was ‘disappointed’ that he couldn't share one-on-one time with his 'pa', his desire for a family reunion overruled any doubts he had about Camilla being present.

However, we’re told that this reluctant agreement didn’t make it any less awkward when he and Meghan came face-to-face with the Queen.

‘Harry was pretty disappointed that he didn’t get even a moment alone with his father but he had no choice but to accept the terms of this visit and make the best of it. He and Meghan made nice with Camilla, but it was pretty awkward,’ the source says.

‘He doesn't blame his dad entirely because he knows he hates confrontation and wants to keep the peace at home, but he does wish they could have some private father-and-son time.

‘He still believes Charles genuinely wants to repair things, but with Camilla involved in every conversation like some sort of gatekeeper it’s very difficult for anything to feel natural.’

Meanwhile, we’re told Meghan is still trying to win back the affections Camilla once held for her.

When she first officially joined the Royal Family after marrying Harry in 2018, Camilla gushed, ‘America’s loss is our gain’ and is reported to have bonded with her new stepdaughter-in-law over their mutual love of yoga and fine wines.

Just last year, Meghan heavily hinted that she had sent Camilla a box of her own branded wine for her 78th birthday, teasing fans on social media that she had gifted the bespoke rose to ‘ladies near and far’.
But the source says Harry isn’t quite as hopeful about Meghan’s bid for reconciliation and believes Camilla remains the ‘biggest obstacle’ to any further reunion with his father.

We’re told, ‘Meghan is still on a mission to win her over. She’s not ready to accept that she can’t find a way to charm her, but Harry’s much more realistic about it.

‘He’s known Camilla long enough to know how she operates. She may smile but Harry is not naive enough to take that at face value. Camilla has clearly appointed herself as his father’s guard dog and as far as he’s concerned, she’s become the biggest obstacle to rebuilding any kind of trust with his father.’

However, the source points out that while Harry may remain sceptical over the influence Camilla appears to have over his father, he too has been widely accused of being swayed by Meghan, or being ‘led around by his nose’ as President Trump bluntly put it.

‘These days, you don't get Charles without Camilla, they’re a package deal. In that way they’re very similar to Harry and Meghan, so it’s not exactly something they can complain about without being hypocritical,’ the insider says.

Furthermore, at the heart of the matter, it’s clear that Camilla will do whatever she can to protect Charles, 77, at any cost – even if that means keeping the Sussexes away for Christmas.

The insider adds, ‘The fact is, Charles relies very heavily on Camilla these days, any decision he makes, especially when it comes to personal matters, involves her and the fact that she doesn’t trust Meghan’s intentions is going to heavily influence how Charles proceeds, there’s no way around it.

‘And, no matter how many gift baskets Meghan sends, it's very unlikely Camilla will ever soften her stance because, in her mind, she's protecting Charles from being hurt all over again.’

She’s one of Hollywood’s most glamorous actresses - but Megan Fox wasn’t holding back the punches when it came to haters on her latest Instagram post.

Sharing a series of photos to her 24 million followers on 17 July, the 40-year-old mum-of-four posed in black lingerie and a chiffon scarf for the vampiric-inspired shoot.

And while fans rushed to praise Megan’s raunchy look, some followers were less than impressed by her outfit.

‘This shi* is so unbelievably embarrassing for a 40-year-old mom to be posting,’ they said, adding that it was ‘16-year-old tumblr shi*’.

But rather than ignoring the comment, Megan savagely replied to the anonymous poster.

‘Which one of my exes is this?’ she shadily wrote.

Prior to clapping back at the follower, Megan - who shares Noah, 13, Bodhi, 12, and Journey, nine, with ex-Brian Austin Green, and 15-month-old Saga Blade with former partner Machine Gun Kelly - opened up about her relationship with her body.

‘We may look at somebody and think, “That person's so beautiful. Their life must be so easy,” she said in 2021. ‘They most likely don't feel that way about themselves. I have body dysmorphia. I have a lot of deep insecurities.’

But over time, Megan has changed her perspective - especially when delving into how she was mistreated during the early years of her career, which began in 2001.

‘That is something that I did a lot of work on,’ she explained. ‘I've done everything you can do to try to make sense of that. Because it's easy when you go through something like that to feel like a victim, obviously. That's your first instinct and response, but that doesn't serve you, and that makes life miserable, living life as a victim.’

She went on, ‘I did a lot of work to remove that feeling of being a victim and to realise that it was a lesson. So, there was purpose in it, and I didn't have to suffer any more. It's [made me grow] into a much more interesting human being than I would have been without that. It allows you the space to have gratitude for something that previously you felt persecuted by. That's the one thing in my life I did a lot of work on, I do feel free from.’

Back in 2022, Megan candidly spoke about her journey with plastic surgery - and revealed just how many procedures she had undergone.

‘I had my boobs done when I was 21 or 22,’ the Transformers star revealed. ‘I had them redone after I was done breastfeeding my kids because I don't know where they went, but they went. And then I had to have them redone very recently because the first set… I didn't have enough body fat to disguise [them]. You could see the rippling of the implant. So I had to switch them out to this set.’

Requesting that her surgeon gave her ‘1990 stripper titties’, Megan went on, ‘I said, “I better wake up with the biggest boobs you can fit in my body” - and that is what he said he did. And they're not even that big. They're a 32D, which is not that big. They just look big on my body because my body's tiny. But if he could have gone bigger, I would've had him go bigger because I don't like surgery.’

Adding that she hasn’t had a ‘rhinoplasty since she was 23’, Megan opened up about how quickly horrible comments appear once she’s posted a photo.

‘I feel like there's this stigma, and I'm not going to win,’ she said. ‘I'll be like, holy shi*, that is a particularly cruel thing to say. Who is this person? And I'll click on it, and she'll be like, women's life coach, crystal healing, tantric lessons, divine feminine. And she's under my comments, crucifying me for being plastic or whatever. But if you were to ask her, she would be like, “Well, that's because she perpetuates an unhealthy standard of beauty.” So here I am, I'm going to be fully transparent. I still won't win.’

It’s been just a fortnight since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s UK return, and we can expect to see more of the Sussexes in the very near future.

In what has been dubbed as a ‘reverse Megxit’, royal observers have speculated that Harry is now hoping for some form of negotiation with the Palace, with the approval of his father, King Charles, which will allow him to finally land the ‘half in, half out’ role that was previously shut down by the late Queen back in 2020.

The couple's secret summit with Charles at Highgrove House has since led to the monarch being labelled as ‘soft-hearted’ for allowing his son to all but waltz back into the UK after the damage Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, have inflicted on the monarchy over the past six years.

Meanwhile, a source previously told us how Prince William is now facing increasing pressure from certain members and staff within the Firm to finally make peace with estranged brother Harry – a miracle we’re told might yet happen, but not something the heir to the throne will agree to lightly.

An insider says, ‘Harry might have won over his father, but it’s going to take a lot more than a few feeble gestures to convince William to give him another chance.

‘William finds it appalling that there’s never been any sort of proper apology for all the cruel and revolting things that have been done. He hasn’t forgotten the stress Harry inflicted on their grandfather before he died, what he put their grandmother through, the heinous interview, the disgusting tell-all, or all the hurt and humiliation he and Kate have had to endure over the years.’

The brothers, who are believed not to have spoken for four years, are now once again at loggerheads, but this time around it appears William may hold the upper hand when it comes to decisions over Harry and Meghan’s future within the royal fold.

Upon hearing the news of his brother’s return, reportedly just ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade last month, William is alleged to have left before the annual family meal following the display and threatened to boycott any events for the foreseeable future.

And while the King went ahead and welcomed the Sussexes, going forward, he will undoubtedly have to take his eldest son’s wishes into consideration to maintain their close relationship. And the source says William, 43, is adamant that Harry and Meghan follow terms which may be considered brutal and humiliating for the Sussexes.

‘As far as William’s concerned, there have to be consequences, starting with an apology from both Harry and Meghan to him and his wife, he wants to see them take accountability - and he wants it to be public,’ they tell us.

‘Once that happens, he says he might consider sitting down with Harry, but only if he’s willing to sign a legally binding contract stating there will be no more public attacks on the family. He doesn’t even want their names mentioned publicly by Harry without prior approval from the palace.

‘He also wants a promise that there won’t be any more of these shameless faux royal tours without permission, and he wants clear rules and boundaries set out over how Meghan uses her royal status to promote her brand. William says a legally binding contract is the only language the Sussexes will understand.’

William, 43, is reported to remain ‘furious’ at both the path Harry has taken in teaming with Netflix (the streaming giant behind the controversial royal drama The Crown) back in 2020, but most predominantly, over his younger brother’s explosive tell-alls.

Harry not only publicly referred to William as his ‘arch nemesis’, but through his memoir, Spare, he alleged that William had physically assaulted him in a fight over Meghan. For a celebrity biography, this would have been explosive, but when it comes to tell-alls about the future King of England, the consequences could undoubtedly have been devastating for the monarchy as a whole.

As recently as just weeks ago, it was still being widely speculated that William may strip Harry and Meghan of their royal titles when he becomes King, so these latest calls for him to forgive and forget seem way off the mark. So much so that the source says William believes it’s ‘ridiculous’ that he’s even being asked to reconcile with his brother.

‘After everything his brother's done, he doesn't understand how anyone can forgive him, and he finds it pretty sickening that he's now being told he needs to turn the other cheek,’ we’re told.

‘William's astounded that so many people have been taken in by Harry and Meghan's posturing when it feels like it was only yesterday that they were all sitting down for crisis talks and having very serious conversations about taking away their titles.

‘Yet here they are back in the fold, and now he’s the one being pressured to make amends. He thinks it's absolutely ridiculous that people are trying to strong-arm him into something that he simply doesn't believe is right or proper.’

Now, with Harry is back in the US, William has continued to put on a united front with Princess Kate, with loved-up images from their social media pages only further proving that the royal couple are as united as ever.

By his side through it all, a source recently told us Kate, 44, knows better than anyone how much William has suffered, which we’re now told has led her to secretly hope that her husband may one day find it in his heart to forgive his brother – for his own sake as much as anyone else’s.

The insider says, ‘Kate is doing her best to walk the line between encouraging William to make peace while still being supportive of him because, as everyone knows, loyalty is extremely important to William, and the last thing she wants is for her husband to feel betrayed by her.

‘She would love to see these two brothers on speaking terms again, not just because she misses Harry, but also for the King's sake, and even for William's sake, because she can see the toll all this bitterness and anger is taking on him.

‘But she also accepts that there's no point in William agreeing to this if he doesn't genuinely feel any forgiveness in his heart. William’s well-being is her first priority.’

And we’re told that while Harry is unlikely to sign any written agreement, Kate believes it could be the one assurance that William needs if any trust is to be rebuilt between the brothers.

The source says, ‘While it might be seen as heavy-handed by a lot of people, if getting a signed agreement is what it will take for William to reach a place where he can forgive his brother, Kate doesn’t see anything wrong with that.’

Her spectacular fall from grace saw her flee the country and go into hiding after one of the most sordid scandals to hit the royal family made headlines around the world.

But after months of lying low, disgraced Sarah Ferguson is now said to be preparing to face the music back in the UK - and an insider tells heat that she’s demanding an audience with King Charles and Queen Camilla to appeal for clemency as she struggled with ‘feeling cut off’ from her family.

However, Charles and Camilla are unlikely to offer an olive branch, as our source says they are ‘trying to avoid her like the plague’. Even the former Duchess of York’s daughters Eugenie and Beatrice are said to be bracing themselves for fresh backlash when their shamed mother shows up on their doorsteps, following the scandal around her and ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s close friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Our insider says, ‘Sarah is nowhere near ready to just disappear into obscurity, she says she won’t allow herself to be tossed aside like rubbish simply because it’s the easier path for Charles and Camilla. [She feels] they owe her a whole lot better than that - and she intends to push them until she gets it!

‘That doesn’t mean she’s not incredibly nervous about coming back to England, but she’s not letting that stop her. As much as her relationship with Andrew has completely deteriorated, she knows it’s important that they’re on the same page, so that’s another difficult conversation she feels has to happen.

‘More than anything though, she can’t bear the idea of being so cut off from her daughters and her grandchildren, especially with Eugenie about to give birth, she feels it’s crucial for her to be nearby. Her coming back is obviously going to cause a huge headache for everyone, especially Eugenie and Beatrice who are going to feel obligated to welcome her in, which isn’t likely to go over well with either of their husbands.

‘But if Sarah doesn’t have anywhere else to stay, they’ll feel they have no choice but to give her shelter, she’s their mother and they won’t turn their backs, no matter what sort of trouble it causes them on the homefront.’

As heat previously reported, Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank had banned her parents from attending the birth. A source explained, ‘Jack’s been encouraging Eugenie to stick to her guns but of course it’s very difficult because she hates upsetting her parents.

'The hope is Sarah might quietly be allowed to sneak in at some point, but Andrew has been told he has to stay away, giving birth is already hard enough the last thing she needs is to be worrying about the fallout that will inevitably happen if he shows up.’

And further claims have emerged to suggest that neither Andrew nor Sarah will be involved in the official photographs of the new addition to the royal family.

Fun-loving ‘Fergie’ had been one of the most popular members of the royal clan for years, notably during her years as friend and confidante of the late Princess Diana.

But reports of her involvement with Epstein – who she’d referred to in an email in April 2011 as her ‘supreme friend’ despite him being a convicted child sex offender at the time – saw her lose her patronage of several charities last year as she became a pariah. Her spokesperson later claimed she’d paid the compliment as Epstein had threatened to sue her for defamation.

The scandal continued to unravel, with claims that the then Duchess had even taken her two daughters to New York to visit Epstein to celebrate his release from jail in 2009.

It also emerged that Sarah, now 66 – and who has a reputation for extravagant spending and debt issue – had accepted loans from Epstein. In one email to him, she’d written, ‘I urgently need 20,000 pounds for rent today. The landlord has threatened to go to the newspapers if I don't pay. Any brainwaves?’

And our source says that her continuing money issues have forced her to accept the need to ask for help back home.

‘Since she left England, Sarah has been hopping from one luxury spa to another, spending a fortune trying to gather her strength. But, as much as she doesn’t want to face the music, she can't keep running forever. It isn't sustainable financially and the reality is she's very lonely.

‘Sarah was hoping that with time people might soften towards her, but that's wishful thinking, if anything the mood towards her is even worse than when all the revelations about her friendship with Epstein first came out.

‘She’s still clinging to this belief that somehow sitting down with Charles and Camilla to plead her case could solve this for her, at least as far as her financial situation goes. But neither of them has any appetite for that, they’ve washed their hands of her.

‘In their view this whole sordid mess is a York family problem, not something the monarchy should be expected to solve. Camilla in particular has very little patience for the idea of Sarah trying to force her way back into the fold after everything that's happened.

‘Sarah has crossed far too many lines, allowing her to go unpunished would only create more problems for Charles and his legacy and Camilla simply won’t allow that to happen. As far as she’s concerned, Sarah should be grateful that Charles has shown her daughter’s mercy and not stripped them of their titles and she ought to do the right thing and stay away.

‘But Sarah just isn't willing to accept being exiled. What she doesn’t seem to grasp is that by coming back to England she’s going to put the heat back on her daughters because any association they have with her is bound to reignite criticism of them as well.

‘The media circus is going to follow Sarah wherever she goes and if the backlash grows too intense it could even force Charles to reconsider Beatrice and Eugenie's standing. He feels terribly for them but he's not going to risk his legacy to protect them if it comes down to it. A lot of people feel that the best thing she could do for her children and grandchildren is keep her distance but she simply can’t bear that, it’s too devastating to even consider.'

Six months on from when her debut lifestyle show was catastrophically dropped from Netflix following months of being widely panned by critics and viewers alike, Meghan Markle has received a Daytime Emmy Nomination for With Love, Meghan.

The Royal Family’s ultimate queen of reinvention announced the news on social media and will undoubtedly be thrilled to have got one up on those who mocked her ‘moments of joy’. The domesticated Duchess may have even celebrated by eating shop-bought pretzels decanted into a paper bag and throwing around edible flowers like confetti.

Now a source confirms that the news has, naturally, left elated Meghan feeling ‘vindicated’ and convinced that the critics had it wrong all along.

They tell us, ‘Meghan is beyond excited about getting this nomination. She sees it as proof that the show struck a chord with the people that matter. She was crushed when the show got cancelled, so this naturally has her feeling pretty vindicated. She also feels the ratings were unfairly judged and nowhere near as bad as some people made out.’

Beyond the celebratory scenes in Montecito, however, it appears the rest of Hollywood has been left baffled by this sudden U –turn, given that the lifestyle venture received a lacklustre 26% at best on review site Rotten Tomatoes. Elsewhere, the show was described as 'queasy', 'exhausting' and 'painfully contrived'.

On top of the dismal reviews, ratings also fell from 5.3 million for the first season to 2 million in the second – leading one PR expert to point out, ‘In any normal boardroom, a drop-off that severe means failure.’

Meanwhile, the source says that behind-the-scenes, there is growing speculation that Meghan has somehow ‘wheedled’ her way into the nominations list – of which there is no proof.

‘It’s pretty brutal because, for a lot of people whose shows didn’t get nominated, it seems pretty bizarre that a cancelled show would even be in the running,’ the insider says.

‘There are a lot of people convinced she somehow wheedled her way to the nomination, whether that’s fair or not. Emmy campaigning can be catty and competitive at the best of times, but with so many people questioning whether she even deserved the nod it’s especially vicious.’

They add, ‘The biggest complaint people in the industry have is that her numbers didn’t warrant this recognition, people are convinced that her name and her connections are the only reason she’s gotten this nomination so there’s a lot of bitterness.’

This, of course, isn’t Meghan’s first rodeo when it comes to dealing with criticism since stepping down as a working royal alongside Prince Harry in 2020.

January marked six years since the Sussexes sensationally quite royal life, leaving the monarchy ‘blindsided’ when they laid their grievances bare in the most public of ways. The drama, naturally, saw Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, rake in over $100 million in deals with Hollywood’s biggest power players including Netflix, Apple and Spotify, who were all lining up for a slice of the Sussex story.

But the past few years have seen the Royal Family face their darkest times to date and the tide has turned in favour of the monarchy; even Stateside, where Harry and Meghan had once been hailed as Montecito’s shiniest new golden couple.

Last month, it was revealed how data collected by YouGov America shows a rapid decline in Meghan’s popularity since last year. Polls showed that compared to 2025, where 37% of voters ‘liked’ Meghan, only 29% voted in favour of the Duchess at the start of this year.

Furthermore, US site Newsweek claimed that a separate search they had conducted revealed that the traffic to Meghan’s As Ever brand’s website fell by 89,000 in the US in January.

And there seemed to be nothing more symbolic of their apparent popularity plummet than when Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, unfollowed Meghan on social media and cut ties with her lifestyle brand in one foul swoop in February – although recent pictures of them together appear to insist they are still friends.

With this background in mind, it comes as a shock to learn that the determined Duchess is choosing to ignore the continued criticism and is instead claiming her naysayers are ‘jealous’ and focusing on enjoying this rare moment of redemption.

‘She’s bracing herself for plenty more sniping in the run-up to the awards but she’s not going to get drawn into the noise,’ the insider says.

'Meghan’s refusing to let all the negativity spoil this for her and she says anyone saying the show didn’t deserve to be in the running is simply looking to find fault with her because they’re jealous.

‘She says the whole narrative that she’s somehow getting special treatment by getting this nomination after her show was cancelled just proves her point because it actually happens all the time and is completely within the rules.’

Of course, bagging an Emmy can also be a powerful make-or-break asset when it comes to reputation. But given that studios and production teams can make strategic choices about how and where their shows are submitted, critics have speculated that Netflix may have opted to help Meghan salvage the reputation of her brand in putting the show forward.

One expert claimed, ‘Emmy-nominated’ is a permanent, high-authority brand asset that completely erases the reality of a dying audience. That is how sophisticated optics work.’

However, we’re told that Meghan sees nothing amiss about her nomination whatsoever and claims her critics are ‘grasping at straws’.

The source says, ‘To accuse her of somehow manipulating the process, when all she did was make the series and submit it for consideration like everyone else, is just grasping at straws. She says, if people want to disagree with the voters that's their right, but they're directing all their anger at her instead of accepting that the judging panel obviously saw something they didn't.

‘It’s very frustrating because no matter what she does, she can’t win. If the show hadn't been nominated, people would have called it a failure, and now that it has been recognised, they're saying the nomination doesn't count. From her perspective, the goalposts keep moving because some people have already decided they don’t like her and they’re working backwards to prove their assumptions about her.’

News of the nomination also emerged just days after Meghan and Harry – alongside their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla for afternoon tea at Highgrove House in the UK.

The top secret summit marked the first time Meghan has returned to the UK in four years and has widely been seen as a personal ‘win’ for the Sussexes.

Now, we’re told Meghan is determined to keep celebrating this streak of success - whether she walks away with a gong or not.

The insider says, ‘She knows the backlash is only going to intensify as the awards get closer, but she's determined not to let it rattle her. As far as she's concerned, she's earned the right to celebrate this moment and she's not going to let anyone take that away from her.

‘If she takes home the prize on Emmy night, even better, but either ways she’s going to make the most of this, no matter how many people try to tear her down.’

Prince Harry’s return to the UK got off to a rocky start last week after photos emerged of the Prince looking downcast outside court, following a major ruling in his long-running legal fight against a British newspaper.

The judgement marked the latest chapter in what has been a bitter and protracted case - and it did not fall in Harry’s favour.

Now, Harry, 41, and six fellow high-profile claimants including Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, are reportedly facing a combined legal bill of up to £50 million. Fees in the high-stakes battle are said to have ranged between £350 and £5,000 per hour.

While the trip ended on a more positive note - with what was described as an emotional reunion with his father, King Charles, at Highgrove House - insiders say the court defeat and the alleged cost revelation have cast a long shadow.

A source tells us, ‘Harry's putting on a brave face but privately this has been a brutal blow because the financial hit may end up being worse than anyone expected.’

They continue, ‘It’s going to be up to the judge to decide exactly how much he’s on the hook for, but between his own side’s costs and the defendants, the bills are massive and his share could potentially be upwards of £25 million.

‘Harry is being very defiant about all this and saying the numbers are all being exaggerated to try and intimidate him and make this look like an even bigger loss, but the fact is he did lose the case and by law will have to pay up.’

The timing could hardly be worse. Harry and Meghan Markle, 44, have faced increasing scrutiny over their finances, particularly as questions swirl about how they will continue to fund their Montecito lifestyle amid reports of falling popularity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Data released last month by YouGov America showed a noticeable dip in Meghan’s approval ratings. In 2025, 37 per cent of those surveyed said they ‘liked’ the Duchess. At the start of this year, that figure had fallen to 29 per cent.

Meanwhile, US outlet Newsweek reported that traffic to Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever dropped by 89,000 visits in January in the United States alone.

Behind the carefully curated social media glimpses of farmhouse kitchens and sun-drenched gardens lies a sprawling California estate - complete with nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a swimming pool, play park and private rose garden. Maintaining it all comes at a price.

In his book, ‘Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family’, royal author Tom Bower claims the Sussexes require at least $3 million a year to sustain their lifestyle. Some US reports have suggested that figure could be closer to $6 million.

Despite the setback, Harry is said to have no regrets.

‘Right now, he’s taking the stance that whatever happens, he and Meghan will ride it out, even if it means dipping heavily into savings, downsizing in the future or even taking out a loan. As far as Harry's concerned, standing his ground was worth the price and he keeps insisting this isn't the end of the world,’ the insider says.

‘Meghan agrees they have no choice but to deal with the reality in front of them and focus on protecting what they still have, but it's forcing them to put plans on hold while they figure out their next move.

‘They've already cut back far more than people realise so the last thing Meghan is going to want to do is downsize even more, but that is certainly on the table, although Harry is still assuring her that won’t happen but of course a lot of people think he’s just burying his head in the sand until the bill comes due. It’s hard to imagine he’s not deeply worried.’

Given Sir Elton John’s immense wealth, there has been speculation that he could contribute towards the legal costs. But according to columnist Paula Froelich, the singer may have ‘had enough of the wayward and hot-tempered Prince’, alleging Harry approached him for a donation to the Invictus Games shortly before the court ruling.

Still, the insider insists talk of celebrity bailouts is wide off the mark.

‘All this talk about Elton John and other people coming to the rescue is not grounded in reality at all. For one thing Harry is far too proud to go around asking his friends for handouts, and even if he was willing to humble himself and beg, everyone in the real world knows that it's not as simple as that, people don't just write huge checks to their friends for tens of millions of dollars.

‘The more likely scenario is that he will have to find his own way to come up with the cash through a more traditional loan which will throw all of his, and Meghan's, plans into total chaos.’

The couple also find themselves navigating delicate territory with the Royal Family. Following Harry’s reunion with the King, many royal commentators believe that any lasting reconciliation will depend on strict discretion - particularly around private family matters.

Yet their most commercially successful projects to date - the 2022 Netflix documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’ and Harry’s 2023 memoir ‘Spare’ - centred on sharing their version of events within the monarchy.

At the same time, Meghan is said to be focusing her energy on expanding As Ever. But funding a sizeable legal payout could slow those ambitions dramatically.

‘The expansion for her brand will most certainly have to be dialed way back, if not totally put on hold. There’s been all this talk about them looking to buy more property and that will be difficult, if not impossible,’ says the source.

Their Montecito home is reportedly worth around $30 million. Selling up and downsizing would be a huge emotional and financial shift.

‘Their property in Montecito is worth $30 million, but having to sell that and purchase something cheaper would be devastating. He’s telling Megan not to worry, but it's easier said than done.’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's surprise reunion with King Charles was meant to signal a fresh chapter for the Royal Family. Instead, insiders say it has only exposed just how deep the divisions behind Palace doors have become.

For months, the expectation had been that any reconciliation would depend on the Sussexes acknowledging the hurt caused by their years of public criticism. Until then, it was widely believed that Charles and Prince William remained united in keeping the door firmly closed.

That narrative shifted dramatically with last week's private meeting at Highgrove House. Soon afterwards, a source close to the King offered a simple explanation for the reunion: ‘Blood is blood.’ But while Charles may be ready to move forward, reports that William has threatened to boycott future family gatherings at Sandringham suggest the Prince of Wales is far from convinced.

Attention is now turning to the inevitable conversation between father and son, as royal watchers wait to see how William responds to what many have viewed as the King's unexpected change of heart.

The depth of the brothers' rift is well documented. Harry and William are believed not to have spoken in four years, and sources say the future King, 43, has shown little sign of softening his stance.

While Charles has largely remained on the sidelines of what has often been portrayed as a feud between the Sussexes and the Waleses, insiders now claim the monarch's patience is wearing thin. According to sources, Charles is frustrated that William is refusing to embrace his efforts at reconciliation and has delivered a blunt three-word message to his eldest son: ‘Let it go’.

The insider says, ‘It’s become a real battle because Charles believes it’s time for William to let this go. He’s made his decision to make peace with Harry and Meghan and, in his assessment, everyone, including William, should fall in line. After all, he is the King.

‘But William is refusing. He’s furious and insists his father has been manipulated into all of this, which is only making Charles angrier because he sees it as a sign William no longer trusts his judgment.’

The King and his Heir had until recently stood united, and we’re told their alleged divide has now sunk deeper behind-palace-walls, as William and Charles’ respective teams are finding it increasingly ‘difficult’ to manage their loyalties.

So much so, the source claims Charles, 77, has made the decision to stop briefing his son on his interactions with Harry, 41, altogether.

‘The longer William digs in his heels and refuses to make peace with his brother, the more difficult it becomes for his aides and other senior royals who are loyal to both him and Charles. Things have gotten so bad that Charles has stopped briefing William on what’s been discussed with Harry,’ the source says.

‘He’s insisting those conversations are private and telling him to stop poking for information because it’s simply none of his business. That has only made William more convinced that Harry and Meghan are working their way back into Charles' inner circle.'

Meanwhile, for months there have been reports of a power battle between William and Charles. On one hand - the heir who it’s claimed had been given more responsibilities following his father’s cancer diagnosis, and who continues to carve out the kind of monarchy he one day wants to rule–and a King who appears to be admirably determined to fulfil his duty as leader throughout his reign.

Now, following the happy news earlier this year that Charles is now undergoing a reduced regimen of treatment, we’re told the very idea of him being painted as ‘a fool’ is ‘incredibly insulting’ – especially when his primary goal is to heal the family feud.

The insider says ‘Charles finds it borderline obsessive that William is still so fixated on everything Harry does. He’s accused William of having far too much pride, and he says it’s a quality he ought to be working to snuff out if he wants to be a good ruler down the line.

‘Charles also takes a huge offence to William telling people that he’s going to get taken advantage of, that’s incredibly insulting because it implies that he’s somehow lost his edge and can’t see when he’s being played for a fool, which he says it absolutely ridiculous and not true in the slightest.

‘He is adamant that this visit with Harry was done with a lot of consideration and that it was the right choice, not just on a personal level, but also because he doesn’t want his legacy to be one of bitterness and family infighting.’

The Sussexes' return to the royal spotlight also comes at a time when questions continue to swirl over their life outside the monarchy, with reports suggesting the couple have faced a difficult period professionally since their five-year Netflix deal came to an end last year.

Last month, figures published by YouGov America appeared to indicate a drop in Meghan's popularity. According to the polling, the percentage of respondents who viewed the Duchess favourably fell from 37% in 2025 to 29% at the beginning of this year.

Meanwhile, Newsweek reported that separate analysis suggested traffic to Meghan's As Ever website had fallen by around 89,000 US visitors in January, adding to speculation over the brand's momentum.

Despite the recent scrutiny, royal commentators have continued to describe Meghan as the family's main breadwinner, while Harry recently listed his occupations as ‘full-time dad’ and ‘Prince of England.’

Against that backdrop, insiders say William can't help but question the timing of the Sussexes' apparent willingness to rebuild ties with the Royal Family, believing some may inevitably view the move through a more sceptical lens.

‘William won’t budge though and says this is just a case of his father trying to justify a terrible decision,’ the insider says.

‘It’s hard to imagine this getting any better because William still sees Meghan as a huge threat to the monarchy, even if he finds a way to drop his sword with Harry, he honestly can’t see how they could ever have a proper relationship while she’s still in the picture.

‘Regardless of how the meeting went, William is still convinced Harry has an agenda that is being driven by Meghan and that every move is designed to strengthen the Sussexes’ brand. He finds it staggering that Charles can’t see something that’s so painfully obvious.’

In the days that followed Harry’s return, William appeared determined to put duty and his own family first, competing in the Royal Charity Polo Cup and later photographed hugging Kate Middleton on the sidelines.

But the source says, make no mistake, Charles’ actions have ‘felt like a huge betrayal’ to his eldest son, who fears things could only be on a downward spiral from here.

The insider says, ‘He’s at the end of his tether over this and genuinely worried that Charles has become too soft to in his old age. He’s convinced that Charles is being made to look like a fool by his own son and he says that is going to damage his legacy more than standing his ground against his spoiled son and daughter-in-law every could.

‘What makes it even harder for William is that he and Charles were on the same page for so long, so this sudden flip-flop feels like a huge betrayal.

‘William is doing his best not to constantly fight with his dad over this but it’s very difficult. He’s convinced that it’s only a matter of time before Meghan and Harry betray them all again and he’s not going to roll over and let it happen.’

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She’s endured her fair share of heartbreak over the years, but Tamzin Outhwaite is not one to dwell on the past. With a thriving acting career and a loving family, the star – who made her name playing Mel Healy in EastEnders – tells heat she’s more than content.

‘I’m 55 and I can honestly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,’ she reveals. ‘I’m happily single. I used to be a serial monogamist. But I’ve come to really like my own company. I’ve finally fallen in love with myself.’

Tamzin’s last public relationship was with director Tom Child, who was 20 years her junior. The couple split in 2024 after a six-year romance, but Tamzin still speaks fondly of him. ‘We remain the best of friends and share a dog. I still regard him as my children’s stepfather,’ she says.

The aforementioned children, are son Flo, 18, and 13-year-old daughter Marnie, who she shares with her ex-husband, Miranda star Tom Ellis. Tamzin and Tom divorced in 2014, after seven years of marriage and eight years together, after he admitted to an affair.

Last year, Tamzin revealed that Flo was transgender, and had come out to her at an early age. Last month, Tamzin publicly shared her admiration for her son, posting a heartfelt tribute on his 18th birthday. ‘I could not be more proud of you. You inspire, surprise and astound me daily,’ she wrote.

A lover of exercise, Tamzin enjoys a range of fitness activities, including yoga, Pilates and plenty of walking. She also has a boujee secret weapon when it comes to looking and feeling her best. ‘I’ve got a sauna in a cupboard in the spare room. I sit in it five times a week and meditate. Best money I ever spent,’ she reveals.

Of course, in an industry where appearances do matter – whether we like it or not – Tamzin has admitted she’s not averse to the odd tweakment. But having ruled out ever undergoing procedures that ‘involve needles or knives’, she sought a more natural way to boost her appearance, settling on a non-surgical facelift, called NeoGen Plasma.

‘I decided to do something because, when I looked in the mirror, I could see that my face just never looked as good as it used to,’ she says. ‘I’m really happy with the results and so much more confident.’

It’s been almost three decades since Tamzin made her debut in Albert Square. Having been cast in 1998, she became one of the soap’s standout stars, with Mel’s romantic life – including a wedding to Ian Beale, a relationship with bad boy Steve Owen (Martin Kemp), and a one-night stand with Phil Mitchell – making her a fan favourite. Tamzin recalls her time on EastEnders affectionately, saying, ‘I had a wonderful time. And it really put me on the map.’

She returned to Walford in 2018, ditching the girl-next-door persona and entering her villain era, working with crime boss Ciara Maguire. Her two-year stint came to end when Mel was hit by a lorry. ‘So, I can never go back, even if I wanted to,’ Tamzin laughs.

Aside from ’Enders, Tamzin is known for her roles in Hotel Babylon and New Tricks, as well as appearances in hit shows such as Silent Witness and Death In Paradise. But for her latest role, she’s returned to the stage, playing the leading role of Beverly in Mike Leigh’s classic comedy Abigail’s Party. After a small tour, the show will transfer to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre for a five-week run of shows.

And Tamzin’s more than ready to play the villain once again. Describing her character, she says, ‘She’s a horrible woman, but she’s also very funny. When I was younger, I played characters who provided the moral compass. Now, I get to tackle baddies, which is much more fun!’

Since its inception in the 50s, Playboy magazine has had a conveyor belt of prominent women grace its front cover. After pin-up Marilyn Monroe starred on the debut issue in 1953, the publication has consistently secured powerhouse cover stars spanning different realms of the celebrity world, including supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Drew Barrymore and country icon Dolly Parton.

But now, it’s triple-threat Cara Delevingne’s time to shine. As the Hollywood actress, model, and singer, 33, embraces being in her ‘sexual prime’, she has made history as Playboy’s first-ever lesbian woman to appear on the print cover. And not only that, but Cara is also the first woman to slip into the iconic Bunny Suit since her predecessor, Kate Moss, in 2014.

And it’s safe to say that she had no qualms slipping out of it either, leaving very little to the imagination in a slew of scantily clad shots. In her cover pose alone, Cara simply covered her modesty with her hand as she prepared to light a cigarette, wearing just a PVC bustier on the top half.

While her womanhood was – naturally – obscured for the cover of the magazine, it was not an off-limits talking point during her interview. In fact, Cara was more than happy to bare all about down below.

‘I love my vagina,’ she said candidly with a confident smile. ‘Me and my vagina have a great relationship now. It took a while.’

Admitting that stripping for Playboy was ‘liberating’, the Suicide Squad star added, ‘It’s so fun being naked. I love the sense of owning my sexuality and owning my body.

‘I’ve never felt more comfortable in my body and in my sexuality. I feel like I’m in more of my prime as a woman and as a sexual being.

‘Sex is a language, too, and your own sexuality, what turns you on, is like a beautiful dance you play with yourself. So many people spend so much more time on how they want to be perceived by others, and not their own sexual relationship with themselves, loving yourself and turning yourself on. It’s fun when you can discover that.’

Cara has famously endured a tumultuous time during her 15 years in the spotlight. While she enjoyed immense success on the runway in the 2010s – working with brands including Burberry, Chanel and Victoria’s Secret – and subsequently carved out a career on the big screen, the London native was also battling demons.

Her first experience of being drunk was aged eight, when she spent her time at a wedding reception ‘nailing glasses of champagne’. ‘What a crazy age to get drunk,’ she reflected, admitting she believes her issues with substances can be traced back to this day.

Cara dabbled in drugs for the first time aged 14. ‘I was seeking connection, and I felt like I found myself,’ she shared. ‘I loved fun, and I loved dancing, and I was like, “Oh, this is someone I really like. This is really cool. It was at a pretty young age that I started buying drugs to sell them and to do them.’
While the catwalk icon confessed to selling some of her drugs, she mostly did them herself, going on to admit, ‘I wasn’t a great drug dealer.’

Throughout Cara’s twenties, she established herself as an actress, even getting her first leading role in 2015 as Margo Roth Spiegelman in Paper Towns. She also scooped a role in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and played the villainous Enchantress in Suicide Squad.

Despite the global success, illegal substances still had a grip on her, as Cara recalled last month, ‘They were my best friend, my support. They were the things that I could control my emotions with, you know? They kept me going. For a long period, I only did drugs. I didn’t drink at all. I don’t know why. I just didn’t like it. I think in my 20s, I never came down, I was just working and partying, and it was fine.’

In 2022, photos of an erratic and shoeless Cara emerged following Burning Man festival, sparking a public outpouring of concern. The paparazzi photos were a wake-up call for the troubled star, and she checked herself into rehab late that year – and has been sober ever since.

‘It hasn’t [been easy], but there have never been moments when I’m like, “This isn’t worth it.” It’s been worth every second. I just don’t know what it would take for me to give it up. I am stable. I’m calmer,’ she revealed in 2023.

Discussing how sex differs for her since embarking on her sobriety journey, Cara – who has been dating musician Minke for four years ­– admitted to Playboy, ‘It’s so much deeper and so much more emotional. I used to put a higher value on sex and validation from people. I used to think, “Oh, I’m a pervert. I’m a really horny person.” But I think [I was] seeking love and validation through sex.’

Again, sex is something that Cara – who has also dated Ashley Benson and had a brief fling with Amber Heard, after dating men in the early days of her career – has not shied away from being candid about over the years. Among her confessions include getting caught having sex on a plane, enjoying silent orgasms and developing a porn ‘addiction’.

But Cara seems more settled than ever with Minke, after the pair first met at school. Calling her ‘the most incredible person I know’, the actress admitted that she’s never had a relationship like it, nor felt this close to someone before.

And, with Cara set to release her debut album next month, she has taken the time to reflect on what this next chapter means.

She said, ‘To others, it may seem like a reinvention. To me, it feels like a reveal. I’ve always been honest and upfront about the fact that I’m not perfect by any way, shape or form, and I want that to shine through.’

She’s the outspoken comedian who loves to shock, but even by her standards, Katherine Ryan hit the ball out of the park this week.

Mum to four kids, Katherine outraged fans by confessing the ultimate taboo – revealing which of her brood is her favourite.

The Canadian comedian is mother to Violet, 17, from a previous relationship; and also shares son Fred, five, and daughters Fenna, three, and nine-month-old Holland with her husband, Bobby Kootstra.

And while most mothers would keep schtum about which child they prefer, Katherine didn’t hold back any punches in her confession.

Speaking on Davina McCall’s podcast, the 43-year-old admitted, ‘I can say it: Violet’s my favourite, she’s the firstborn daughter.

‘I think people don’t like that, that’s a very provocative thing to say. I don’t worry about it hurting my other children’s feelings, because I go, “Those are nepo babies.”

‘Guess what? You get to go to private school, she’s my favourite. Guess what? You get to grow up with a dad. Life’s not fair, she’s my favourite.’

Acknowledging her guest’s comments, Davina tactfully replied, ‘Yeah, I mean, that makes sense in a way doesn’t it? They have privileges that she doesn’t, and she has a privilege that they don’t.’

But the clip went viral online - and many fans weren’t happy with Katherine’s confession.

One person wrote on social media, ‘As a mother I do not like that at all, even if it’s true. Stuff like this can be really emotionally damaging and as their mum it’s up to you to protect them not to just say, “Life isn’t fair.”

‘You should absolutely worry about hurting your child’s feelings - my [parent] didn’t worry either and now I don’t talk to him at all.’

Another person penned, ‘Maybe she’s joking (as I understand she is in comedy)… but if serious – good luck when they grow up. Telling one of your children is your favourite has long lasting effects on the others.

The others will feel they are not good enough, which will feed into their future relationships. The favourite one will have more confidence but may experience a level of guilt. Words can cut sharper than knives (I’m still hopeful she’s just joking).’

Someone else said, ‘No, absolutely not, you cannot pick a favorite child. You love them equally for their own individual purposes.’

But other fans rushed to Katherine’s defence - and clearly understood her point.

Someone said, ‘She’s more protective over the eldest because she doesn’t have her dad in her life and they went on the journey together, whereas the younger kids got the better version of her that had already achieved success.’

‘I think a lot of parents have a favorite child but it’s taboo to admit it,’ said another. ‘Just like most people have a favorite parent, sibling, family pet, friend, cousin etc…’

Welcoming Violet aged just 25, Katherine has previously described her eldest daughter as the ‘love of my life’, and shared their close relationship.

Her comments came after The Duchess actress hit out at her daughter Violet’s dad - claiming he ‘never made any sacrifices’ and ‘never paid anything for her’.

Katherine added that she resisted speaking out about the father - whose identity she has always kept anonymous - for years, but now Violet is a teenager ‘she can see it for herself’.

Speaking on the Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald podcast, she explained, ‘I’ve been careful never to s**g him off just because I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.

‘I really protected him while my daughter was young. I would never say anything bad about him.

‘But now she’s 16, she can see for herself that unfortunately, he’s not a bad person, but he’s never made any sacrifices, never paid anything for her, just kind of texts her, which I think is breadcrumbing.’

The term is commonly used in the context of relationships, whereby one person sends irregular and often vague messages to the other to keep them engaged, but without any intention of fully committing to them. And Katherine said his messages take the ‘Hey, love you. How are you?’ route.

‘Which is better than no contact. But he hasn’t been the type of dad that you would want for your daughter,’ she shrugged.

When asked directly if the unnamed dad - who Katherine maintains is a ‘good person’, despite what she describes as putting in minimal effort - is involved in Violet’s life, the TV star replied, ‘Not really.’

‘All you have to do with a teenage girl is drive to the mother's house, send her a text, and go, "Do you want to come get a Starbucks with me?"’ she continued. ‘I've heard so many dads go, “Well, she's using me for rides. I don't get anything back.” The flow goes one way - parent to child. There's nothing they [children] can do wrong. Just make yourself available, make some type of sacrifice.’

While Katherine’s comments sparked backlash online, she’s clearly a doting mother to her youngest three children.

Speaking last October, the Telling Everybody Everything podcast host opened up about their personalities - admitting that her young brood are ‘best friends’, and that she has ‘an incredibly sensitive son’ and ‘a wild child daughter’.

‘No-one will ever cross Fenna in her life,’ she joked. ‘She’s incredibly independent, capable, physically adventurous and athletic. Fred is really smart and artistic. He was the star of his nativity play - but he's otherwise really shy, careful and quiet. Fred doesn't even like to feed himself - he’d have you chew his food up and spit it into his mouth like a baby bird if he could.’

And when it comes to baby Holland, Katherine smiled, ‘They love her so much - but they’re well-meaning apex predators. They'll pry her fingers open and put a toy in her hands… and then she's holding a sword.

‘Of course, they get a little jealous, but Holland helps herself by being utterly silent all day!'

Katherine also candidly revealed that she and Bobby - who rekindled their high school romance in 2018, and entered into a civil partnership in 2019 - have completed their family.

‘I'm 99 percent sure she’ll be our last baby. It's not that I wouldn't want to do it again, but we're at our maximum in terms of emotional resources. You still need to be a parent to all of them - that bit has been tough.’

She recently revealed that eldest son Harvey will be moving closer to her, and Katie Price has already lined up grand plans for the 24-year-old, signing him up to lucrative website Cameo as part of a new money-making venture.

‘Harvey is moving nearer to me and once he does, I’m getting him on Cameo because so many people keep asking me,’ she told followers last week. Now, sources tell heat the mum-of-five – who charges upwards of £53 for a personalised video for fans on Cameo – wants to make Harvey a millionaire.

‘Katie has always been business-savvy, and she’s always got her eye on the next opportunity,’ says a source. ‘Over the years, she’s turned just about everything into a business – she’s a money-making machine. She knows how much people adore Harvey – fans are constantly asking for personalised videos and messages from him – so in Katie’s eyes, it just made sense to monetise something people already want.’

Harvey – who has Prader-Willi syndrome, autism, septo-optic dysplasia, ADHD and is partially blind – attended and lived at National Star College in Cheltenham from 2021 until 2024, when his funding was cut. He then moved into a supported living facility in Southampton, but last month, Katie, 48, said he didn’t like living there and was back with her until his next placement was arranged ‘up the road’.

Over the years, Katie – who has spoken out about the challenges of parenting Harvey without help from his dad Dwight Yorke – has delighted fans with content of her son, and he also featured on BBC documentary Harvey And Me. ‘I’m so glad I introduced Harvey, because it has helped other people who have got children or adults with complex needs. I would never hide him away,’ she’s said. ‘He’s the funniest person ever – he must get it off me. He’s a credit to me.’

We’re now told, ‘Katie is proud of everything Harvey has achieved and she’s ready for him to start this new chapter. She has always said she’d love for him to earn his own money, and she sees Cameo as a brilliant way for him to do that in an environment where he feels comfortable.

‘She wouldn’t push Harvey into anything he doesn’t want to do. He loves filming videos, so this feels like the perfect fit for him. She knows he’ll be extremely popular and she has plans to make him a millionaire.’

The insider adds, ‘Katie knows some people will see it as controversial, but she doesn’t care what they think.’

Vogue Williams

Vogue, 40, and husband Spencer Matthews, 37, have shut down spilt rumours in the most definitive way – by making a little sibling for their three kids, Theodore, seven, Gigi, five, and Otto, four. They’ve celebrated the happy news by going on holiday for what seems like the last month.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne, 34, looks happier than ever as she prepares to welcome her third child (the seventh Little Mix baby) with footballer husband Andre Gray, 35, after having twins in 2021. Leigh-Anne, who released her debut solo album this year, recently admitted that juggling work and motherhood still brings ‘mum guilt’.

Holly Ramsay

Newlyweds Holly, 26, and Adam Peaty, 31, have been hit with more family drama following a fallout involving Adam’s sister Bethany. But despite the tension, the couple are focused on welcoming their first baby – a little girl due in December.

Laura Woods

They’ve been basking in family bliss since getting engaged in 2024, and welcoming their first child, Leo, in 2025. Now, sports presenter Laura, 39, and Love Islander Adam Collard, 30, are preparing for baby number two. Laura showed off her bump at the England vs Argentina match, joking, ‘This baby doesn’t know how lucky they are.’

Kelsey Parker

Kelsey and partner Will Lindsay, 29, recently jetted off to Greece ahead of welcoming their bundle of joy next month. Kelsey, 36, shares two children with her late husband Tom Parker, and tragically lost son Phoenix last year, after he was stillborn. ‘Time to slow down, reconnect, and make memories before our baby arrives,’ she posted on Insta.

Anne Hathaway

Talking of her third pregnancy, the 43-year-old actress said, ‘It’s amazing… I mean, we knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked.’ The Devil Wears Prada star and husband Adam Shulman are already parents to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, six.

Oti Mabuse

Revealing her second pregnancy in June, Oti wrote, ‘Plot twist… We thought we had our hands full already, but life had even bigger plans.’ The former Strictly star, 35, who is married to fellow pro dancer Marius Iepure, 43, said last year, ‘Motherhood is amazing… it’s also the most challenging and exhausting journey of self-discovery you will ever be on.’

She is the proud homemaker and matriarch of the Fury family, as viewers witnessed on their hit Netflix fly-on-the-wall series. And heat can reveal that, after becoming a firm fan favourite, Paris Fury is being eyed up for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing  – an opportunity she is said to be seriously considering.

We’re told Paris, 36, is ready for a more prominent place in the spotlight and wants to prove that she’s ‘not just Tyson’s wife’.

‘Strictly producers have wanted to sign Paris up for a few years,’ an insider tells heat. ‘She’s said no more than once, but the latest offer is on another level. She’s apparently top of their wish list and has been offered big money.’

The source continues, ‘The timing has never been right before, with the kids being so young, but this feels like the moment, and Paris is giving it serious thought. She sees it as a chance to do something just for her. She’s spent a long time being known as “Tyson’s wife”, and she’s ready to show people there’s a lot more to her than that.’

Tyson, 37, has enjoyed a stellar boxing career spanning almost 17 years. He has announced his retirement on five occasions, with his latest comeback in January this year. Paris – who Tyson married in 2008 – has long been frustrated at his inability to give up the sport, revealing, ‘I said to him so many times, like, “I wish you’d stop boxing now, you’ve done everything you need to do. You don’t need to do it anymore.”’ She has also said that, despite this, she would always support him.

Practically, this has meant Paris dedicating herself to being a stay-at-home mum to the couple’s seven children, raising newlywed Venezuela, 16, Prince John, 15, Prince Tyson II, 10, Valencia, eight, Prince Adonis, seven, Athena, four, and two-year-old Prince Rico. But now, we’re told she’s ready for something different.

‘Paris turned I’m A Celeb down – that was never going to happen. Nearly a month in the jungle away from the children? That’s not her. But Strictly’s different – it’s filmed in the UK, and she thinks she can actually make it work.’

The source adds that, while Paris and Tyson have laughed off the infamous Strictly curse, she is hopeful the show could catapult her to new heights.

We’re told, ‘Paris and Tyson are rock solid and he’s never been the type of person to hold her back from doing anything. Strictly could be the exact platform she needs to take her career to the next level.’

After months of speculation over whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would ever make the journey back into the royal fold, the Sussexes finally made their move last week.

Accompanied by their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, the couple travelled to Highgrove House for a private reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla - their first family get-together in years.

The surprise meeting immediately divided opinion. While some saw it as the clearest sign yet that the long-running royal rift could finally be thawing, others questioned why the King had chosen to extend an olive branch after years of public criticism from Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44.

A source close to Charles, 77, reportedly defended the decision with the simple explanation: ‘Blood is blood’. But rather than silencing critics, the reunion sparked a fresh wave of debate, with royal commentators and members of the public accusing the monarch of handing the Sussexes a significant PR win.

Despite the backlash, insiders say Charles came away from the meeting feeling ‘very pleased’ and optimistic about rebuilding family ties - particularly when it comes to spending more time with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

A source says, ‘Charles came away from this visit very pleased. Spending time with Archie and Lilibet meant the world to him and he has told everyone they were an absolute delight.

‘Bonding with his grandchildren was ultimately what led him to opening the door again to Harry and Meghan but Charles has really put his reputation at risk by inviting them back into the fold.  It was nothing short of ground-breaking considering the amount of opposition he’s faced from others within the fold.’

However, we’re now told that behind-palace-walls, Charles’ reconciliation with the Sussexes also prompted the monarch to deliver a four word ultimatum to Harry and Meghan: ‘My rules, or else’.

The insider claims, ‘As much as this was a chance for Charles to spend time with his grandchildren, it wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. He also made a point to make sure Harry and Meghan understand exactly where they stand and that, from now on, things happen on his terms, or not at all.

‘This is their absolute last chance, if they put a foot wrong again, that's it; he is being very clear about that. Harry's been told he needs to take a back seat and trust his father to handle things his way, in his timing, even if it’s slower than he and Meghan would like.’

Topping the King's reported list of expectations was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a request for Harry to curb his fiery public reactions. According to insiders, Charles wants the Duke to resist being drawn into public rows, particularly following his recent criticism of the judge who ruled against him, after Harry accused the decision of amounting to a ‘whitewash’.

But we're told the King's biggest priority goes beyond isolated outbursts. More than anything, Charles is said to want Harry to stop taking his private grievances public -  especially when it comes to speaking out about members of the Royal Family.

And the source says Charles’ warnings aren’t just advisory but spell out very clearly the rules that Harry and Meghan must follow. And if they don’t? It will be ‘the end of things for good’.

The insider says, ‘Above all else, they need to keep their mouths shut about anything that goes on behind Palace walls. Charles also expects Harry to conduct himself with the humility and grace he was raised with, rather than trying to call the shots or rising to every bit of bait.

‘He wants him to stop taking every perceived snub so personally. William and Kate certainly turn the other cheek plenty and Charles has told Harry he needs to follow their lead.

‘If he can follow the rules there is a path back but if there are any more leaks or public tantrums or any signs of disrespect towards the monarchy, Charles has made it clear that will be the end of things for good, this is well and truly the last chance.’

Meanwhile, the insider claims there are still fears from within the Palace, and from Prince William in particular, that Charles could have taken a big risk by letting them back into the family, and that the Sussexes may eventually  ‘start pushing for more’ grace and favour when they feel their foundations within the fold are more secure.

‘He’s gone against what most people, particularly William, wanted him to do, so it’s stirred up a real hornet’s nest and there’s genuine concern within the Firm that this is only the beginning, that Harry and Meghan will eventually start pushing for more once they get comfortable,’ the source says.

‘He is convinced time has changed their outlook, he really maintains that they’ve been humbled. He wants to believe they understand what’s at stake now and that preserving this relationship is more important to them than scoring points or settling old grievances.

‘That doesn’t mean he’s forgotten the past. There’s still a part of Charles that will never find it easy to move past some of the terrible things that were said and done, but he’s reached a place where he’s prepared to forgive if they prove they’ve genuinely learned from the past.’

The last time Harry met privately with his father, reports quickly emerged claiming he had been left feeling more like an ‘official visitor’ than a son – an account that was firmly disputed by the Duke's team.

This latest reunion, however, was handled very differently. The Sussexes were reportedly brought into Highgrove House during a Chanel event at the estate, allowing them to slip in unnoticed and avoid the waiting photographers.

Whether any details of the meeting eventually make their way into the public domain remains to be seen. But according to insiders, Charles and his advisers have learned from past experience and are determined to keep future family conversations firmly behind closed doors.

‘Of course, he [Charles] also knows there are risks and nobody around him is pretending otherwise. His team are in constant contact with Harry’s team and ensuring there’s absolutely no confusion about what’s expected of the couple,’ the source says.

‘Charles may deliver the message in a gentler way, but the people around him certainly won’t hang around on the sidelines. Everyone understands this truce is tentative, at best.’

This, of course, will also put Meghan and Harry in a potential catch 22, given that their most profitable projects over the past six years have been their 2022 Netflix docu-series and Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare – both with the huge selling point of bashing the monarchy.

However, the source makes it clear that if this well-trodden path is even tip-toed on again, then ‘all bets are off’.

The insider explains, ‘If Harry and Meghan continue showing restraint and respect the boundaries Charles has laid down, then there’s every chance this relationship can continue to heal.

‘But if there’s any sign that they’re slipping into old habits or trying to rewrite the terms of the arrangement, then all bets are off, there won’t be another round of forgiveness after this. This really is their last shot.’

It was the biggest wedding of the year, with enough A-list guests to fill an arena – literally – and the kind of eye-watering budget to make the top one percent blush. Yet, despite the reportedly behemothic 1,100 guestlist for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s July 3rd mega-do, it was only inevitable that some people would find themselves left in the cold. And they’ve been letting their feelings known.

Step forwards Travis’ Kansas City Chief teammates. Despite much of the team being invited, they have apparently taken to several WhatsApp groups to send ‘snipy’ texts to each other about the guest list – with a whole lot of attention turned to Travis’ teammate Harrison Butker, who appears to have been left off. Speaking about the rumours last week, an anonymous Chiefs player revealed, ‘It’s really their wedding and I understand why they wouldn't have invited [Harrison], but there’s some difference of opinion. Lots of texts are going around the team and some people who are close to Harrison feel like he was snubbed.’

They added, ‘There’s now a lot of gossip going on. Training camp starts in three weeks and it’s going to be a whole thing. A lot of guys want it to be drama. They just like that s**t… a couple of the guys are being messy and texting Harrison to see what he thinks. We’re like a high school team sometimes.’

High school silliness it might be, but – according to insiders – news of this Whatsapp bitch-fest is not sitting well with the brand-new Mr and Mrs Swift-Kelce. We’re told that Taylor and Travis, both 36, are having a hard time knowing that their very special, very expensive day (costing a reported $20m) is being used to cause animosity among Travis’ teammates – especially because they’re all due to band together on July 28th for training, before the football season kicks off in September.

Taylor, of course, was prepared for the fallout from certain snubs she made towards a select few former BFFs (we’re specifically looking at you, Blake Lively), but she could have never foreseen that they’d also be facing backlash from Travis’ world. Now, we’re told, it’s left them both feeling uneasy when they should be in a state of worry-free, wedded bliss.

‘They’re typically very good at blocking out the noise, but to have all these nasty stories coming out about certain members of his team being jealous and trash-talking them is pretty disheartening,’ says an insider close to the couple, who said ‘I do’ at the world-famous Madison Square Garden arena in New York. ‘Travis has to go back to that locker room any day now, and that’s bound to be uncomfortable because, clearly, there’s a lot of jealousy towards him. What’s really a bummer is that some people who felt they were entitled to an invite have actually had the nerve to go and publicly complain about not getting one, who does that?

‘Of course, Taylor and Travis are happy and madly in love, but they’re finding it quite exhausting keeping up with all the rumours and all the mischief that people are making. Wasting time on that sort of nonsense isn’t pleasant at any time, but especially when they are trying to enjoy their first days as husband and wife.’

Adding to their woes is the fact that, despite their massive attempts to keep a lot of detail from the big day under wraps – even allegedly having guests sign NDAs, hand over their phones and paying to close down several streets in New York – dribs and drabs have still been coming through. And, whether true or not, a lot of it hasn’t been so favourable.

One alleged guest recently told reporters, ‘It felt a bit like [Taylor had] hosted a concert fan event,’ while another said that the dinner buffet ‘felt like a tacky move’, claiming there had been long lines all night as guests were forced to queue for their dinner. A third alleged that ‘everyone was weirded out’ by the fact that the couple handed out raffle prizes to attendees on the night, including designer bags and a vintage car.

While Taylor and Travis haven’t responded, several guests have since gone on record to dispute the claims, including Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, who called the negative reports a ‘false narrative’. As well as insisting there were no long lines, she clapped back, ‘It could not have been a more fabulous experience,’ adding, ‘Frankly, it is inappropriate to say things like this when you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. That is hearsay – not truth.’

Still, all the fuss just isn’t sitting well with the newlyweds, and their frustration has only been compounded by the fact that – having gone to similarly great lengths to keep their honeymoon at the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone resort in Montana top-secret – that too was leaked last week.

As our source explains, ‘They understand that people were very excited about this wedding and they kind of expected some details to be shared here and there, but they really did want to keep it private so it was a little disheartening when so much started leaking out so quickly. They spent so many millions on this once in a lifetime event and a huge chunk of that was because they wanted to protect their privacy, so of course they’re going to feel like they should be able to control the narrative. They aren’t dwelling on it but there’s no doubt it’s stressful to never be able to have anything that’s completely private, no matter what lengths they go to.’

Still, despite some disappointments, we’re told that Taylor and Travis are ultimately focusing on the big picture, and enjoying their last few days of total R+R before Travis’ football training kicks off, and she’s back to her life as a 24-hour pop star. To that end, they were both pictured looking happy, relaxed and showing off their wedding bands last week at Travis’ teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding to Laura Kruk in California.

‘They’re finally getting a chance to catch their breath and enjoy being husband and wife,’ our insider adds. ‘They’re determined not to let all the gossip overshadow what should be one of the happiest periods of their lives. The priority now is soaking up this time together before Travis throws himself back into football because once training camp starts, life is going to become incredibly hectic again.’

As for those wedding snubs, this might just be the inspo Taylor needs for her next big hit: NFI (not f**king invited).

She directs and stars in the new movie, The Invite. And now, Olivia Wilde says the film is set to open up conversations around some very racy sexual scenarios – with Olivia herself making a series of confessions about everything from group sex to age-gap relationships (hello, ex Harry Styles!).

The comedy – also starring Seth Rogan, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton – follows a miserable, long-married couple who ask their sexually liberated neighbours to come round for dinner, sparking a chaotic and eye-opening evening.

Olivia, 42 - who was crowned Maxim magazine’s World's Sexiest Woman list in 2009 - explains, ‘It’s about a couple who have come to a place of real contempt in their marriage, and one of the symptoms is that they are no longer intimate and they blame each other for it. They are withholding from each other and haven’t really talked about it - people rarely do - and yet this other couple are very open.’

Revealing that Belgian sexologist Esther Perel acted as a consultant on the film, the actress went on, ‘She knows everything about sex. She wasn’t on set with us, but we were also calling and Zooming with her to get answers on how to talk about these issues in a way that is realistic. We feel like the conversation in this movie is one that people are either having or want to have.’

And Olivia says the film is leading viewers to talk about sex - and in particular, group scenarios.

She said, ‘They’re arguing about what they would do in these ­scenarios - and that’s great. Because everyone’s thought about f***ing their neighbour. Everyone’s thought about Penélope Cruz.’

And that includes Olivia herself - who recalled a steamy moment on the set of The Invite.

‘One of Penélope’s moments of improvisation is when she kissed me and I fully looked into the lens,’ she remembered. ‘Like, I lost my mind.’

In real life, the former Tron: Legacy star’s own love life has been the subject of much public scrutiny - especially her relationship with Harry Styles, who is 10 years her junior.

Meeting on the set of Don’t Worry, Darling back in early 2021 - the second of three films Olivia has directed - the couple called time on their romance after almost two years together in November 2022.

Now, Olivia is dating Caspar Jopling - the 34-year-old ex-husband of Ellie Goulding. And the House actress thinks it’s time for people to relax about another taboo - ‘cougar’ age-gap relationships.

‘People have such a double standard about what we allow women to do in this world when it comes to romance,’ she explains. ‘Particularly for older women, younger men are still such a taboo. But I do think that people are starting to get a little bit more ‘French’ about it.

‘I hope so - just relax. It’s 2026 - people have come a long way.’

Olivia has also been on the opposite end of age-gap relationships. In 2003, the then-19-year-old actress eloped with ­Italian filmmaker, musician and aristocrat Tao dei ­Principi Ruspoli, now 50.

They were married for eight years before splitting in 2011 - and that November, Olivia began dating actor Jason Sudeikis, 50.

They became engaged in January 2013, and share children Otis, 12, and Daisy, nine - but separated seven years later.

Olivia was then spotted with former One Direction star Harry - who is now reportedly set to marry actress Zoë Kravitz - the following year, and the couple were even pictured hand-in-hand at his manager’s wedding in Montecito, California.

Sources insisted Ted Lasso star Jason and Olivia’s break-up was amicable - but she was left humiliated when custody papers were served on her in front of an A-list crowd at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April 2022.

In September that year, she said, ‘The complete horses*** idea that I left Jason for Harry is completely ­inaccurate. Our relationship was over long before I met Harry.’

And Olivia has revealed how her past relationships have made her realise what she now wants in a partner.

She admitted, ‘Only after heartbreak can you really be in love and be kind of a responsible part of a relationship. You have to see the bottom fall out to understand where you are.

'If you stop laughing at your partner’s jokes, I think you’re cooked.’

Not only that, but she adds that her experiences have helped to shape her into a better actress - especially when it comes to her new movie role.

‘My character [Angela] had this experience of heartbreak that was not foreign to me,’ she says of The Invite. ‘The movie was in many ways plucking from experiences that I’ve had, and it was a relief to rip my heart out of my chest and plonk it on the table.

‘If people sense it looks like maybe she has been through the dissolution of a relationship and heartbreak - yeah, I have, and I think that’s what gives me the muscle memory to represent this character fairly.

‘I don’t think I would have been able to play Angela if I hadn’t really f***ing felt myself tossed around by life and relationships - and I’m very open to the risk of confession. This sounds so pretentious, but they say great art is confession and should feel risky - that if it doesn’t feel risky then you’re not doing something worthwhile.’

But now, the actress appears to be in a good place - and Olivia was first spotted with art dealer Caspar in February this year, when the pair were seen enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in Mexico City.

She added, ‘I’m in a really lovely relationship now. I adore him, and I feel completely whole.’

They’ve had an incredibly rocky on-off relationship for 13 years. But after Dan Osborne recently made a trip to Miami to visit a bikini model following the couple’s latest split earlier this year, sources tell heat long-suffering wife Jacqueline Jossa has reached her limit and wants a divorce.

‘Dan’s trip to Miami was been a turning point for Jac. Up until now, she was still on the fence about ditching him for good, but this was the final straw,’ says an insider. ‘There’s a lot of history between them, so it’s been hard for her to switch off her feelings, and while Jac had held onto a sliver of hope they might find a way through this, Dan’s latest actions have shattered that.’

The source continues, ‘If anything, it’s been the final push she needed. It’s been an incredibly painful reality check, but it’s forced her to accept there’s simply no going back.’

Dan’s trip to visit Brazilian model and bodybuilder Etila Santiago, 33, comes after the pair enjoyed a holiday fling in May – two months after his split from Jac. The couple reportedly bonded over their ‘passion for fitness’ and mutual support of football team Arsenal, with a source saying they ‘really hit it off’.

But our insider says that humiliated Jac – who shares daughters Ella, 11, and Mia, eight, with Dan – has had enough of the drama. We’re told, ‘Jac is just exhausted by the constant cycle of hurt and disappointment. She’s spent years making excuses for him, trying to make it work, and carrying the emotional weight of their relationship. She’s told friends she can’t put herself through any more emotional torture. Now, more than ever, she just wants to move on. She has said that instructing her lawyers to draft divorce papers is her way of officially taking control of her own destiny.’

Dan, 35 – who also has son Teddy, 12, with ex Megan Tomlin – and Jacqueline, 33, split in March, three months before what would have been their ninth wedding anniversary. But fans were left guessing, thanks to both of them choosing to keep wearing their rings, as they continued to co-parent their children.

Since meeting at an awards show in 2013, Dan and Jac’s relationship has been plagued by dramas. Megan was expecting Teddy when Dan and EastEnders star Jacqueline got together – with her quickly getting pregnant with their first daughter. Jacqueline and Dan married in June 2017, but less than a year later, while Jac was heavily pregnant with their second child, Dan was accused of having a fling with Love Island star Gabby Allen after they were pictured looking cosy on a yacht in Marbella. Dan denied the claims, insisting they were just friends, while Gabby called the rumours ‘ridiculous’.

Cheating allegations continued to plague the pair, with Dan forced to deny rumours that he had a threesome with his Celebrity Big Brother housemates, model Chloe Ayling and US reality TV star Natalie Nunn. And in 2019, Dan said claims of him kissing Love Islander Alexandra Cane on a night out were ‘complete rubbish’.

Jac and Dan vowed to ‘restart their relationship’ after she won I’m A Celebrity in 2019, with him admitting he had made ‘mistakes’. But split rumours re-emerged in 2020 with reports that Jac moved out during lockdown due to ‘non-stop fighting’. They split again in March 2025, which was reportedly sparked by Dan secretly buying another property behind his wife’s back, but soon reconciled.

Now, we’re told, Jacqueline is focused on the future. ‘Her absolute priority is finding peace for herself and protecting Ella and Mia from any more of this mess,’ says the source. ‘She’s doing so well professionally, and she wants her personal life to reflect that same strength and stability.

‘She knows she has to close this chapter once and for all now.’

Why Lydia's scared of losing Arg

They had one of TOWIE’s most iconic relationships – and 10 years after Lydia Bright and James ‘Arg’ Argent’s split, the pair appear closer than ever.

Sources have revealed they’d both love to give their relationship another go, but Lydia is worried that rekindling a romance would ruin their friendship.

‘Lydia and Arg are still in love with each other, and always have been,’ an insider said. ‘Even though their relationship was fraught with ups and downs, they have a bond so deep that none of their subsequent relationships have ever held a candle to what they had. But Lydia’s mates say they won’t act on their feelings because they’re scared of it going wrong – and they don’t want to lose their friendship for good.’

The pair’s romance began in 2008, when they were just teens. Two years later, they joined the original cast of TOWIE and their turbulent relationship played out on-screen as they were hit by cheating scandals, a love triangle with Gemma Collins, Arg’s drug addiction and the constant pressure of being in the public eye.

They split for good in 2016, when Lydia, 35, said she ‘had no choice’ but to walk away due to Arg’s toxic behaviour, telling him she ‘didn’t want to be friends’.

But a decade on, Arg, 38, still has a strong bond with Lydia and her family, including her six-year-old daughter Loretta, who she shares with ex Lee Cronin. Lydia and Lee broke up in 2021, and she later moved on with gardener Ben Davies. However, they called it quits in 2025.

Arg’s on-off eight-year relationship with co-star Gemma, 45, ended in 2020. And last year, he was handed a suspended prison sentence after pushing his then-partner, a 23-year-old model Nicoline Artursson – down some steps in Spain. Arg admitted the offence and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Lydia stood by him despite the shocking violence, while Nicoline blamed the breakdown of their relationship on Arg’s ex. The source added, ‘Neither Arg nor Lydia can move on. They’ll probably always be part of each other’s lives, whatever happens.’

Jade & Jordan spark split rumours

They seemed like the perfect couple, but Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has sparked rumours she’s split from her boyfriend of six years, Jordan Stephens.

Eagle-eyed fans first noticed that something could be amiss when the couple failed to publicly wish each other a happy anniversary in May. ‘Last year, both shared cute photos on their Instagram Stories, and Jade even made a TikTok about it – and now it’s been crickets,’ wrote one concerned follower. ‘Hopefully, it’s nothing because I really want Jade to be happy and they always seemed like a lovely couple.’

More fans voiced worries after Jordan spoke about his ideal wedding day in a recent episode of his Miss Me podcast, but failed to mention Jade – despite the Rizzle Kicks singer usually being quite soppy about her. He once gushed, ‘When I look at my girlfriend now, I feel things I can’t verbalise. Something eternal. Something beyond me.’

Jordan, 34, also sparked rumours he’d moved home after sharing a picture of a flat on Instagram, with some fans noting that it ‘doesn’t look like the same house’ he was living in with Jade, 33.

However, many are still hopeful that the power couple – who moved in together after just five months of dating back in October 2020 – are still together. Although Jordan didn’t accompany Jade to the Silver Clef awards last week – where she scooped the Best Female award – his close family friend Andi Oliver publicly congratulated the singer.

Four years since her last visit to the UK, Meghan Markle took royal watchers by surprise earlier this month
by joining her husband Prince Harry at Highgrove House. On 10 July, the Sussexes accepted an invitation from King Charles to visit his Gloucestershire estate, alongside their children Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet.

The summit – also attended by Queen Camilla, 78 – is being viewed as a huge leap forward in mending the relationship between the couple and the rest of the royals. And while few details from the meeting emerged, insiders tell heat that Charles, 77, laid down the law to his son about how he wants things to work going forward – but the demands haven’t gone down well with Meghan.

We’re told, ‘Charles made it clear he wants to see progress now, rather than another cycle of disagreements and misunderstandings. The King wants peace, but he also wants consistency. He put his foot down and told Harry they have to play by his rules, otherwise the door would be shut in the future. The Highgrove summit was an opportunity that just couldn’t be wasted.’

But after six years of nonstop drama following what was dubbed ‘Megxit’ back in 2020, we’re told Harry has quite the task on his hands to convince Meghan to step in line. ‘Harry knows there has to be a different approach if they’re ever going to progress. He’s spent a lot of time persuading Meghan they need to play the game if they want to be welcomed back into the family. This is their last chance.’

Meghan’s reluctance to come back to the UK with her husband this month was well-documented, and the former actress kept everyone guessing until the last minute about whether or not she’d make an appearance. And many of the Sussexes’ bombshell statements since splitting from the royals – in both their TV interviews and Netflix series – are thought to have been masterminded by Meghan. So, while Charles and Harry, 41, appear to be taking the first steps on the road to reconciliation, the duchess is reluctant to agree to her husband’s pleas, and it seems it’s causing a bust-up behind the scenes.

‘Everyone has reached the point where enough is enough. Harry understands that rebuilding trust won’t happen overnight and that actions are going to matter far more than words,’ our insider reveals. ‘Harry had a very frank conversation with Meghan and told her they couldn’t keep doing things their own
way. If they want any chance of rebuilding bridges with the royals, they have to accept Charles’ conditions and stop fighting every battle. No more interviews, books or disparaging remarks about family members.

‘It didn’t go down well at first, because Meghan felt she was being asked to compromise too much – but Harry made it clear this was their last opportunity.’

After their brief trip to the UK – which also included a visit to Harry’s late mother Diana’s grave at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire – it’s thought the Sussexes will continue to use their luxury £6.3million estate in Portugal as a base for the summer. And while Harry returned to the US for an event in New York, our source shares that the King has extended an invitation to Harry and family to join him at Balmoral this summer.

However, the visit could have awkward repercussions, as Harry’s estranged brother William and his wife Kate Middleton, as well as their three children – George, Charlotte and Louis – are known to spend time at the Scottish estate over summer.

So, it feels inevitable the Sussexes and the Waleses – once branded the Fab Four – will come face to face for the first time since the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022.

Our insider says, ‘Harry and Meghan are using Portugal as their base until the beginning of September, travelling back and forth to the UK as needed – including to Balmoral, after Charles asked the family to join him. If that visit goes ahead, it could create an uncomfortable situation for William and Kate.’

But though it’ll be tough to avoid William, 44 – who Harry allegedly once had a physical altercation with, after he branded Meghan ‘difficult’, ‘rude’ and ‘abrasive’ – the prince is keen for his children to get to know their cousins. ‘Having everyone on the estate wouldn’t necessarily be a grand reconciliation, but simply being in the same place would represent progress,’ explains our source. ‘Harry believes any opportunity for the cousins to spend time together would also be significant, after years of growing up on opposite sides of the Atlantic.’

And after the meeting at Highgrove, which Buckingham Palace described as a ‘private family occasion’, our source says Charles is determined to continue a relationship with his youngest grandchildren, who he had not seen since the late Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.

Our insider continues, ‘The King has never stopped wanting a relationship with Archie and Lilibet. Whatever’s happened between the adults, he doesn’t want the children growing up without knowing their wider family. Charles remains hopeful the youngsters will have a place within the wider royal family, although there are differing views about how that might look in practice. But the King is conscious they’re his grandchildren and he wants them to be part of the family.’

Perhaps as a way to prove they can be trusted, no details of the recent meeting have been leaked, aside from the fact it lasted ‘for an hour or so’, as Harry and Meghan were reportedly ‘sworn to secrecy’ by the King. And the Duke is keen to continue the new-found truce.

We’re told, ‘Harry believes this summer could be the family’s best opportunity yet to begin writing a different chapter. He knows there are no guarantees, but he also knows that opportunities like this won’t be around forever.

‘If there’s going to be a way back, everyone has to be prepared to meet in the middle.’

Coleen Rooney is gearing up for the launch of her much-anticipated Disney+ fly-on-the-wall series, which will offer a look into her life with her husband, Wayne, and their four sons. But sources tell heat she’s feeling torn when it comes to opening up about her marriage, especially Wayne’s infamous infidelities.

‘Coleen and Wayne had been hoping the series would show them both in a good light, and set the record straight about the negative things people have said about them. But Coleen knows there are still questions about Wayne and his past behaviour,’ says an insider.

‘She’s torn, because she knows whatever she says will be a big story and she’s worried about what their boys think. They’re older now and they can see stuff online. There are times when she just wants to own it – be bold and talk about the betrayal and hurt she’s been through – but she’s worried that would just create more drama.’

The childhood sweethearts – who are parents to sons Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, 8 – have weathered their fair share of storms over the years, largely over Wayne’s cheating and drinking. As well as admitting to visiting sex workers when he was a teenager – including a 48-year-old grandmother – it was reported that Wayne had a threesome with two sex workers when Coleen was pregnant with Kai. The ex-England striker has also faced alcohol-related issues, including in 2017, when he was arrested and later pleaded guilty to drink-driving after being stopped behind the wheel of another woman’s car.

More recently, the 40- year-old was pictured looking ‘worse for wear’ at a pre-BRITs event, as he partied with two mystery women until the early hours of the morning. Wayne has previously admitted, ‘I was never an alcoholic. I was more of a binge drinker, where if I got two days off, I’d literally drink for two days and then dust myself down.’

Coleen has previously spoken about her husband’s troubled past, revealing in 2024, ‘With me and Wayne, I’ve always said there was always love still there. So, why throw it away when you can work at it?’ And in her husband’s Prime Video documentary, Coleen agreed that alcohol has played a negative role at times, revealing that it was not good for her husband of 18 years to be ‘unsupervised’.

Wayne has credited his wife for helping manage his drinking, candidly admitting, ‘I honestly believe if she weren’t there, I’d be dead.’ And now, with the couple in a strong place, our insider says that Coleen, 40, doesn’t want to dredge up the past and instead wants the series – which is understood to still be filming – to show a positive side to Wayne and their relationship.

‘Coleen is really proud of her family,’ we’re told. ‘She feels as though Wayne has really grown into his new career as a football pundit – he’s really good at it. He still likes to blow off steam every now and then, but Coleen really believes that he’s changed from when he would really go off the rails.

‘She’s more excited about showing that side of Wayne and how loving and supportive they are as a family.’

As the docuseries promises to ‘offer unprecedented access that sees them navigating the highs and lows of everyday family life’, the insider adds that Coleen is ‘preparing herself for battle’. ‘ They’ve definitely been pushed to reveal more about themselves than they ever have before, but Coleen feels they’ve so far managed to keep it classy,’ we’re told. ‘She’s hoping there is a bit of decorum when it comes to promoting it and not every question thrown at her will be about Wayne and his past.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. So, the image of an unbothered Victoria Beckham surrounded by her cheering family during England’s World Cup quarter-final victory against Norway suggested she wasn’t exactly having the time of her life. But an insider close to the mum-of-four tells us she’s exasperated over the reaction to her iconic nonchalance.

‘Vic feels she like can’t win. It’s always been that way – David is the man of the people, and everyone loves him, while she just gets criticised. She’s gotten used to that over the years and can’t compete with him,’ our source shares. ‘’

Victoria, 52, became a social media meme after looking bored at Jude Bellingham’s winning goals, which took the squad through to the semi-finals. Her response was in stark contrast to her husband, David, and their children, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 15, who all went wild with excitement. David, 51, appeared to see the funny side after the Norway game. ‘She was celebrating inside, I promise. Her reactions were slightly slower than mine,’ he wrote, adding a crying-laughing emoji.

Victoria did make more effort when the family attended England’s semi-final match against Argentina, and was pictured flinging her arms around David when they scored. Our source says, ‘Vic knew that the cameras would be on her and was determined to celebrate a goal if England got one. But it’s hard for her to really let go, and she can’t ever be as natural as David, so it can look awkward at times. Plus, football isn’t as important to her as it is to him. She was celebrating as much for him and to prove that she’s not always some miserable old cow that can’t have fun.’

But while David has publicly joked about it, our source says that he does wish his wife would relax and enjoy herself. ‘He just wants her to let her hair down a bit more and not worry about what people think,’ we’re told. ‘David would love Vic to just let loose and not always be thinking about what people will say, but that’s not who he married. They are who they are, and that’s why people are still talking about them.’

Since meeting David in 1997, Victoria has regularly attended his matches, but has never been overly enthusiastic. ‘I never enjoyed watching football,’ she’s said. And in David’s Netflix documentary, the former Spice Girl admitted, ‘I’m not into football at all. I wasn’t into football then, I’m not into football now.’

She also opened up about her reputation for not smiling in her own Netflix series. ‘I’m smiling on the inside, but no one ever sees it. That’s why I look so moody,’ she said. Vic did manage a hint of a smile when she met the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders at the Spain vs France semi-final she also attended with the family.

Our insider says, ‘Vic has never claimed to be the biggest football fan, but it’s been a part of her life for nearly 30 years now, and she always cheered on David and the boys whenever they played because it means a lot to them. But she’s much more at home at a fashion show than at a football match. She knows if she were jumping up and down like crazy, she’d be accused of faking it, so she just plays up to her reputation.

‘She also knows that all the cameras will be on her, critiquing every move she makes, and she’s still very self-conscious at times. So, she’d rather just stay poker-faced as that’s what people expect of her.’

The insider adds, ‘David knows how fun she is and how much they enjoy life as a family, but it seems when they’re in public, Victoria has to put on her Posh persona. ‘While he found the memes hilarious, he has said he wishes the public could see the real Victoria more.’

She’s been oozing confidence over the past few weeks, proudly showing off her figure after undergoing surgery. And sources tell heat that, after years of struggling with her appearance, Josie Gibson finally feels happy with her body.

‘Josie was very insecure for a long time, but after having work done, she’s thrilled with the results,’ says an insider. ‘She may still have scars, but she feels so much more confident in clothes, in herself, and in relationships. It’s really helped her get her confidence back.

Josie is a bubbly personality, but she has struggled with her body image over the years, which has really got her down at times. But now she finally feels happy with how she looks.’

The This Morning presenter had a £7k arm lift and liposuction to remove excess skin and fat in March. Josie, 41, shared that she had 45% of each arm removed, amid her battle with lipoedema – a chronic build-up of fat and connective tissue in legs, hips, bottom and arms. She also underwent liposuction on her calves last year, calling the surgery ‘a last resort’ and explaining that her legs would become painful and swell up at the end of the day. Now, with both surgeries complete and her scars fading, she’s feeling better than ever.

‘I felt gross whenever I was in a vest top, and I just want to go out in the summer and feel alright,’ she previously shared. ‘No matter how fit you are or what your diet is, with lipoedema, you can’t lose fat. So, I had to do something about it.’

Fans were full of praise for the star, who showed off her slimmer figure earlier this month in a bikini and workout gear. In addition to her surgeries, she has lost 5st and managed to keep it off by following the 1970s diet, with smaller portions and eating less processed foods.

Over the years, Josie – who found fame on Big Brother in 2010 – has been open about her weight loss journey. She released a fitness DVD in 2013, followed by The Josie Gibson Diet book the year after, in which she outlined how she dropped down five dress sizes, from a size 20 to a 10, by cutting out sugar and processed food.

In 2016, she underwent a tummy tuck to remove 13 inches of excess skin, losing 6lbs in the process. The presenter told fans, ‘You only live once, so you might as well have the body you want to have.’

But after years of yo-yo dieting, Josie – who’s mum to son Reggie, seven – has found a healthy balance and has she vowed to say no to weight loss jabs or gastric surgery. ‘I’ve done everything, I’ve taken diet tablets back in the day. I have done some extreme things, but I can’t mess around with my body anymore. I cannot mess around with my metabolism,’ she previously said. ‘I didn’t get a gastric bypass – I got off my big arse, moved more, ate less and educated myself on what I was stuffing into my body.’

And now we’re told she feels this is the start of a new chapter. ‘Josie was so self-conscious about her body for many years, so this feels like a new start,’ says the source. ‘She’s been sensitive to comments about her weight, but she finally feels confident. She never felt truly beautiful before, but now she feels more relaxed and happy in front of the camera. She’s also excited to try out some fashions that suit her new figure.’

The insider adds, ‘Josie finally has the body she wants. This has given her the confidence to get out there and be proud.’

What was intended to be a triumphant homecoming for the Sussexes – their first visit to the UK together as a family in four years – instead saw Prince Harry arriving alone. The Duke cut a solitary figure when he landed in London last week, with uncertainty lingering over whether Meghan and the children would follow. It was later confirmed that Meghan Markle, 44, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, had joined Harry for the last part of his trip and met King Charles and Queen Camilla for a ‘private family occasion’ at Highgrove House. While the chaos surrounding the trip was put down to security concerns, insiders claim Harry, 41, has been left feeling hurt by his wife’s repeated changes of heart in the run-up to the visit.

‘Harry’s been feeling more alone and isolated than ever. He was already consumed with anxiety about this trip, and the one source of comfort for him was having Meghan and the children by his side, with the kids in particular being a helpful buffer.

‘He wasn't happy about Meghan only joining him only for the final part of the visit,’ the insider says. ‘He feels she is suddenly making all these big decisions on her own, from pulling out of their planned joint charity commitments to changing family plans. He’s in a state of panic about it all.’

The source goes on, ‘Harry felt like he was in the dark about why she was chopping and changing her mind about the UK visit – it’s triggering a lot of old insecurities for him. He’s trying to understand her mindset, but the communication has broken down, and it’s a lonely position for him to be in.’

The last occasion the Sussexes travelled to Britain together was in 2022, for the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Nearly four years later, Meghan's big return ended up being shrouded in secrecy, with no public appearances from her at all. As well as the family meeting with Charles and Camilla, reports also suggested Harry had also hoped to take his children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to Althorp Estate in Northampton to visit Princess Diana’s grave.

According to insiders, the couple, who marked their eighth wedding anniversary in May, have spent recent weeks clashing following her indecision over the UK trip and the idea of reconciling with the Royal Family.

The insider says, ‘Things have become strained between them at home. Meghan insisted she couldn’t fake it anymore in the UK – especially when she’d be having to deal with the stress and anxiety of seeing all the family and the intense spotlight they’d be under, having the children there too.’

The insider continued, ‘The last few weeks have been increasingly difficult, and the pressure of the trip became too much, with Meghan buckling and telling Harry she couldn’t face the eyes of the world looking for even the tiniest fracture, a cold glance, or a hint of distance between them while they navigate their marriage issues.’

During the brief stay – his first visit since January – Harry attended the London premiere of the documentary Shoot The People, created by his friend and Sussexes’ photographer Misan Harriman. He also carried out charitable appearances at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the National Exhibition Centre, the future venue for the Invictus Games.

Initially, the Duke had planned for his family to accompany him to London, but security worries prompted a rethink. Following the last-minute alterations, he was informed that he would no longer be staying at Buckingham Palace. The offer of accommodation at the royal residence had reportedly been extended by King Charles as a gesture of goodwill amid ongoing tensions with the Royal Family, but was later ‘withdrawn’, despite Harry’s representatives stating he had accepted and describing the situation as ‘disappointing’.

There was additional disappointment when Harry lost his phone-hacking lawsuit against the Daily Mail, alongside several other well-known claimants, potentially leaving them facing a combined legal bill of up to £50million. It is also believed he travelled to Britain from Portugal, where the Sussexes are thought to have a holiday home, and the renewed disagreements at home have reinforced how distant he feels from his father and wider family.

The source adds, ‘Harry has told people that he just wants Meghan to show him more support over this process of reuniting with his family. He doesn't want to do this alone.’

Last week saw Prince Harry’s triumphant reconciliation with King Charles. But in the days before their reunion, what he had hoped to be a wholesome homecoming turned out to be a complete emotional whirlwind for the estranged royal.

His UK return descended into chaos just hours before he was due to fly thanks to public rows with the Palace over their revoked invitation for him to stay at Buckingham Palace. Then, just hours after touching down on UK soil, he spectacularly lost his court case against a British newspaper.

Public sympathy for his plight appeared largely to be at an all-time low, but behind-palace-walls, a source reveals how one unexpected royal had felt sorry for Harry in the wake of his slew of setbacks – Princess Kate.

The insider says, ‘Kate can’t help but be terribly worried for Harry, she sees someone who’s broken and angry and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

‘So of course a big part of her feels called to reach out and offer him some support, and the fact that she can’t offer any words of wisdom is very difficult.’

The reason for Kate’s silence, we’re told, is her loyalty to Prince William, who the source says will not accept her ‘extending any sort of olive branch’ to his brother.

The once close siblings are believed not to have spoken to for four years as their feud continues to rumble on, and the source claims William still fears that any conversation between Kate and Harry could be ‘leveraged in some way’ in the future.

The insider says, ‘She has to think of her husband first and he’s been very clear that under no circumstances will he accept her extending any sort of olive branch to his brother. He’s convinced it would be seized upon and leveraged in some way by Harry and Meghan. Plus, it would totally undermine his position.’

While Harry, Meghan and their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, were hosted in a secret summit at Highgrove House by Charles and Queen Camilla, William was noticeably absent – making it clear that he is not ready to forgive and forget just yet, if ever.

And the source says Harry may have dodged a proverbial bullet when it comes to his brother skipping the afternoon tea, which he is widely reported to believe was a ‘mistake’ on the part of Charles.

‘He managed to swerve Harry and Meghan completely when they were in town, and he’s quite pleased with himself for showing that restraint, instead of ranting and raving,’ the source says.

‘That being said he’s still very bitter about the fact that they managed to worm their way into a visit with the King and the last thing he needs is Kate making it seem as though all is forgiven, when it absolutely isn’t.’

William, 43, is reported to remain ‘furious’ at both the path Harry has taken in teaming with Netflix (the streaming giant behind the controversial royal drama The Crown) back in 2020, but most predominantly, over his younger brother’s explosive tell-alls.

Harry, 41, not only has he publicly referred to William as his ‘arch nemesis’, but through his memoir, Spare, he alleged that William had physically assaulted him in a fight over Meghan. For a celebrity biography, this would have been explosive, but when it comes to tell-alls about the future King of England, the consequences could undoubtedly have been devastating for the monarchy as a whole.

And by his side through it all, a source recently told us Kate, 44, knows better than anyone how much William has suffered.

‘It’s not all tough love, of course, because Kate also recognises that underneath all of his bluster, William is in a lot of pain over this situation with Harry,’ the insider told us.

And while she, William and Harry were once an inseparable trio, the source says that while Kate feels ‘caught’ in the middle, there is no question that she would ever do anything to contribute to the ‘anguish’ he has already suffered.

The insider says, ‘Kate is caught between a rock and a hard place because, at the end of the day, Harry is still her brother-in-law and someone she really cares about, but there’s just no scenario where she can insert herself into this without causing her husband a great deal of anguish.

‘The reality is she has to side with him [William]. He’s her partner in life and she simply would never go against his wishes.’

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Charles, 77, is also keen for his sons to reconcile, with Harry previously revealing how the monarch had begged them, ‘Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery'.

Charles’ plea came at the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021, but five years on and Harry and William’s feud is not only more bitter than ever, but also comes amidst the King’s own battle with cancer, for which he continues to receive treatment for.

Yet despite her own close bond with her father-in-law – a relationship that was undoubtedly only strengthened through their shared experience of cancer – the source says Kate has little choice but to remain loyal to William’s wishes.

‘Charles keeps insisting that Harry and Meghan have changed, and that the best course would be to turn the other cheek, but as everyone knows, William doesn’t share that view in the slightest,’ the insider says.

‘He’s furious that his father has allowed Harry back in and he’s adamant that he won’t be fooled by what he sees as blatant manipulation. The fact that Harry has the nerve to try and rope Kate into this and get her on side is only making William more certain his brother’s arrogance knows no bounds, to him it’s just more proof he can’t ever be trusted.’

Meanwhile, in a heartbreaking twist, the brothers could now be set to mark the 30th anniversary of the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, thousands of miles apart next year. Having been an incredibly protective and doting mother, Diana’s former butler and close friend Paul Burrell previously said the Princess would have been ‘devastated’ by their rift.

He previously shared, ‘If their mother was here today, she would bring them back together…It was very important to her that they stayed close’.

Now we’re told that Kate echoes her late mother-in-law’s sentiment and is ‘gutted’ that the brothers have still not bridged the chasm between them, especially given the close relationship she shares with her own younger siblings – sister Pippa and brother James, who recently greeted her at the end of her Three Peaks challenge.

‘Kate is gutted that things are still so ugly between these two because she would love nothing more than for them all to come together and put this horrible chapter behind them,’ the insider says.

‘She has such a close relationship with her own brother and sister, it breaks her heart that William has totally lost that. She’s very sad for Harry as well. Watching him go through this latest nightmare with the court case and seeing the obvious pain he’s in has hit her very hard.

‘At this point all she can really do is continue to try and soften William and hope he somehow comes around. Of course, the odds of that happening any time soon, if ever, are very slim.’

His seething resentment towards his famous family has been plain to see for several years now – ever since first distancing himself in 2024, before finally going scorched earth earlier this year.

But all along the way, the one chink in Brooklyn Beckham’s armour seemed to be his love for his baby sister, Harper Beckham. Indeed, having snubbed massive family milestones including anniversaries, birthdays, and even his dad David Beckham’s knighthood last year, it was Harper’s 14th birthday in July 2025 that finally got Brooklyn to put down his weapons – briefly – and wish her a happy birthday from him and wife Nicola Peltz via Instagram stories. The comment may have been tepid, but it spoke volumes.

That, of course, makes Brooklyn’s silence this year on Harper’s 15th birthday all the more deafening. As the youngest Beckham child rang in her big day in Miami last week with her proud parents, David and Victoria, brothers Romeo and Cruz, and their respective girlfriends, Kim Turnbull and Jackie Apostel, Brooklyn’s brutal turnaround was poignant. And according to insiders, it told the family everything they needed to know.

As much as they’d hoped he would finally come to his senses, and take stock of all the love and support they continue to send him from afar – most recently, on Father’s Day and the Beckhams’ anniversary, when they paid tribute to all four of their children – it really seems like they no longer have any place whatsoever in Brooklyn’s life. And critical to that is his unquestionable loyalty, commitment and devotion to his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, 31.

‘The fact that Brooklyn didn’t show up to Harper’s birthday dinner says it all because he could have easily put his issues with his parents aside to make his little sister happy,’ says an insider close to the Beckham clan, who have been putting on a united front over the past few weeks at the World Cup, and at Victoria’s clothing store opening in Miami.

‘But clearly, he’s now just too far gone to even do that. All they can do is pray that he comes to his senses and somehow breaks out of this, and the likelihood of that happening when Nicola is in his life seems incredibly unlikely. It’s no secret that they completely blame Nicola for turning him into this different person – but, of course, they can’t ever say that publicly because all that would do is trigger another war.’

Naturally, Brooklyn, 27, has refused to accept that Nicola played a role in his estrangement – saying instead in his now infamous six-page diatribe in January that his parents had coopted and exploited him his entire life and that, rather than being controlled, he was ‘standing up for [himself] for the first time’.

But, in the same tirade, he accused them of trying to hijack his 2022 wedding and sabotage his relationship with Nicola, claiming Victoria’s scene-stealing antics on the day reduced the bride to tears. And since then, he hasn’t held back in telling the world – and, accordingly, his parents – that he’ll always put Nicola first. He’s also doubled down on his devotion to her family, his in-laws, whom he’s symbolically replaced as his own.

All this, we’re told, has left those inside the Beckham camp coming to just one conclusion: the only way they’ll ever find peace is if Brooklyn and Nicola hit the skids.

‘Brooklyn used to be so loving,’ our source explains. ‘He was always telling people what great parents he had; and then he got together with Nicola and slowly started to change. He’s very loudly insisted this is all his own doing, and that she’s simply supporting him, but the timeline tells a different story. It’s been incredibly painful for them – they feel as though their son has been body snatched.

‘What makes it even worse is that they can go online at any moment and see Brooklyn grinning and posing with Nicola and her family as though he couldn’t be happier. It’s devastating and infuriating all at once. They aren’t letting Brooklyn off the hook, but inevitably they’re convinced Nicola is in the background fanning the flames and making the situation worse. So they can’t see any scenario where he wakes up to what happened while he’s still with her.

‘People in the Beckhams' world are all in agreement that the only feasible way they could see him actually coming back to the family fold is if things don't work out with Nicola in the long term.’

Most recently, Brooklyn was pictured cosying up to Nicola’s brood at her brother Will’s wedding to the late Quincy Jones’ daughter, Kenya Kinski-Jones, last month. Taking to Instagram, Nicola also posted joyful photos of the day, referring to her new in-law Kenya in her caption as her ‘dream sister’. This, of course, will have been a brutal pill to swallow for Harper – who always seemed to idolise Nicola while they were all on better terms, and regularly posed for pictures with her oldest brother and sister-in-law.

Meanwhile, Harper’s pain over her brother’s estrangement has been under even more scrutiny over the past few weeks. A few weeks before he snubbed her birthday, the teenager was pictured taking a solo trip to his and Nicola’s Beverly Hills mansion. The couple weren’t home, but Harper was pictured by waiting photographers delivering a letter to the property.

In response, a spokesperson for Brooklyn and Nicola voiced the couple’s outrage over the alleged PR stunt, claiming the move had been ‘choreographed for the cameras’ and accusing the Beckhams of ‘using Harper as a pawn’. But insiders close to David and Victoria insisted she acted independently and was simply attempting to make contact with her much-missed brother.

Now, sadly, it seems the family have no choice but to wait in uncertainty over what the future may hold. In the meantime, they’ll continue to follow their current strategy of including him in tributes to the family, while also keeping calm and carrying on as a tight-knit family unit without him. Brooklyn, for his part, is showing no signs of budging – even cashing in on his family’s rift last month in a highly-lucrative promo video for the food delivery firm DoorDash, which saw him joking about watching the World Cup at home this year, adding, ‘It’s a long story.’

This – plus his lovesick tributes to Nicola and her family and his stonewalled silence to his own – really suggests he’s showing no signs of budging. For now, much to the Beckhams’ continued disappointment, any notion of divorce is not looking likely.

He may be the eloquious grand dandy of décor, but we saw a different side to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen when he appeared on survival reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt last year.

‘I loved it! Despite the whole dying thing,’ he tells heat.

The Changing Rooms host, 62, had to be rescued after he passed out while trapped under an overturned raft during a pursuit with Bear Grylls in the Costa Rican jungle.

‘It was an extraordinary experience. In my head, I was James Bond, but in reality, I was Grandpa Pig,’ he admits. ‘I’ve been prancing my way across the television screens for 30 years, but always in my own comfort zone, so I liked the idea of pushing it. But maybe I went too far.’

As a consequence of his near-death experience, Laurence has now been banned from doing any more reality shows by his wife Jackie. ‘Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen has forbidden me from doing anything. I can’t even do Bake Off in case the cherry falls off the top of the cake and hits me in the eye,’ he says. ‘She felt Bear Hunt was a very silly thing for a 60-year-old man to be doing, that it had midlife crisis written all over it.’

With 37 years of marriage under their belts, Laurence and Jackie – who met when they were 19 – have stood the test of time. He credits her for his huge success as an interior designer, beloved TV star and now, artist.

‘We’ve done everything together. Me being on telly and everything I’ve achieved has been with her motivating it and calling the shots. We are such incredible friends and have this great life with more than enough gin, because that is the secret to a happy life,’ he says.

The couple live with their grown-up children Cecile and Hermione, their husbands and four grandchildren in the Cotswolds as one big happy family, with the Beckhams as neighbours. ‘It’s like Little Manor House on the Prairie,’ he laughs. ‘Everyone understands that Jackie is the ultimate matriarch. As long as we do it her way, it’s all fine.’

We were introduced to Laurence’s flamboyant and opulent grand designs 30 years ago, when he burst onto TV screens on makeover show Changing Rooms. He’s now ready to pass the mantle onto a younger role model. ‘I’ve always admired that young whippersnapper Harry Styles. I can’t help feeling that he might have been inspired by my back catalogue – there’s a lot of frilly blouses and floral jackets,’ he says. ‘I met him once in a lift when he was on The X Factor and he told me how much his mother had been a huge fan of mine.’

Having put his stamp on homes across the 10 series of the makeover show, there’s one property Laurence is eager to work his magic on. ‘I was at Buckingham Palace recently and it looks like Fawlty Towers. Once a grand, lovely space, it now has a feeling of a shuffly old golf hotel, which smells of cabbage and sticky carpets,’ he says.

Laurence, who hosts the True Royalty podcast, says Meghan Markle was no fan of the royal residence. ‘I think she felt that she was in The Princess Diaries and mistook joining the British royal family for Genovia,’ he says. Of the estrangement between the Sussexes and the royal family, he adds, ‘I might live quite close to the King, but he keeps very close counsel on that. I’m sure it’s a source of great sadness that he doesn’t have easy access to Harry and his grandchildren. As a grandfather myself, it would break my heart to not see my silly, foolish, flighty grandchildren every day.’

Laurence is now enjoying a ‘reinvention’ as an artist, showing his art in galleries around the country. ‘Art was a big part of our early courtship. Jackie loved it when I was an art student,’ he explains. ‘She’s always said that she finds the smell of oil paints sexy and I love that, at 62, I’m reviving that buccaneering, romantic, post-punk artist she fell in love with all those years ago.’

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen’s Art Tour Drawn to Adorn with Buckingham Fine Art toured various UK locations between 27th June and 11th July 2026. To purchase Laurence’s work please visit: https://www.cotswoldcontemporary.co.uk/?s=llewelyn&sentence=1&post_type=product

The 19th of September will mark four years since Prince Harry and Prince William were last reported to have ‘briefly’ spoken to one another at the 2022 funeral of their grandmother, as the devastating rift that has torn the Royal Family apart continues to show no signs of abating.

The two estranged brothers, who 30 years ago next year were once a picture of unity as they tragically walked side-by-side behind their mother’s coffin, were forced to be in the same room together for their uncle’s funeral in August 2024, but they reportedly barely looked at one another – confirming the devastating truth that they are now all but strangers.

However, just hours before his much-anticipated reunion with King Charles at Highgrove House last week; a visit he was joined on by Meghan Markle, 44, and their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, Harry appeared to extend one of the first olive branches we’ve seen in years.

Visiting Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Thursday, Harry shared a sweet moment discussing football with a young patient, who shared that he supported Aston Villa. Harry, 41, then told him, ‘My brother supports Aston Villa,’ mentioning their recent Europa League win in Istanbul, where William was photographed cheering on the game.

The mention of ‘my brother’ – a far cry from the ‘arch nemesis’ he was described as just three years ago in Harry’s scathing memoir, Spare – has been widely viewed as a tender and perhaps forgiving moniker. And one, we’re told, that King Charles is holding onto as the source reveals how the monarch has been left cautiously delighted to have finally made peace with the Sussexes.

Now we're told Charles is pushing hard for Prince William, 43, and Princess Kate, 44, to follow suit as the insider says that while the King is aware that their deep rift could take time to heal, the monarch has also made the heartbreaking admission that he fears they may never make peace while he is still here to see it.

They tell us, ‘Charles just isn't prepared to accept that he’ll never have the chance to see his sons on good terms again. He thinks it’s absolutely ludicrous that this grudge has dragged on for so long and he’s vowed to do what it takes to sort things out, even if it means putting serious pressure on the both of them because he absolutely believes they are equally to blame.

‘This trip wasn’t the right time to force any meeting but he’s made it clear that he will be tackling that in due time. He wants them to start letting some of the bad blood go, if not for his sake, then at least for the sake of their children. To Charles, that's the biggest tragedy in all of this, they’re missing out on growing up together as cousins, and he desperately wants to change that before it's too late.’

Traditionally, the Royal Family punctuate their duties to get together the entire royal fold during the main Christian celebrations – notably Easter and Christmas. It’s also at these times of year that we find out who has made the monarch’s cut – who is in favour and who is out.

Reports were circulating earlier this month that, after hearing that Charles, 77, was set to welcome Harry and Meghan back in the UK, William had threatened to ‘boycott Sandringham’ (where such events are held) for the foreseeable future – making where he stands on the ‘Harry situation’ completely clear.

But not to be deterred, we’re told that Charles has instead honed in on the season of forgiveness for what he hopes will be a meeting face-to-face between his two warring sons and their families, especially Archie and Lili and their cousins – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.

The insider says, ‘The King was so charmed by Archie and Lilibet, he wants to be able to spend more time with them going forward and he’s got his heart set on George and Charlotte and Louis having that opportunity as well.

‘He would love for Harry and Meghan to bring them over for Christmas and for them all to celebrate together as a happy family but considering the state of things as they are now that is highly unlikely. Still, he’s holding out hope that something could change.’

The catalyst for Charles’ sudden U-turn, we’re told, was Harry’s very public recognition of his brother.

His comment at the children’s hospital was also followed by a remark he made on the Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast, during which he shared a childhood memory of how Princess Diana would hug both him and William ‘as tight as possible’ after a tough day – a comfort he says he now tries to continue with his own children.

Now the source says, ‘He [Charles] is certainly seeing a big change in Harry. He was incredibly pleased when Harry made mention of ‘my brother’ William during his visit to Birmingham. It might sound like nothing more than a throwaway comment to most people but Charles took it as a genuine sign that Harry’s mindset when it comes to his brother has softened considerably.

‘Charles believes Harry was trying to extend an olive branch, in his own way, and it’s given him a lot of hope that there will eventually be a thawing. He understands that there’s still a lot of resentment on both sides, but clearly Harry is ready to make the effort so his mission now is to find a way to get William to let go of some of his anger and push this forward.’

Meanwhile, while the Sussexes did not meet with Kate and William during their trip, it had been speculated prior to their UK return how Kate may be feeling about the prospect of coming face-to-face with Meghan for the first time in four years. After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, it was reported that the growing distance between Harry and Meghan and William and Kate – previously dubbed The Fab Four - had contributed towards the Sussexes’ departure.

While Harry accused William of physically assaulting him over his disapproval of his relationship with Meghan in 2019, the distance between Kate and Meghan has also been widely reported.

Of course, the most famous head-to-head was the now-infamous ‘bridesmaid dress gate’, when Meghan was accused of making Kate cry over insisting that Princess Charlotte wear an ill-fitting bridesmaid dress.

During her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan said she had been so affected by the reported clash that she set the record straight, telling Oprah it had been the other way around, with Harry later insisting in his memoir, Spare, that he had picked Meghan up from ‘the floor’ in tears over Kate’s insistence that the dress be changed last minute and that the flower girls wear tights.

Furthermore, Kate was dragged into the furore when she was described as ‘cold’ and unwelcoming to Meghan in Spare and was alleged by royal author Omid Scobie – who was widely reported to have been close with Meghan in particular – to have been the ‘royal racist’ who raised questions about the skin colour of Meghan and Harry’s then unborn first child, Prince Archie.

Scobie denied this and claimed it had been an editing error and the Royal Family have strenuously denied any claims of racism.

However, as we have previously reported, following her treatment for cancer in 2024, sources have told us how Kate now wants to let bygones be bygones, and we're now told Charles is ‘confident’ that Kate and Meghan can finally reach a truce, too.

The insider says, ‘It’s not just Harry and William who need to find a way to get past all this, there’s also Kate and Meghan to consider. Charles is confident that will be much easier, not least because Kate has already expressed her interest in putting all the bad blood behind her.

‘She’s very much about forgiveness these days and Charles is counting on her natural grace and diplomacy to help move things along. It will only happen with William’s blessing, he’s the key to any of this happening, which is why Charles is pressuring him to put aside the bitterness and move forward.’

Meanwhile, William is widely reported to remain ‘furious’ over his brother’s tell-alls, but the source says Charles ‘isn’t giving up’ and remains hopeful for the future – even if his sons remain at loggerheads for now.

‘Unfortunately, William is not there yet, and if anything, he’s taken issue with Harry mentioning him so casually considering the state of things,’ the source says.

‘To him it smacks of Harry trying to manipulate the situation and he says he won’t fall for it. But Charles isn’t giving up, it is his wish to see his family united again and he refuses to accept that all hope of that is lost.

‘He is convinced William still loves his brother, despite everything that's happened, and he has no doubts Harry feels the same, even if neither of them is prepared to admit it right now.’

The countdown is on until the Royal Family welcomes its newest arrival, with Princess Eugenie expected to give birth to her third child in the coming weeks.

Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are preparing to expand their family this summer as sons August, five, and Ernest, three, get ready to welcome a new baby brother or sister.

The final months of the Princess's pregnancy have unfolded against the backdrop of continued headlines surrounding her parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, with the controversy surrounding the Duke and Duchess of York showing little sign of easing.

Last month, attention also turned to Eugenie and her sister, Princess Beatrice, after an audit by the National Audit Office (NAO) reported that King Charles covers the accommodation costs of homes occupied by non-working royals, meaning the sisters do not pay rent on their London royal residences.

The latest claims have only added to the spotlight on the York family during what is already a significant time for Eugenie. As a result, we're told the Princess is determined not to let one important milestone become a 'circus' — the birth of her third child.

Eugenie, 35, is expected to welcome her baby at London's prestigious Portland Hospital, where both of her sons were born and where she herself entered the world. However, a source claims Andrew and Sarah have been left dismayed after being told they will not be present in the delivery room or involved in the immediate aftermath of the birth.

A source reveals, ‘Eugenie's number one priority is having this baby with the absolute minimum of fuss. She doesn't want the hospital turning into a circus and she's made that very clear.

‘Unfortunately, her parents are not taking it well and she’s getting a ton of pushback from Andrew and Sarah. Andrew is fuming and taking it as a personal insult. He doesn’t seem to care that if he’s there it will become the main focus, which is the last thing Eugenie wants.’

While Andrew is said to be spending much of his time at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, Sarah has remained largely out of the public eye since it emerged in April that she was staying at a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps, where rooms reportedly cost around £2,000 a night.

Since then, the former Duchess of York, 66, has rarely been seen, leading some royal watchers to dub her the 'disappearing Duchess'. The strongest indication that she had remained in Austria came last month, when Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice attended a wedding in Vienna.

While the rest of the Royal Family gathered in London for Trooping the Colour, the sisters are said to have made the three-hour journey to Salzburg, close to where Sarah was believed to be staying, for what sources described as an 'incredibly emotional' reunion.

Sarah has long been regarded as a hands-on grandmother. One of her most recent public appearances saw her hosting a unicorn-themed first birthday party for Beatrice's youngest daughter, Sienna, while following the birth of Ernest in 2023, she proudly wrote on social media: 'Amazing… the importance of Ernest. Thank you so, so much… Clever Eugenie and Jack and August Brooksbank.'

Given the close bond they have shared over the years, we're told Eugenie may now be prepared to show a little more flexibility when it comes to her mother's involvement following the birth of her third child.

‘Sarah has been pleading with Eugenie to reconsider because she desperately wants to be there to welcome her new grandchild into the world,’ the insider says.

‘Jack's been encouraging Eugenie to stick to her guns but of course it’s very difficult because she hates upsetting her parents. The hope is Sarah might quietly be allowed to sneak in at some point, but Andrew has been told he has to stay away, giving birth is already hard enough the last thing she needs is to be worrying about the fallout that will inevitably happen if he shows up.’

Meanwhile, while he himself is unlikely to be welcomed back into a public-facing role, Andrew, 66, is widely reported to have been the ‘mastermind’ behind his daughters’ return to the royal fold via the wedding of their cousin Peter Phillips and his bride Harriet Sperling last month.

He is reported to have urged his daughters – who were coincidentally photographed in clear view greeting Prince William – to ‘hold their heads high’ and remember they are ‘princesses of blood’.

But last month, for the UK’s Father’s Day on 21st June, both Beatrice and Eugenie appeared to all but deny their father’s existence.

Instead, Eugenie wrote her own gushing social media post about her husband Jack Brooksbank, with whom she shares sons August, five, and Ernest, three, describing him as ‘the best there is…’, with no mention of her own father whatsoever.

Following this very public snub, we’re told that Andrew has now become so ‘defensive’ that he perceives the decision by his youngest daughter to ban him from meeting his new grandchild at the hospital as further proof of disloyalty.

The insider says, ‘If Andrew wasn't already so bent out of shape about the way he feels he's being treated by the family, this probably wouldn't even be on his radar. He adores his grandchildren, of course he does, but he's never been the sort of granddad who insists on hovering over every birth the way Sarah tends to.

‘The problem is he's become so defensive that he's looking for any little sign that the girls are distancing themselves from him and he's latched onto this as though it's some huge test of loyalty. In his mind, Eugenie ought to be proving she's still firmly in his corner by at least letting him come to the hospital and feel part of it all.’

It’s now been months since the girls were last photographed or reported to have met with their father. Eugenie is believed not to have seen him since before Christmas, whilst Beatrice, 37, was photographed taking her daughter Sienna horse-riding with Andrew in Windsor in January.

And the source says Andrew is simply ‘missing the point’ and cannot understand that a hospital maternity ward is not the time or the place for Eugenie to put on a public display of togetherness with her father – ultimately turning what should be a special and private moment into a ‘PR exercise’.

‘Eugenie keeps telling him that's completely missing the point. For her this isn’t the time to be making some big public statement; it's simply about having the birth she wants with as little fuss and distraction as possible,’ the source says.

‘She can’t understand why he won’t accept that she just wants a bit of peace and quiet to settle in with the baby before everyone starts descending. She's promising that they'll all get their turn soon enough.’

‘The truth is, Eugenie and Jack still don’t even want to be seen in public with him, they’re not about to let him turn this momentous day into some sort of PR exercise, they’re pretty appalled he’s being so pushy about it.

We’re told that Sarah, meanwhile, has been urging her daughter to reconsider, something that her protective husband Jack is pushing back on and insisting Eugenie has nothing to feel guilty about in saying no.

‘Sarah's trying a softer approach and pretty much begging Eugenie to reconsider because she'd love nothing more than to be there as early as possible, but it’s just as out of line.

‘Between the two of them, Eugenie feels like she's constantly having to justify a decision that really shouldn't need any explanation. It’s far from easy to keep saying no though and if it weren’t for Jack she’s probably have given in by now. But he’s adamant that she can’t cave into their demands out of guilt. She has to think of her child and her own well-being above what will make her parents happy. If they can’t accept that it’s too bad.’

She’s regularly topped polls as the sexiest woman on the planet – and as she reaches her mid-fifties, Sofia Vergara doesn’t look as if she’ll be giving up the title anytime soon!

In fact, back in 2012, she famously became the oldest winner ever to top a poll as ‘the world’s most desirable woman’ at the tender age of 40.

And proving that she’s literally able to hold back time, the actress is looking hotter than ever before as she wowed fans with a scorchingly sexy bikini pic to celebrate turning 54.

Her Instagram post – featuring Sofia in a hot red bikini on holiday in Italy, where she was joined by family and friends - sent followers wild.

Her thirst trap provoked a flood of supportive messages, including, ‘You look stunning – red is your colour!’, ‘Still looking 25’ and one fan even accused her of being dishonest about her age, posting ‘‘Who 54? Shii** I know you lying!’

The Modern Family star posted a thank you message the day after her birthday on a mega-yacht, to say ‘So happy for all the love from u guys yesterday! It was the best bday ever!!! ❤️😘 and thank u Italy for all my 300 cakes! 🤣🎂  - 54 is a good number!!!!👵.’

Sofia - who regularly posts sexy throwbacks to her Insta account - had previously admitted in an interview two years ago that she had once associated turning 50 with being old, but claimed that she had changed her view on that.

Asked by People magazine how she’d viewed what life would be like in her 50s, she said, ‘I have to be honest with you, I thought it was old, like that’s it. And now I feel great. I know I don’t look the same. But I don’t think I am going to ever be the woman that has the courage to be, like, all-white hair. She added that her view on ageing was simply that, ‘I’m going to fight it every step of the way!’ It certainly looks like she’s winning!

And she’s been open about the secrets to her ageless looks – mainly that she uses a lot of SPF on her face to avoid lines.

‘I've done it all,’ she said in an interview. ‘I mean, you tell me to put cement under your eye, you're going to look younger, I'll do it immediately. I do it all. I put coconut oil on my head. I put it on my feet. I've wrapped myself in plastic with Aquaphor up to the neck. I'll do it. I don't care…  I would splurge even when I was young on creams that I couldn’t afford to put on my face. I believe in science!’

Refreshingly, though, when it comes to diet and exercise, she’s surprisingly relaxed. Diet involves A LOT of cake: ‘Cake. It’s always cake. I mean any kind. But I do like dulce de leche; it’s like a caramel.’ And when it comes to exercise, you can forget ultra-cardio workouts or heavy weights – Sofia said she’s much more relaxed: ‘I have bad knees, so I’ve never been really into crazy workouts. I’ve worked out kind of like an older person my whole life!’

The Colombian star is currently reported to have been dating businessman Douglas Chabbott for just over a year following her break-up from orthopaedic surgeon Justin Saliman in 2024. Prior to meeting Chabbott – who joined her in Italy for her birthday - she was pictured enjoying an intimate dinner in New York with Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton, 40, in January.

But it was revealed just two months later in March that their brief romance was ‘over’ with insiders reporting that Sofia, who was said to have seen Lewis as ‘the perfect boyfriend and a great catch’, had been left ‘heartbroken’ and feeling ‘abandoned’ when his interest in her waned. He’s now dating Kim Kardashian.

She has been engaged three times and married twice, to her childhood sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, with whom she shares son Manolo, 33, and actor Joe Manganiello, whom she split with in 2023.

After splitting with Saliman, Sofia revealed she had some fairly strict rules to dating. She revealed, ‘I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it’s a nightmare. They end up resenting you. I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me. And somebody tall, handsome.’

Though she’s not all that fussy. She also said, ‘It’s already hard for a fifty-something-year-old woman to find someone. I’m not going to be now picky about, “Oh, he can only be a doctor. Oh, he can only be an astronaut.” [Laughs] No, I mean, I’m not that picky!’

Looking the way she does, we’d say Sofia has every right to be as picky as she wants!

After years of reports claiming Meghan Markle had declared that she was never setting foot back in England, last week she joined Prince Harry on a trip back to the UK for the first time in four years.

Joined by the couple’s children – Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five – Meghan and Harry met with King Charles and Queen Camilla for afternoon tea at Highgrove House.

The meeting was so covert that the Sussexes were sneaked in amidst a Chanel event at the royal estate, leaving photographers thwarted and no images released. Even Meghan’s own social media has gone uncharacteristically quiet.

This silence undoubtedly speaks louder than words, and has now been widely seen as a subtle indicator that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44 – who have for years steamrolled the royals with their grievances and accusations – have finally agreed to play by the King’s rules.

However, we’re now told that following their secret summit with the King, while Harry may have taken a bite of humble pie (most likely in the guise of cream scones), he has been forced to warn Meghan that they will have to ‘swallow their pride’ if they want to continue any hope of a second invitation.

An insider says, ‘Clearly they've been pretty humbled by everything that's happened. As much as they don’t want to accept it, their only choice is to abide by the King’s terms if they want any hope of rebuilding the relationship.

‘Harry’s telling Meghan they have to take several steps back and stop playing hardball because this opportunity may never come again, and he knows they simply can't afford to get this wrong.

‘He’s told Meghan they've got to swallow their pride, follow all directions from Charles and his aides and prove they can be trusted. At this point, they really have no other choice, especially when you consider their disastrous financial position.’

After stepping down as working royals in 2020, Meghan has since shared anecdotes that suggest she had struggled to adjust to how things work within the Firm.

Most famously, she appeared to mock the tradition of curtseying to the Queen during the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and when asked by Kate Middleton how she found the annual spectacle that is the Trooping the Colour parade, she simply replied, ‘Colourful’.

Meghan further depicted Kate as cold when she didn’t automatically hug her when they met, and shared how pal Oprah had mocked the size of their first marital home, Nottingham Cottage, when she came to visit, which she described as ‘so small’.

So it’s little surprise that we’re told that Harry’s ‘biggest concern’ is that nothing from this meeting is leaked, and is respectively urging Meghan to toe the line that she’s historically high-vaulted over – at least for now.

‘It's a huge adjustment for Meghan in particular because saying quiet and just toeing the line really isn't in her nature, but she's reluctantly accepted that's what has to happen,’ the source says.

‘She knows how much this means to Harry, and she also sees it's important for the children and for their future prospects. Harry's biggest concern is that nothing derails the progress they've made. He doesn't want anything that could put a spanner in the works, so there can’t be any leaks or any demands.’

Harry’s return to the UK came just over a year since the estranged Prince admitted that Charles had refused to see him amidst his legal dispute over his security arrangements when in the UK, and ten months since he last met the King for a brief afternoon tea in September.

The Sussexes’ homecoming also comes after weeks of reports suggesting that William had been left ‘furious’ by Charles’ apparent resolve to welcome Harry and Meghan back into the fold. So much so, he is alleged to have threatened to boycott any family events at the Sandringham estate for the foreseeable future.

And with Charles potentially risking his harmonious relationship with William to reconcile with his son and form a closer bond with his grandchildren, the source says Harry is also keenly aware that he and Meghan will have to make their own sacrifices in return.

‘This is a complete 180 to the way they’ve been approaching this up until now, but Harry has clearly come around and realised they need to get off their high horses and make a lot of concessions if this is going to work,’ the insider says.

‘He came so close to losing his relationship with his father, so the fact that Charles has agreed to move past everything that’s been said and done and give them another shot does feel like something of a miracle, and he’s vowed not to do anything to jeopardise that.’

The week before the Sussexes’ return also saw a staggeringly public tit-for-tat between the palace and  Harry, as last-minute battles over the Duke’s security and accommodation ahead of his UK trip descended into complete chaos.

Eight days after Harry and Meghan’s UK itinerary was reported, it was then announced that Harry would be returning without his wife and children, due to not having been granted police protection for their family in the UK ‘at the eleventh hour’.

Meanwhile, it has since been made clear that the armed security, which Harry had previously sworn he wouldn’t bring his children to the UK without, had never been withdrawn, because it had never been granted.

So why make their visit and the children’s potential reunion with their grandpa so public? According to royal observers, the very public to-ing and fro-ing may have been a very deliberate attempt to use the children to encourage the King into attempting to influence the security decisions made by RAVEC [Royal and VIP Executive Committee].

The Crown then appeared to make their own standpoint clear when it was revealed that the King had revoked his son’s invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace because it had not been accepted within the given timeframe.

Now the source says it has been made clear to Harry that any more demands or games of royal top trumps will be highly unwelcome – a message we’re told he has been at some pains to relay to Meghan.

‘It’s been spelt out to him just how catastrophic it will be to the peace process if there’s any sense that he and Meghan are making demands or trying to dictate how this will unfold,’ the insider says.

‘Harry is in a very awkward position because he’s now got to find a way to abide by his father’s wishes without completely sacrificing his own values or making his wife feel like she’s not being heard.

‘It’s not been easy because he and Meghan usually operate as a team, but in this case, the only option is for her to take a back seat. He’s very proud of how strong and outspoken she is, and he’s certainly not asking her to change who she is. But at the same time, the gravity of this situation requires that they take a very different approach than they have in the past.’

Meanwhile, Harry has long expressed his desire to reunite with his ‘pa’, especially following Charles’ cancer diagnosis in 2024, for which he continues to undergo a now reduced regimen of treatment.

Now, ten months on from when he declared that ‘the focus has to be on my dad this year', Harry may have finally, but tentatively, been granted his wish.

In return, the source says that Harry, who knows all too well the preciousness of time, now wants to ensure that his near-80-year-old father is granted the opportunity to spend further time with his grandchildren in the very near future.

They tell us, ‘He’s also considering the King and the state of his health, which is still a big concern. The last thing Harry wants to do is add any more stress. And to be fair, Meghan certainly isn’t out to do that, either.

‘They both want to build on this renewed connection with Charles, and they want him to look forward to these visits, and that’s clearly being reflected in how deferential he’s now being, not just to Charles but to the courtiers as well. It’s very out of character, but it goes to show how badly Harry wants this to work.’

She’s been going through a tough time of late, and just days after her ‘reckless’ car stunt, Britney Spears’ former manager has spoken out in defence of her. Despite their previously strained relationship, amid restraining orders against him and court battles, Sam Lutfi showed he holds no grudges towards his ex-client as he urged people to be kind.

‘Compassion is a better response than mockery,’ he said. ‘She’s a human being before she’s a celebrity. People are very quick to judge, especially when it’s Britney.’

Last week, Britney, 44, was seen standing through a sunroof of a moving Mercedes SUV while being driven on the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, California. At one point, she stretched out both arms and lay across the roof of the moving vehicle, throwing her head back. The incident on 8 July, along with her recent Instagram posts, have sparked concern from fans, who expressed their fears for the Baby One More Time hitmaker. ‘Her antics are becoming more dangerous to other people,’ one online commenter said, with another remarking, ‘This was reckless endangerment.’

Britney addressed the incident a few days later, writing on Instagram, ‘What people see is two seconds of insanity of me arching me to the lords!!!!! Yet the days and hours of my reality!!!!! Nothing is what it seems.’ She added, ‘Psss I think I need to come out of the roof quite a bit more.’

An insider explained that the mum of two saw her actions as harmless. ‘Britney just went through the sunroof for a quick moment,’ they said. ‘She wanted to see what the traffic was about up ahead because the cars came to a stop. She wanted to see how long they would be delayed.’

They continued, ‘She used to do this all the time as a kid growing up in the South. She loves having the warm wind blow through her hair in the summer. It’s fun. She is having a fun summer and is happy. She is in a good place. If it’s illegal to put your head through a sunroof, she doesn’t know it! She didn’t mean to do anything bad.’

Sam, who ‘managed’ Britney in 2007 to 2008, said, ‘Social media isn’t someone’s medical chart,’ and added he had no inclination ‘to diagnose [or] criticise’ the singer amid the recent concerning events.

‘She’s already spent her life under a microscope, so why don’t we show her the same grace we’d want for ourselves, period? I wish her nothing but the best,’ he said.

While they may have once been friends, the relationship between Britney and Sam, 51, has since become fractured. The pair, who apparently met in a nightclub, grew close after she shaved her head in 2007, at the height of her high-profile psychiatric episode and public breakdown. The singer’s family claimed he was a catalyst for her downfall, which led to her controversial 13-year conservatorship the following year. In 2008, Britney’s family filed a restraining order against Sam with the star’s mother Lynne claiming that he ‘essentially moved into Britney’s home and has purported to take control of her life, home and finances’. Lynne alleged that Sam took control of Britney’s medication and drugged her, cut her phone lines and controlled and manipulated her and a three-year restraining order was granted against him in 2009.

A second restraining order, this time for five years, was taken out on Sam in 2019, barring him from contacting Britney as her family called him a ‘parasite’ who was ‘falsely claiming to have been her manager’. Britney also addressed allegations, accused Sam of ‘pretending to be me and communicating with my team with a fake email address’. He strongly denied all the allegations and sued Britney for defamation in 2009 and they reached a six-figure settlement in 2016.

The traffic incident comes after a turbulent few months for Britney. After being arrested for driving under the influence in March, she voluntarily sought treatment in April before pleading guilty to reckless driving in May, where she was sentenced to 12 months of summary probation and a day in jail. She was also fined $571 and must attend a three-month DUI programme. She also agreed to see a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month.

‘She’s healthy and happy and feeling very positive and excited to start afresh. Rehab was a great opportunity for her to ground herself,’ a source said.

There were also reports of ‘erratic’ behaviour while she was out at dinner at a restaurant in May, which her spokesperson said ‘were completely blown out of proportion’.

Insiders previously told heat that Britney has been rebuilding her relationship with sons Sean, 20, and Jayden, 19, as they support her throughout her recovery after her rehab stint. The pop star was reunited with her boys, whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline, in March for a yacht getaway, after Jayden spent time at her LA home. ‘Spending time with family and friends is such a blessing,’ she shared.

An insider said, ‘Her sons were a big part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear with her. They just want her to be healthy.’

And we’re told, ‘Britney’s promising to do whatever it takes to clear the slate and earn back her boys’ trust and respect. She wants to set a good example for them and has been calling and texting them constantly, apologising and asking them not to give up on her.’

When it comes to celebrity nuptials, Taylor Swift made headlines with her extravagant $20 million celebration as she married Travis Kelce in New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden.

Yet just days after the confetti had settled, rumours surfaced that some attendees felt underwhelmed, describing the festivities as “tacky” with A-listers said to have queued up for buffet-style food service and a confusing blend of themes from Wizard of Oz to Enchanted Forest.

But now, heat hears whispers of another star-studded wedding – though the vibe is set to be a total contrast!

Engagement speculation around Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz ramped up earlier this year when Zoe was seen showing off a jaw-dropping 10-carat ring, thought to have cost Harry $800,000.

Despite the flashiness of her rock, sources reveal the celebration will be simple and down to earth - or more literally, deeply “Mother Earth” inspired. The pair are planning a free-spirited “hippy” wedding, far removed from the glitz of Taylor’s big day.

This summer, the couple have been spending precious time together between work projects, connecting over their mutual passion for spirituality and wellness practices. There’s even talk in their circle that a Christmas wedding might still be on the table.

Our insider tells us, ‘Harry and Zoe are so in sync when it comes to this stuff, they both genuinely believe in it. They’re fascinated by all the alternative stuff, like crystals and energy healing, moon rituals and sound baths. A lot of people roll their eyes, but they absolutely love it.

‘Meditating together is something they’ve been doing since they met and now it’s a twice-a-day ritual. Harry's been doing it for years and is super-devoted, to the point where he says he feels off if he misses even one day.  Zoe is into it too, but Harry's helped her take her practice to another level. They laugh that it's the best aphrodisiac going because after meditating together they always feel so close.’

And according to our source, you can bet their New Age interests will play a starring part in their wedding.

‘It’s no surprise their hippy side is spilling over into the wedding plans because this is who they genuinely are,’ our source continues. ‘They want the whole day to feel authentic and full of positive energy, so there'll be lots of little rituals woven into the ceremony, from blessing crystals and setting intentions, maybe even a guided meditation before they say their vows. They know some people will think it's all a bit out there, but they couldn't care less, they are both very unique characters and their wedding will be too.’

Their engagement seemed all but official back in April, when Zoe was seen with her sparkling ring. Insiders at the time said Harry was “completely smitten. He would jump off a cliff for her,” and no one around them was surprised.

Earlier in the year, another source revealed to heat, ‘Harry’s aware things are moving fast in this relationship, but he seems to have met Zoë at just the right time. He’s ready to settle down. He wants to build something lasting and Zoë feels like the person to do it with.

‘His friends feel like he’s really met his match. Zoë’s very independent and not threatened by his sex-symbol status. She’s played it cool and let things unfold naturally, which has only made Harry fall for her even harder. He finds her inspiring and feels lucky to be with her.’

Harry, 32, has dated his share of high-profile names - Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, and Olivia Wilde among them. Zoe, 37, daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz, was previously married to actor Karl Glusman (until 2021) and has dated both Drake and actor Penn Badgley; her most recent split was with Channing Tatum in 2024.

‘When Zoe married Karl [Glusman] their wedding was very traditional,’ an insider recalls. ‘They had it at Lenny’s place in Paris and it was black tie and very elegant. Zoe loved her wedding but she wants to do something very different this time and Harry is totally cool with that because all he wants is for her to be happy.

‘They’ve discussed different locations and they may actually do it at her dad’s compound in the Bahamas. It’s so beautiful, it’s right on a private beach with an organic farm and tons of privacy. Lenny designed every inch of it to be this very bohemian, barefoot paradise and that’s exactly the vibe they want. It’s so far removed from Hollywood and all those pressures, it’s the perfect place to relax.

‘They love the idea of people dancing under the stars to steel drums all night and then watching the sun rise all together. They’re even saying they might have the ceremony at sunrise, they feel like that would be so symbolic. Nothing is at all set in stone but they’re both saying they don’t want a wedding that feels formal or standard in any way, that’s one thing that they’re both very clear on.

‘Getting married in the Bahamas, at her dad’s place on the island of Eleuthera would be so meaningful for Zoe because she’s literally been going there all her life, it’s her happy place. She even took Harry there to celebrate the New Year and of course he fell in love with it straight away. They have so much privacy there, and it’s one of the most stunning places you could imagine.

‘Her dad would be thrilled if they chose to get married there, that would mean the world to him because it’s such an important part of his life, his grandfather was born and raised there so his roots run deep and he always says that’s his true spiritual home. They’re nowhere near ready to set a date, right now they’re just having fun dreaming up all the possibilities but Eleuthera is certainly a strong contender, it checks all the boxes.’

There was a time when Blake Lively sat firmly - and very visibly - at the heart of Taylor Swift’s inner circle. The pair shared selfies with their millions of followers, celebrated birthdays and holidays together, and championed one another’s work at every turn.

While Taylor has long been known for her starry girl squad, Blake was widely seen as her number one. The Gossip Girl actress even named Taylor godmother to all four of her children with husband Ryan Reynolds - a clear sign of just how close they were.

But life at the top can be precarious. After a friendship that first went public in 2015, cracks began to show early last year during Blake’s highly publicised legal clash with actor and director Justin Baldoni.

In an apparent attempt to strengthen her position, Blake referenced Taylor in text messages that later became public, describing the singer as one of her Game of Thrones-style ‘dragons’ who would fight for her if needed. The comment reportedly unsettled Taylor, who has always been careful about her public image and has previously said she would ‘very much like to be excluded from [the] narrative’ when it comes to other people’s disputes.

Matters escalated when court documents revealed Blake had allegedly tried to invoke Taylor’s name during her sexual harassment and smear campaign lawsuit against Justin, who countersued her for defamation. Subpoenaed emails later showed Blake asking Taylor if she was avoiding her. Taylor replied that she had been keeping her distance, explaining she felt Blake was approaching her as a corporate ally rather than as a friend.

Although Blake and Justin settled their legal battle out of court in May, the fallout appears to have lingered.

Last week, Taylor, 36, tied the knot with NFL star Travis Kelce in a lavish ceremony at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Around 1,100 guests were in attendance, with a roll call that read like a Hollywood power list. But one name was notably missing - Blake’s.

‘Blake did her best to hold her head high throughout all this and act as though it was just any other weekend, but this has been absolutely devastating for her,’ a source close to the 38-year-old tells us. The actress was spotted cheering on her daughter, Betty, at a horse race in upstate New York - around four hours from Manhattan - the day before the wedding.

‘This has forced her to accept that this chapter of her life really is over,’ the insider continues. ‘There was all this talk that she might get an invite and, of course, she got her hopes up because she’d give anything to fix this, but - obviously - that didn’t happen. To Blake, it all feels incredibly unfair. She accepts that she made a mistake by calling Taylor one of her ‘dragons’ in that text message, but she doesn’t feel like it was so bad that it was worth ending a friendship of more than a decade over.’

The guest list only intensified the sting. Among those celebrating were Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Beyoncé, Cara Delevingne, Jennifer Lawrence, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz, Dakota Johnson and Jessica Alba. Paul McCartney reportedly serenaded the couple with The Beatles’ ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ - a track he has not performed publicly since 1964.

Jay-Z supplied Champagne from his Ace of Spades line, while Adam Sandler took on officiating duties - cementing the day as one of the most celebrity-packed weddings in recent memory.

With so many A-listers gathered under one roof, Blake’s absence did not go unnoticed. And in an industry where perception matters, being left off the guest list speaks volumes.

‘Seeing Gigi, Cara, and all the people that Blake used to be so close to celebrating with Taylor without her was a brutal reminder of how much has changed,’ the source says. ‘Ryan’s been doing everything he can to keep her spirits up, but it’s just very, very hard - especially because there’s this underlying fear that this is going to haunt her forever. Taylor had so many A-list stars at her wedding, it’s hard not to feel like all of Hollywood is now Team Taylor. It’s really hammered home for her just how much of an outsider she now is.’

For Blake, it seems the reality is finally sinking in. Whatever once bound these two powerhouse women together has unravelled - and in Hollywood, alliances can be everything.

As one chapter closes, the question now is whether Blake can rebuild her standing without her most powerful former ally by her side.

Her relationship with rock star Johnny McDaid didn’t exactly get off to the best start, with the couple splitting during a therapy session just a year after getting engaged.

Despite getting back together the following year in 2016, pals have revealed that - 13 years after finding love together - it’s finally over for actress Courteney Cox and Snow Patrol star Johnny after the couple ‘grew apart’, spending much of the time in different countries.

They were last seen together at the US Open last September and are believed to have ‘quietly split’ soon after, though news of the separation had been kept under wraps until recently.

And while her pals, including BFF Jennifer Aniston, are rallying around her for support, insiders tell heat that there’s one particular former Friends co-star who is helping to put a smile on Courteney’s face in the wake of her painful split - Matt LeBlanc!

Our insider tells us, ‘Courteney's been quietly licking her wounds for months. She didn’t tell many people when she and Johnny broke up because she just couldn’t face everyone having an opinion.

‘But she did confide in a handful of people, including Matt [LeBlanc]. They have so much history and this lifelong bond, but they did kind of lose touch over the years, life got so busy, especially for Courteney.’

However, following the tragic loss of their Friends co-star Matthew Perry in 2023, our insider says they made more of an effort to stay in touch.

‘After Matthew’s death, the whole cast came together to help each other through the grief, and since then they’ve stayed super-tight, and they’ve all made a real effort to stay in each other's lives.

‘Courteney started checking in on Matt a lot more because she was worried about him being lonely,’ says our source. ‘But then her relationship with Johnny imploded, and the tables slowly turned as Matt stepped up to support her through this. He has a way of making her laugh and see life in a different way when she’s feeling down, and that’s done wonders for her. She says he’s been the best medicine.

‘Of course, that has people around them saying that they should be more than friends, that maybe the person they’ve been looking for has been there all along, they just need to open their eyes and see it.’

Courteney’s said to have felt ‘devastated’ that her romance with Johnny ended. A source previously told heat, ‘Everyone told her for so long she was flogging a dead horse; that Johnny was too much of a free spirit who had one foot out the door the whole time they were together.

'But she stayed around hoping against hope that he’d step up to the plate, which ultimately never happened, so naturally she’s feeling demoralised – especially as there’s rumours he’s already moved on with someone new.'

‘She never imagined she'd be starting over in her sixties and, as much as people tell her she's beautiful, successful and has plenty of life ahead of her, the thought of dating again at this age is pretty daunting.’

If a romance develops between her and Matt – who she once described as ‘a gem of a human being’ in a birthday greeting - it wouldn’t be the first time that Friends stars had experienced feelings for one another.  During a TV reunion special in 2021, Jennifer Aniston famously admitted to having had a crush on her co-star David Schwimmer, saying they ‘just let it play out on TV’. David confessed, ‘The first season I had a major crush on Jen. At some point, we were both crushing hard on each other, but it was like two ships passing because one of us was always in a relationship.’

Our insider continues, ‘They’ve all had pretty rocky love lives, aside from Lisa [Kudrow]; she seems to be the only one who's been able to find lasting love. Over the years, there’s been this running joke about a Friends curse. They don’t seriously believe it, of course, but it is something they do talk about, and now that Matt and Courteney are getting so close, it’s hard for the rest of the group not to get their hopes up that something might spark between them because they are both so wonderful.’

Matt, 58, is believed to have been single since his split from his most recent girlfriend, Aurora Mulligan, the producer of UK motoring show Top Gear, which he briefly co-presented from 2016 to 2019. Prior to that romance, he dated actress Andrea Anders, a relationship which began in 2006 following his split from wife of three years Melissa McKnight, mother of his daughter Marina, now 22.

Before dating Johnny - who was introduced to her by mutual pal Ed Sheeran – Courteney, 62, had enjoyed a six-year romance with actor Michael Keaton until 1995, and then married her Scream co-star David Arquette in 1999, having their daughter Coco, now 22, in 2004 before they split in 2010.

Our insider continues, ‘On paper, it definitely makes sense; they have this long history, so they wouldn’t be in for any surprises, and they’re at the same level financially, so neither of them would have to worry that their money was the real draw, which is a genuine fear for them both.

‘Courteney's also got a huge amount of respect for the way Matt lives his life. He doesn't care at all about fame or the Hollywood scene; if anything, he avoids it all like the plague, and she's always admired that about him. She’s reached a stage where those things don't matter nearly as much to her either, so in a lot of ways, the timing for them right now is ideal.

‘Matt isn’t the type of guy to tell anyone how to live their life, but it’s no secret that he was amongst those who thought that her relationship with Johnny wasn't quite right, that she was trying to force something that ultimately was never looking like it had much chance of working in the long term. He kept that to himself and was always supportive, but now that it’s done, he’s telling her she made the right choice.

‘Nobody is expecting her to be ready to jump into another relationship right now, she’s still healing, she has a lot to work through, but there’s definitely a contingent of people in both their lives that are rooting for them to get together.”

‘First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.’ So goes the nursery rhyme. And now that Taylor Swift’s ticked the first two things off that list, it’s no surprise that fans are waiting with bated breath for news of the third.

Sure, it might be just a week since Taylor and Travis Kelce said ‘I do’, but if there’s one thing we know about the newlywed superstar, it’s that, when she sets her mind to something, she commits 100 per cent. Just look at their $20m wedding, held at Madison Square Garden arena on July 3, complete with 1,100 VIP guests, and wedding raffle prizes that included designer handbags and even a luxury vintage car.

So, now that she’s pulled off the wedding of the century, it only stands to reason that she’ll be turning all her attention towards that next major life milestone. And, according to sources, the pitter patter of tiny feet might really come sooner than we think.

‘Taylor and Travis are both on the same page about wanting a family,’ says an insider close to the besotted pair, who are currently enjoying a few weeks of downtime – on a top-secret, luxury honeymoon naturally – before NFL player Travis reports for training camp on July 28. ‘That was something they talked about very early on because it’s so important to Taylor. She didn’t want to invest her time into Travis if that wasn’t something he wanted too.

‘She’s spent years dreaming about getting married and having children – to finally be able to start this next chapter of her life is a dream come true. She would love to get pregnant on the honeymoon; that’s how quickly she wants this to happen.’

Though, of course, Taylor knows that some things simply can’t be planned with timely precision, we’re told the matter of becoming a mother is one that – she feels – has a slight time crunch. Not only are she and Travis insanely busy with their superstar careers, with Travis set to start football season in September straight after training and her never not writing and recording new music and planning world tours – there’s also the fact that they both want a big family.

At 36, Taylor has more than enough time, but – we’re told – she’s also mindful of the fact that her mum, Andrea, was five years younger when she had her. Having prioritised her own career for so long, she now feels ready to shift certain priorities moving forwards.

‘Taylor and Travis have both said they want to have a big family,’ says our source. ‘Three, maybe even four kids, but they’re also both mature enough to know it’s better to take one step at a time and see how things evolve. Still, because they do see themselves having more than one child, there is a slight sense of urgency. Taylor doesn’t want to be having kids too late in life, mostly because she wants to be able to have as much time with them as possible. Andrea was 31 when she had her, so she definitely feels somewhat behind when it comes to having kids – although, of course, she recognises that she spent her 20s and 30s doing something pretty huge, so she’s not beating herself up over it.

‘It was very important to her to wait until she found the right partner. Unfortunately, most of her relationships before Travis were pretty unstable, but – with him – it’s been smooth sailing since day one. They never argue or have any sort of toxic drama, which means the world to her because she wants to raise her kids in a home that’s peaceful.’

Having long been known as unlucky in love – and singing about her ‘long list of ex-lovers’ – we’ve certainly seen a sea change in Taylor since she and Travis first got together in 2023. Her willingness to put their love on full display, in contrast to her years of shrouded secrecy with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, was just one indicator that things were different this time around. But then she really doubled down on their forever love and big plans for the future last year. After announcing their engagement last August, the singer followed this up in October with the release of her highly anticipated 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, which focuses heavily on her loved-up life with Travis.

In the song ‘Eldest Daughter’ Taylor celebrates the love she never thought she’d have, singing, ‘When I said I don’t believe in marriage / That was a lie'

But it’s on the song ‘Wi$h Li$t’ that she really lets fans know how serious she is about settling down and having children with her now husband. The songstress trills, ‘I just want you / Have a couple kids, got the whole block lookin’ like you’, also adding, 'Got me dreamin’ ’bout a driveway with a basketball hoop.’

Now, nine months since the album was released, it seems as if Taylor is finally getting everything she ever wanted. The love and marriage bits are locked down – and all that’s left is that baby in the baby carriage. And if you ask Travis, it sounds as if he’s just as excited for this version of their future.

Last month, while speaking to his brother Jason Kelce – who has four daughters – on their hit podcast New Heights, Travis said he ‘sees it in our future’ when it comes to adding to the Kelce brood. He then joked, in a nod to Taylor’s song that talked about their parental plans, ‘I’ll add it to my wish list.’

All this, we’re told, is testament to the couple’s mutual understanding that they’re definitely on the same page. They didn’t do their wedding by halves, and – by the sound of things – they’re not letting their dreams for a happy ever after stop there.

‘Of course, they know these things are out of their hands,’ our source adds. ‘And they’re trying not to put pressure on themselves as far as the timeline, but there’s no doubt they’d like to get going on this. As excited as they were for the wedding, they’re both saying that was just the beginning.’

She has projected positivity, determination and resilience in recent weeks, after completing the Three Peaks challenge and visiting the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, in addition to attending Wimbledon. But behind her infectious optimism, we’re told that the Princess of Wales has been left heartbroken as one issue within their family continues to be insurmountable – her husband Prince William’s ‘pain’ over his bitter feud with Prince Harry.

‘It’s tearing Kate apart to see William so upset and angry all the time,’ an insider tells heat. ‘She’s tried everything – she’s listened, she’s sympathised, she’s encouraged him to talk it through, but nothing seems to work. She’s at the point where she doesn’t know what else she can do, so she’s resorting to a bit of tough love. She’s ordered him to snap out of it. She’s told him to look around him and realise they’ve got so much to be grateful for. Kate’s feeling happier than she has in a long time and she wants William to start seeing that the glass is half full, too.’

The source continues, ‘She told him to stop letting all this stress impact his mood, because it’s affecting everyone around him. The last thing she or the kids need is to see him moping around all the time.’

The past few years have been incredibly tough for William, 44. His younger brother Harry, 41, and wife Meghan Markle, 44, stepped down as senior royals in 2020. The following year, they made a series of bombshell accusations about their time as royals. Just over a year later, William lost his grandmother, the late Queen, which saw the brothers reunite briefly. But that was followed by the Sussexes Netflix docuseries in which they doubled down on many of their claims.

But it was Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare that was the final twist of the knife, with Harry accusing William of physically attacking him following an argument over Meghan.

Having been by his side through it all, Kate, 44, knows better than anyone how much William has suffered, and while she is being firm with him, she also understands that he is hurting, too. We’re told, ‘Kate recognises that, underneath the bluster, William is in a lot of pain, too. Deep down, he still loves his brother, and no one ever imagined they’d still be this estranged after all these years.’

To add to William’s stress, in 2024, both Kate and his father King Charles were diagnosed with cancer, with the King still undergoing precautionary treatment. Although his ‘Pa’ is currently doing well, our source says Charles’s illness has made William keenly aware that he will one day take the throne – a responsibility that weighs heavily on him.

‘William feels this enormous sense of duty – he’s very aware that, one day, he’ll be King. He puts so much pressure on himself, so it’s hardly surprising he struggles to keep a lid on his emotions. People mistake it for having a temper, but Kate knows it’s actually sadness. William’s learned to protect himself and never show weakness, but anyone who knows him well will tell you he’s an incredibly gentle soul. That’s why it’s so hard for Kate to see him so consumed with anger and bitterness.’

Kate recently showed how well her cancer recovery was going by completing the gruelling Three Peaks challenge – in which entrants attempt to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales – to raise funds for the hospital where she was treated. Pictures from the event showed Kate chatting to her husband and their three children – George, 12, Charlotte, 11 and Louis, eight – and we’re told the challenge has spurred Kate to encourage William to spend more time in nature – something she regularly champions in her public work.

Our insider says that Kate’s hopeful that spending more time outdoors will help William out of this slump. ‘She’s told him he needs to get out of this horrible headspace and, in her view, committing to a serious exercise regime is the answer – she says working up a sweat is the best medicine,’ says our insider. ‘She also wants him to give yoga a proper try, because he clearly needs a better way to cope with this stress.

‘She knows that isn’t his true nature and she’s determined to help him see things in a more positive light.’

The source continues, ‘She keeps reminding him that he’s got so many fantastic things going on, if he’d only allow himself to focus on them. His Earthshot initiative is doing better than ever, he’s getting so much support around the world and within Hollywood – it’s exactly what he had hoped for.’

Another thing Kate and William – who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in April – are grappling with is the fact that their children are growing up fast. A recent photo of George and Kate together showed the prince to be nearly as tall as his mum. And with George set to follow in his father’s footsteps and start at the Eton this September, our insider says Kate doesn’t want William dwelling on the past.

We’re told, ‘Kate wants them spend as much time together as a family as they can before George goes to Eton. She thinks it’s crucial they make the most of this time. She doesn’t want William wasting energy worrying about things he can’t change.’

As heat went to press, it was believed William had not met with Harry while he was visiting the UK for the Invictus Games launch. It also remained unclear if Meghan and the couple’s children would be making any public appearances while they were in the country. And even though their bitter feud shows no sign of ending, the Palace hopes Kate can help William turn a corner.

We’re told, ‘William listens to Kate. She’s probably the only person who can get through to him. She has managed to drill a bit of sense into him, but there’s still a lot of work to do.'

They somehow pulled off the ultimate feat – throwing America’s version of a royal wedding, while keeping the majority of the details under wraps until the very last second. And heat has been told that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are now wasting no time in starting a family. Heading off on a ‘baby-making honeymoon’, we’re told, ‘Everyone, including Taylor and Travis, would love her to get pregnant as soon as possible.’

After saying ‘I do’ at Madison Square Garden in front of a reported 1,100 guests on 3 July, Travis and Taylor – who started dating in 2023 – jetted off. While the destination was kept top secret, our source revealed it wouldn’t be anything modest. We’re told, ‘[BFF] Selena Gomez had a low-key honeymoon, and she suggested to Taylor that she and Travis do something similar. But that’s not really Taylor’s style. She and Travis love to go large, as everyone saw with their wedding – nothing’s done halfway. ’

The source continues, ‘Renting out a private island, the way Prince William and Kate did [the royal pair stayed in an 11-villa private resort in the Indian Ocean in 2011] is what a lot of people are expecting. That will give them the privacy they want, plus a real chance to relax and soak up this rare bit of time off. This is an opportunity to go off-radar completely, and they’re doing everything possible to make sure they truly get the chance to hide out.’

Taylor has made no secret of her desire to have a family. In 2012, the singer, 36, revealed, ‘I want a bunch of [children] running around – minimum four. I want to wait a while, but the idea of pouring everything you are into another person when you become a parent has always been amazing to me.’

And over a decade since she said those words, fans were thrilled when Taylor hinted that Travis was baby daddy material on her song Wi$h Li$t, singing, ‘Have a couple kids, got the whole block lookin’ like you…’

Travis has also been vocal about his desire to start a family. In June, the NFL star revealed, ‘I see [kids] in our future, for sure.’

‘Taylor and Travis have both said they want to have a big family of three or even four kids,’ says an insider. ‘It was very important to Taylor that she waited until she met the right person before she had children. She didn’t want to bring kids into a relationship with any problems, and unfortunately, most of her relationships before Travis were a little unstable. But it’s been different with Travis from day one – there are no toxic fights or drama.

‘Taylor wants to raise her kids in a home that’s peaceful, as she knows how crucial that is. She’s always wanted to be a mum, and also knows her own mum will cherish being a grandmother.’

However, despite them both being on the same page, we’re told there are still some anxieties. ‘Taylor worries her fame will make it impossible for her kids to experience any sort of normal life. Travis is always quick to put her mind at ease – he’s promised her they can find a way to give them a very protected childhood. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect them from any craziness. It’s given Taylor a lot of comfort.’ And as for baby names, our insider says, ‘Expect them to choose a name that starts with T!’

The Traylor wedding will go down as one of showbiz’s best-kept secrets – a remarkable achievement, when you consider that some of the world’s biggest stars were in attendance. Guests included Brad Pitt, Beyoncé, J.Lo, Zoë Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Cindy Crawford and Selena Gomez, who all partied the night away while drinking unlimited bottles of Ace of Spades Champagne, a brand co-owned by fellow guest Jay-Z.

Our insider says, ‘Pulling off the wedding without any major leaks was a massive feat, but they did it. And they’ve pretty much followed the same playbook with the honeymoon.

‘Now, they just want to relax, enjoy themselves and get started on making a family.'

They’ve been inundating their followers with newlywed content ever since tying the knot in May. And now, sources say Venezuela Fury and Noah Price’s new-found fanbase has prompted her mum Paris to go into momager mode – and she has her sights set on making her daughter a bigger star than Molly-Mae Hague.

‘Paris is reinventing herself as the British Kris Jenner. She wants to create a Fury dynasty – with Venezuela and Noah as the next Tommy and Molly,’ an insider tells heat. ‘Noah is loving the idea – he’s been bitten by the “fame bug” and is already complaining the static caravan he and Venezuela moved into after their honeymoon isn’t big enough. He’d love something a bit larger and grander. The idea of becoming Tommy Fury 2.0 is something he’s fully on board with.’

Venezuela, 16, and Noah, 19, started dating in 2024, with the budding boxer proposing to his girlfriend at her 16th birthday party in September 2025. Following Venezuela’s wild hen do in March, the couple tied the knot in a suitably lavish ceremony on the Isle of Man. And after a honeymoon in Marbella, Venezuela and Noah returned to settle into married life in their luxury caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

From tours of the pair’s ‘static chalet home’ (Venezuela’s words) to posting videos of them cooking dinner, the couple have been documenting their journey into married life on TikTok, where Venezuela boasts 1.3million followers. But while fans have been loving the insights into the couple’s new life, not all of her content – which is overseen by Paris – has gone down well. A post in which Venezuela – who is the eldest of Paris and Tyson’s eight children – espoused the traditional ‘traveller values’ of being a housewife while Noah went out to work saw significant backlash.

However, that hasn’t stopped the teen from building up a fanbase on Instagram, with the one-million-follower milestone edging closer. That platform is where influencer Molly-Mae, 27, built her career, with the Love Island star – who is engaged to Venezuela’s uncle Tommy, also 27 – boasting over eight million followers.

Having seen Molly-Mae launch her own fashion label and fake tan brand, as well as landing collaborations with the likes of Adidas, it’s no wonder Venezuela is keen to replicate her success. In recent months, she has even started to share more fashion content on Instagram, tagging the brands she’s wearing so fans can copy her looks.

But while she’s happy to share all on social media, Venezuela, whose first taste of the spotlight was on her family’s Netflix reality show At Home With The Furys, has previously admitted that the glitz and glamour of red carpets is not really for her. ‘I like doing my TikToks and Instagram and things like that. But cameras, Netflix, events – they’re not really my thing. I like to do it at home,’ she said.

It’s this down-to-earth relatability that has helped Venezuela to grow her audience, and our insider says Paris has made it her mission to keep her daughter grounded, warning her not to alienate her followers by posting too much flashy content.

We’re told, ‘Paris is in full momager mode. She’s been offering Venezuela help and advice whenever she can. She’s still in charge of her socials, so there’s a lot of back and forth about what type of thing she should or shouldn’t post.

Paris is mindful that Venezuela is still only 16 – she may be married, but she’s still a teenager. Paris worries she may get carried away posting about her lavish lifestyle in a way that many of her followers could find off-putting.’

The source adds, ‘For now, Paris wants Venezuela to remain relatable, which means posting about brands and doing things that her followers have access to – it’s a very fine balancing act.

Kim and Khloé Kardashian are closer than ever right now, flooding their feeds with sisterly content – including Kim’s gushing Instagram post celebrating Khloé’s 42nd birthday.

And, after the pair attended the Monaco Grand Prix last month – where Kim was supporting her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton – heat has been told she’s keen to set up Khloé with an F1 driver of her own.

‘It drives Kim crazy that Khloé isn’t dating,’ says an insider. ‘Her excuse is that she wants to focus on her kids while they’re little. But after their trip to Monaco, Khloé admitted that she misses having a man in her bed. That was music to Kim’s ears, and she’s now on a mission to find her a hot F1 driver, so that they can double date. She’s asked Lewis to start putting out feelers for Khloé to see which guys might be interested in dating, so they can play matchmaker together.’

Kim, 45 – who is mum to North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven, with ex-husband Kanye West – was first linked to Ferrari racer Lewis, 41, in February. Earlier this month, he praised the mum-of-four after someone asked whether he was happier because of his ‘fast car’ or ‘girlfriend’. After complimenting his F1 team, Lewis added, ‘And of course, of course, it’s Kim.’

Khloé, meanwhile, has had a turbulent love life, including the breakdown of her marriage to basketball player Lamar Odom, 46, amid his struggles with substance abuse. The pair married in 2009, separated in 2013, and finalised their divorce in 2016. That same year, Khloé began an on-and-off relationship with NBA star Tristan Thompson, 35, with whom she shares daughter True, eight, and son Tatum, three. Their romance was plagued by Tristan’s infidelity, and they split in 2021. On an episode of The Kardashians, Khloé revealed she’s been single and celibate ever since.

However, our source say Kim thinks Khloé is finally ready to get back out there. We’re told, ‘Khloé hasn’t agreed to go out with anyone yet, but she hasn’t shut the idea down, which is enough for Kim. It seems like every day she’s sending her a picture of a driver she thinks Khloé should go for. These guys are nothing like the men Khloé’s dated in the past, and that makes it all the more exciting. Kim is incredibly happy with Lewis. Khloé sees that and wants it, too.’

They say home is where the heart is – but Jennifer Aniston might be struggling with the sentiment right now as she wrestles with her latest romantic crisis.

According to an insider, the actress has been knocked for six following her boyfriend Jim Curtis’ decision to take his New York City condo off the market six months after he listed it for sale. At the time, Jim’s plan to sell the property suggested a serious commitment to the actress and LA, where the couple mainly live in Jen’s $21million Bel-Air mansion.

‘Jim isn’t a California guy,’ says a source close to the couple, who celebrate their first anniversary this summer, having first been snapped together in July 2025. ‘He doesn’t mind spending part of his time on the West Coast, but his life is really on the East Coast. They had agreed to get their own place somewhere in upstate New York, and the plan was to unload his place in the city. But it hasn’t sold, so Jim has gotten cold feet – he’s taking it as a sign that he ought to hang on to the place.’

While Jen, 57, was born and bred in California, 50-year-old life and spiritual coach Jim grew up in Massachusetts on the East Coast and has lived in New York City for the last 30 years, where he built his A-list coaching business and raised his now-teenage son, Aidan, with his ex-wife, Rachel Napolitano.

He bought his current condo in 2015 and, until he met Jen last year, had lived in the city full-time. Since falling for each other, Jen – who was previously married to actors Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux – and Jim have split their time between both coasts, but their main base has continued to be California.

Even though the actress has been reticent to share too much of her love life in recent years, friends and fans have seen an ease in her over the past year, with the general consensus being that she seems happier and more relaxed than ever. She’s also posted loved-up pictures of the pair together and even showed one in which she was flaunting what seemed to be a sparkling band on her ring finger. Now, we’re told, this latest news has Jen fearing that history is repeating itself. Justin Theroux was famously an East Coast devotee, spending much of his time in NYC, and the bi-coastal living was rumoured to have put a huge strain on their marriage.

But despite our source saying Jen is feeling nervous that her and Jim’s living arrangements are up in the air, they both agree that compromise is key.

‘Jim keeps telling her there’s no rush to make any decisions, and they’ll figure it out together,’ says our source. ‘They’re still very much in love and committed to finding a way through this.’

As she prepares to revive her career with the upcoming launch of her YouTube show Together, sources tell heat that Holly Willoughby is determined for it to be a clean slate for her – and she can’t wait to show her authentic self.

‘Holly is excited. She’s told people it’ll be the unfiltered true version of herself,’ says an insider close to the star. ‘She really enjoyed her time on daytime TV, but so much changed – it went from being a job she loved to one where she was in constant fear of backlash and scrutiny. Holly feels like she wasn’t allowed to be her true self, but now she can show viewers a different side to her – the real side. Nothing will be fake. The show will feature real people, real reporting, and real life.’

Our source says that Holly, 45, has the full support of her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin, who’s been heavily involved in her new venture. ‘The only person who’s been telling her what to do is Dan – and only in a positive way.’

The source continues, ‘There’s no power plays or producers controlling every aspect of her work – she has no one to answer to but herself, so this will be raw and uncensored Holly. No more girl-next-door.’

The new lifestyle show, produced by Dan’s Hungry Bear company, which also produces Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Bradley And Barney Walsh: Breaking She’s ditching the girl-next-door image for her career comeback 22 18-24 JULY 2026 Dad and Judge Romesh, is initially due to run for four weeks, with filming to begin shortly. Ahead of the show’s launch, Holly –who shares children Harry, 17, Belle, 15, and Chester, 11, with Dan – has been ramping up her social media content, sharing more of her family life with her eight million followers. She recently shared footage of her making chilli and Greek salad, and baking a sourdough loaf, as well as a snap of her hugging Chester.

Last month, Holly also revealed she had reunited with her ‘absolute dream team’ of make-up artist Patsy O’Neill, fashion stylist Dannii Whiteman, and hairstylist Ciler Peksah, who she’s worked with regularly. ‘Nobody does it like the OGs,’ she said. Our insider says, ‘Holly has assembled a group of people who she knows well and loves working with – she can’t wait to go live.’

The exact launch date of the new show is a closely guarded secret, with our source saying Holly is keen to build hype. But TV insiders think it’s likely to drop around the time the regular ITV presenters go on summer break.

We’re told, ‘This last month has almost been like a soft launch – Holly’s been posting more on her socials to increase engagement. She speaks a whole new language these days – she’s fully fluent in the concepts of engagement and algorithms.’

Holly has suffered one career setback after another in recent years, with Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Bear Hunt, and You Bet! all axed. She stepped down from This Morning in 2023, after 14 years, following the discovery of stalker Gavin Plumb’s horrific plot to kidnap and murder her – for which he was sentenced to a minimum 16-year term in 2024. Since March 2025, Holly has been noticeably absent from screens, marking her first time without a primetime show in 21 years.

But with Together due to launch shortly, we’re told Holly is as ready as she’s ever been to put herself back out there. ‘She says she’s open to all constructive criticism. Holly knows she can’t please everyone all of the time and she’s not everyone’s cup of tea these days, but she’s ready to do whatever it takes to make this show work,’ our insider says.

The source adds, ‘Holly feels she’s got what it takes to leave ITV in the dust – her target is 1million views. Of course, she’s feeling nervous and vulnerable, but she thinks the fact that she cares this much is her superpower.

‘With the team she’s got round her, she’s never felt more confident.’

A picture of unity, last week Kate Middleton – Princess Catherine of Wales - stood side-by-side with Prince William after completing the gruelling Three Peaks challenge to raise funds for the hospital where she was treated for cancer.

It’s been widely reported for months now that Kate, 44, and William, 44, are beginning to shape what will eventually result in the kind of monarchy they are happy to be at the helm of. And there's no denying that the Waleses appear to have pushed down the throttle during a period where the royals typically begin to wind down toward the summer holidays.

William recently announced his bold move to forgo £1.5 million in rent from his Duchy of Cornwall Estate to help with homelessness in the area, and Catherine, in the past week alone, scaled Mount Snowdon, attended the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament and visited Evelina Children’s Hospital in London in her role as patron.

However, while together they are no doubt a powerhouse for the Firm, the Crown has long been reported to be taking the approach of slimming down the monarchy – meaning that Kate and William will need to ensure that when they reach the top, they are surrounded by people they can trust implicitly.

Now we’re told that in a move that has left Queen Camilla feeling ‘very territorial’ over King Charles’ current reign, Kate continues to share a close bond with a gorgeous, and flourishing royal – Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.

A source details how she and William are already hoping she will take on a key role within a newly revamped monarchy once they take the Crown, telling us, ‘Kate and William absolutely see Louise as someone they would like around them in a much bigger role once they take the throne.

They add, ‘Camilla gets very territorial whenever she feels William and Kate are getting too far ahead of themselves and, in her eyes, that's exactly what's happening here.

‘Seeing Kate become so close to Louise really gets under her skin, she sees it as more proof that they're quietly drawing up their own blueprint for the monarchy without so much as a nod to her or Charles.’

Kate and Louise, 22, have long shared a close bond, one which was most famously seen publicly when a then seven-year-old Louise acting as bridesmaid for Kate and William’s 2011 wedding.

Over the years, Kate appears to have acted as a beloved aunt to Louise, with the pair being pictured at multiple events together alongside Sophie, who has been a close confidante to Kate for years.

Louise also maintains a close relationship with her second cousins, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, who she often travels alongside for royal occasions and holidays with at Balmoral.

But over the past few years, as Louise has transitioned from childhood to adulthood, the young Lady has piqued the interests of many a royal observer.

On receiving her Duke of Edinburgh gold award from her father last week, one royal fan compared Louise to the late Queen Elizabeth II, remarking, ‘She really looks like her grandmother.’

Having inherited her late grandfather Prince Philip’s love of traditional carriage driving and a keen member of the St Andrews Officers’ Training Corps, Louise has already been praised for her old-fashioned grace and her strong sense of duty.

So it’s little wonder that we’re told that Kate and William see both Sophie and Louise as ‘huge assets’ to the monarchy – no matter what Camilla thinks of the matter.

The insider says, ‘They absolutely adore her and have told people she’s exactly the type of person the monarchy needs more of. Kate's always been incredibly close to Sophie as well, whereas Camilla has never had much time for her, which only adds to this paranoia she has about being pushed to the sidelines.

‘Kate has no intention of changing course, she and William both feel strongly that Louise and her family are huge assets. What Camilla thinks about this is really of no concern to them as long as she doesn’t upset Louise, but Camilla sees it as yet another example of them undermining her.’

Wednesday 6th May marked three years since King Charles’ coronation, where Camilla was crowned as Queen Consort following the passing of the much-beloved Queen Elizabeth II the previous year.

At the time, not only was Camilla forced to face the daunting task of paving a new path for the monarchy after the late Queen’s incredible 70-year reign, but the popularity of Kate, the then newly appointed Princess of Wales, continued to overshadow Camilla’s new status within the family.

But the source says Kate and William are ‘very protective' of Louise and have their hearts set on encouraging her to join the fold as a working royal following her graduation from St. Andrews University last week. It has been reported by Buckingham Palace that she is set to take a gap year and will undertake a mixture of working, volunteering and travelling. No future plans have so far been announced.

Now we’re told, ‘Kate and William have gotten very good at brushing off Camilla’s comments but when it comes to Louise they’re very protective so that aspect does concern them; it’s something they will be keeping a very close eye on and if need be William will make an issue of it and escalate it to his father – they won’t stand for her being upset or intimidated by Camilla.

‘They want this to be a positive experience for her because the hope is that she will love it and want to devote herself to a life of service, the way they have. This is very much a case of William and Kate quietly pushing forward with their own vision for the future, so Camilla isn’t off base in her accusations but they simply don’t see anything wrong with it – they want to be ready.’

Meanwhile, there is no escaping the drama surrounding Prince Harry’s trip to the UK this week. And the source says that, six years after Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals – an event that launched the Sussexes six-year-long bitter feud with the Waleses – Kate and William are understandably acting cautiously about the royals they want to be surrounded by during their own reign.

‘They’re thinking very carefully about who they want around them when they do take the throne and Louisa is at the top of that list. As far as they're concerned, she ticks every single box,’ the insider says.

‘She's classy, she's well educated, she's humble, she just gets on with things without expecting applause and she’s never been one to cause drama. She's also mature way beyond her years, people always say that she’s got the same steady temperament that Kate has, so it’s no wonder William and Kate genuinely believe she'd be a huge asset as the monarchy evolves.'

Alongside their shared values, Louise appears to have largely been raised in the way Kate and William have opted to raise their own children – surrounded by nature and instilled with strong values and a sense of duty.

Already, Louise, who is 17th in line to the British throne, appears to have followed in Kate’s footsteps, opting to study at the same Scottish university that she and William both attended and where they first fell in love.

And the source says Louise’s steadfast persona makes her exactly the kind of working royal they want beside them.

We’re told, ‘The fact she was raised without making a fuss about titles and had as normal an upbringing as possible really appeals to them because that's the sort of example they want to set when they’re on the throne.

‘Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she chose St Andrews, William and Kate both say they couldn't have been prouder that she chose to follow in their footsteps. They also have a huge amount of respect for her younger brother James. He’s also someone they want to tap when the time comes.’

Meanwhile, there’s no doubt that Sophie has been a huge support to Kate during her cancer recovery, having poignantly swapped her position in the 2024 Remembrance Sunday Service at the cenotaph to stand next to Kate. The Duchess was also seen affectionately placing a hand on Kate's back in support.

But the source says that when it comes to Louise’s future, while she and Edward have shown nothing but support and the upmost respect for the Crown, they would like for Sophie to be able to choose her own path, be that as a working royal or in pursuing another career like her cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

The insider says, ‘They’ve always had such a great relationship with Sophie and Edward but this is bringing them even closer together. That being said, Edward and Sophie are very clear that this is something that has to be Louise’s choice, they aren’t going to pressure her to join royal life.

‘Ultimately, William and Kate see Louise as exactly the sort of steady, dependable person they want at the heart of the monarchy and they're determined to make sure she knows there's always a place for her if she decides that's the future she wants.’

The Beckhams have been enjoying quality time together as a family this summer, albeit without estranged son Brooklyn. And now, sources say mum Victoria would love a new addition to the clan – and is hoping Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 25, will be the first to make her a grandmother.

We’re told, ‘Vic thinks this is the perfect time to become a granny. Romeo is 23 – which is the same age that David was when Brooklyn was born. Romeo really reminds Victoria of David, as he’s a hard worker and serious about his future with Kim. She’s mentioned to Kim that if they did decide to have a baby, she’d have so much help from the Beckhams. They’re such a close-knit family, so Vic feels they could completely take the pressure off them and make it easy.’

And the reason she’s pinning her hopes on her second son? ‘Vic is worried that if Brooklyn and Nicola get there before Romeo, she and David may be denied the chance to meet their first grandchild. She’s worried Brooklyn would shut her out and that’s all people will focus on – she’s desperate for some happy news in order to change the narrative.’

Kim and Romeo started dating in 2024, and went Instagram-official in November that year. The couple were at the forefront of David’s 50th celebrations in May last year, despite rumours Kim was the reason for Brooklyn being a no-show. He was said to be upset at Kim’s presence as the pair were rumoured to have dated when they were teenagers.

Romeo and Kim then shocked fans when they called time on their seven-month relationship shortly after David’s big birthday bash. In a statement, Kim denied she had ‘ever been romantically involved’ with Brooklyn, and sources claimed she felt like a ‘scapegoat’ in the Beckham drama. In a now-deleted post, Cruz, 21, also waded in – reportedly replying to one fan, ‘Brooklyn and Kim never dated.’

Kim and Romeo reconciled in October 2025, and the pair seem more loved-up than ever, despite the Beckham feud raging on. Things between Brooklyn and his family have been strained since his 2022 wedding to Nicola Peltz, But after missing several important occasions last year and failing to invite the Beckhams to their vow renewal last August, things amped up in January, when Brooklyn released a sensational, six-page statement.

Among the many damning allegations was Brooklyn’s declaration, ‘My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family… my mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable’.

Despite Brooklyn’s harsh words, the family have still offered olive branches via social media. Harper, 15, even delivered a letter to her big brother’s home when the family were in Los Angeles for the unveiling of David’s star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last month.

Our source says, ‘It’s got so toxic with Brooklyn and Nicola, and the thought of becoming grandparents to a child they may never meet is heartbreaking. Vic and David want the best for Brooklyn, but they’re focusing on the children who’ll speak to them.’

It’s no secret that Victoria and David, 51, are keen to become grandparents. In 2024, Vic, 52, admitted, ‘That will be wonderful, but we’re not there just yet.’ David also touched on the topic at his Walk Of Fame ceremony, saying, ‘Kids, I hope you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big.’

And our insider says that Romeo and Kim are their best bet for achieving that. We’re told, ‘Becoming a grandmother terrified Vic in the past – she didn’t think she could handle the label. But now she’s more relaxed about ageing, and thinks, “Bring it on”.

‘Romeo and Kim’s baby would bring everyone so much joy – and Vic hopes it would send a message to Brooklyn to make an effort to put things right with his family.’

Having first been linked back in April, Kate Garraway has taken things to the next level with new man Liam Halligan, jetting off on their first trip abroad together.

Speaking about the getaway, a source said, ‘Liam was travelling to Italy and asked Kate to join him and she was happy to oblige. It will be quite low-key, but they are hoping to be able to spend some time together.’

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate found love again with broadcaster Liam earlier this year. It is her first relationship since the tragic loss of her husband Derek Draper, who died from complications from COVID in 2024.

Kate, 59, and Derek married back in 2005, and the couple shared two children – daughter Darcey, 20, and son Billy, 16. Derek contracted COVID early in the pandemic and was in hospital for over a year. He suffered major organ damage and was left unable to walk and talk.

The complications from the virus eventually led to a cardiac arrest from which Derek sadly died, leading Kate to experience what she called a ‘tsunami of sadness’.

This intense grief is something Liam – who was a friend of Derek’s and has known Kate for two decades – has reportedly been supporting Kate with, and friends have said he has been a ‘rock’.

While the couple have mostly kept their romance out of the spotlight, Kate was pictured cheering Liam on in a 300km charity bike ride from London to Paris back in May.

Speaking about Kate, Liam said, ‘I’ve known her for years and we’ve recently become close. We laugh a lot and really enjoy each other’s company. This may or may not turn into something long term, but there is a definite spark between us.’ Before their recent trip Kate had said of her beau, ‘It is lovely’, adding, ‘We basically haven’t really had time for a proper date. I don’t want to jinx it!’

As heat reported, Kate’s kids have been supportive, with a source telling us, ‘Kate’s children both approve of her having someone in her life who is making her happy. They can see their mum is in better spirits and they love that. They’ve all been through so much as a family, and they want to do everything they can to make sure they’re all smiling again.’

What was meant to be a routine return to Britain quickly spiralled into another very public dispute between Prince Harry and the palace, with eleventh-hour wrangling over the Duke's security arrangements and accommodation dominating headlines.

Yet amid the latest royal fallout, it is Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, who many believe have become the unintended victims of the ongoing feud between the palace and the Sussexes.

Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, had reportedly been planning to bring their children to the UK during the trip, with widespread speculation suggesting the youngsters would finally have the opportunity to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles.

But with just two days to go before the Sussexes, who were holidaying in Europe, were expected to arrive in Britain, reports suggested key details of the visit had still not been finalised.

Harry then travelled to the UK alone on Monday, prompting some royal commentators and critics to accuse the couple of using Archie and Lilibet as bargaining chips in their bid to secure protection and favourable treatment.

A source, however, claims Meghan has been deeply hurt by the allegations, describing them as ‘cruel’, and believes those criticisms may even have been fuelled by opponents of the Sussexes within palace circles.

An insider says, ‘To her this is about as low as it gets. To have people tearing her down and making hurtful and untrue claims is bad enough but to drag her children into it is just beyond the pale. They are going to grow up and potentially read all this poison someday, so it boggles her mind that people could be so cruel.

‘What makes it a thousand times worse is that she’s sure that a lot of this ugly narrative is being sanctioned, or even pushed, by people behind the palace walls, that truly sickens her.

‘She can't believe anyone would seriously suggest she and Harry are using Archie and Lilibet to blackmail the King to get what they want. As far as Meghan's concerned, that’s twisted thinking and completely beneath her.’

Eight days after details of Harry and Meghan's proposed UK visit first emerged, it was confirmed on Saturday that the Duke would be travelling to Britain without his wife and children, at least for now. Reports claimed the change of plans came after the family failed to secure police protection for the trip at the ‘eleventh hour’.

However, it later emerged that the armed security Harry has previously insisted is essential before bringing Archie and Lilibet to the UK had not been withdrawn at the last minute, but had never been approved in the first place.

That has prompted some royal commentators to question why plans for the family's visit - including the prospect of the children spending time with their grandfather - were made so public before those arrangements had been finalised.

According to some royal observers, the highly public nature of the back-and-forth was a calculated move designed to put pressure on the King in the hope he could influence decisions made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC).

Tom Sykes shared his view on The Royalist podcast, saying, ‘It felt to me like a really blatant attempt, and actually a really mean attempt, to kind of… emotionally blackmail Charles into intervening into the security decisions of the British state.

He added, ‘I’m told by good sources that actually, a lot of this is coming from Meghan.’

Meanwhile, columnist Alison Boshoff also described Harry and Meghan’s actions as ‘intensely manipulative’, while ex Vanity Fair editor and royal author Tina Brown added, ‘If Harry thought that bringing his children would force Ravec’s hand, he was, as he is so often, hopelessly misguided.’

However, we’re told that for Harry and Meghan - whose security team undertook their own private review and reportedly concluded that Harry could be a target for terrorists at the Invictus Games – the safety of their family remains paramount.

While the couple have made it clear they will travel with their own security, UK law dictates that only the Metropolitan Police Force can carry arms.

‘The thing people don't seem to understand is that, for Meghan and Harry, this has never been about getting special treatment, it's about the safety of their children and nothing else,’ the insider says.

‘She and Harry genuinely believe they made the same decision any parent would have made for their own children. Of course, it breaks their hearts that Archie and Lilibet aren't getting the chance to spend time with their grandfather, but until they are given the proper security, they simply won’t take the risk.’

However, it was made clear for Meghan and Harry when they made the decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020 that police protection would not be continued as per protocol.

And despite Meghan and Harry pulling their own children into the situation when sources close to them revealed their plans to return to the UK with Archie and Lili ahead of any decision by RAVEC over their security, we’re told Meghan is still blaming ‘people within the Firm’ for attempting to taint every move she and Harry make.

‘She and Harry both believe nobody would have the audacity to go at them this way if they weren’t receiving memos from people within the Firm and that makes them even more cautious about bringing Archie and Lilibet over,’ the insider says.

‘This makes Meghan wonder how she's ever supposed to rebuild bridges with the rest of the family as for her, it can seem like they’re out to poison anything good that they try to do.’

However, Harry is due to appear in Birmingham to celebrate a series of One Year to Go events ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games, so it is still possible that his family may join him for a particularly poignant visit.

Harry is reported to have hoped to take Archie and Lilibet to Althorp House – Princess Diana's childhood home and final resting place – after the estate announced its closure to the public on 10th and 11th July.

However the situation unfolds, we’re told that there could still be light at the end of the tunnel as the source says that, if plans for Archie and Lili to meet with their grandpa don’t come to fruition in the coming days, Harry and Meghan could be set to plan a reunion in ‘total secrecy’ in the near future.

The insider says, ‘Their hope is that a visit can be arranged with Charles somewhere outside the U.K. under total secrecy because they both feel he’s innocent in all of this; they don’t blame him at all. In fact they both say he's always shown nothing but love for Archie and Lili.

‘She and Harry genuinely don't know who else they can trust and it’s a terrible feeling. At this point she’s saying that the best thing they could do is keep their children out of that environment for as long as they possibly can.’

Prince Harry is back in the UK and keen to repair his fractured royal relationships – but there's one family member he wants nothing to do with. Reports suggests Sarah Ferguson has been keen to form an alliance with the Sussexes, but our sources claim Prince Harry is firmly drawing a line.

After a last minute change of heart, the Prince arrived in London alone, announcing he was still hopeful that wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, could join him if satisfactory security arrangements were made.

And insider now reveals that ahead of the trip, he and Meghan compiled a list of those they hoped to meet – and Sarah Ferguson’s name was notably absent. The source alleges that Harry has rebuffed her efforts to reconcile, reportedly instructing her through daughters Eugenie and Beatrice to lose his number as he attempts to distance himself completely.

The insider says, ‘Sarah has been sending messages through Eugenie and Beatrice for quite some time, trying to chip away at Harry’s resistance because she’d dearly love to see him and Meghan again. She swears this isn’t about getting their sympathy – she’s insisting that it’s for their benefit.

‘But Harry can’t stomach the things Sarah has gotten caught up in, and more just keeps coming out. He finds it absolutely reprehensible that she was visiting Epstein while he was serving jail time for paedophilia, and he wants nothing to do with her. He and Meghan have been as gentle as possible about it, but they’ve let Beatrice and Eugenie know that they don’t want to hear from their mother again and that she should lose his number.’

Harry, 41, and Sarah, 66, have seldom appeared especially close, even though she remained a prominent figure within royal circles for many years before her dramatic removal from the inner fold last September. She was publicly exposed after a startling email exchange between her and the late paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein came to light. In the correspondence, dated April 2011 – just a month after she had publicly renounced their friendship – Sarah described Epstein as a ‘steadfast, generous and supreme friend’.

Subsequently, it was revealed that Epstein had provided her with £15,000 the year before to assist in settling outstanding debts. The controversy intensified as additional emails surfaced, and only last week the scandal returned to the spotlight with disturbing fresh claims that Fergie had visited Epstein twice at the office of a sham company he operated while still in prison for a child sex offence.

Although there has never been an overt falling-out between Harry and Sarah, royal commentators have long questioned whether he harbours concerns about the former Duchess’s discretion, particularly after her explosive 1996 memoir, My Story.

Within its pages, she shared candid details about her bond with Princess Diana and divulged elements of the late Princess’s private world, including alleging she developed a verruca after borrowing Diana’s shoes. Royal author Andrew Lownie later reflected, ‘Diana was very concerned that Sarah might well be selling stories about her.’

According to the insider, Harry now shares what was said to be his mother’s deep mistrust - and he and Meghan are determined to steer clear of Sarah’s toxic ‘orbit’ to protect themselves from any additional reputational fallout.

Even though Meghan – who revealed she learned how to curtsy from Sarah ahead of meeting Queen Elizabeth II – once enjoyed a warm relationship with her husband’s aunt, the source claims, ‘Even when nearly everyone else in the family was icing the Sussexes out except for Sarah, Harry still kept her at arm’s length and quietly encouraged Meghan to do the same. It was a tough spot for Meghan to be in because she did become very fond of Sarah, but Harry always saw her overtures as self-serving.

‘He felt it was safer to keep a little distance and, looking at everything that’s come out since, clearly that instinct was right. He and Meghan are both watching the latest revelations unfold with absolute disbelief. As far as they’re concerned, there are some associations that are impossible to explain away, and this is one of them.’

Despite Eugenie and Beatrice’s visible show of solidarity with Prince William at Peter Phillips’ wedding last month, the insider insists the Sussexes still have compassion for the sisters amid the ongoing controversy surrounding their parents.

The source explains, ‘Harry and Meghan have no intention of cutting them off, but they are very clear that they want to keep their relationship with them completely separate from Sarah.

‘They have also asked that anything they share with Eugenie and Beatrice be in confidence – they don’t want anything personal getting back to Sarah because who knows how she’ll use that information. Fortunately, Eugenie and Beatrice have been totally understanding. They know what a liability their mother is right now and don’t blame Harry and Meghan for wanting to keep their distance.’

In touching photographs that left royal fans across the globe in tears, Kate Middleton – Catherine, Princess of Wales – stood side-by-side with her family after completing the gruelling Three Peaks challenge to raise funds for the hospital where she was treated for cancer.

Posting the poignant images onto the Wales’ social media, Kate, 44, is pictured alongside her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her husband Prince William after scaling the 3,560 feet Mount Snowdon in Wales last week.

In further images, her daughter Charlotte looks close to tears as she embraces her mother, and her eldest son George – at 12 now as tall as his mother – protectively cradles Kate. Prince William is also pictured hugging his wife.

The images no doubt project Kate’s positivity, determination, resilience and, just over a year since she received the all-clear, are a sign of the light that has come at the end of what has been a dark tunnel for their family.

Days later, Kate then ditched the walking boots for a vintage-inspired blue suit to attend the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament. But behind her infectious positive attitude and radiance, we’re told that Kate has still been left heartbroken as one issue within their family continues to be insurmountable – William’s ‘pain’ over his bitter feud with Prince Harry.

An insider says, ‘It’s tearing her apart to see him so upset and angry all the time. Kate's tried everything with William. She's listened, she's sympathised, she's encouraged him to talk it through, and nothing seems to work.'

Now, the source claims the practical Princess has delivered a three-word ultimatum to her husband: ‘Get a grip’, as we’re told how Kate is encouraging William to focus on having gratitude for everything he has, instead of what he has lost.

The source says, ‘She’s at the point where she doesn’t know what else to do to help so she’s resorting to a bit of tough love and ordering him to snap out of it. Kate’s looking around thinking they've got so much to be grateful for. She's feeling happier than she has in a long time and she wants William to start seeing the glass half full too.

‘She told him to get a grip and stop letting all this stress dictate his mood because it's affecting everyone around him. The last thing she or the kids need is to see him moping around all the time.’

Back in September 2024, William grew a beard that had such an impact on his look that headlines even stated that ‘stubble maketh the bald man’. He then gained the nickname ‘His royal hotness’ – catapulting him from middle-aged dad to full on palace pin-up.

However, with Kate’s magic wand, the source says we may see yet another iteration yet, as we’re told that fitness fanatic Kate is adamant that a health kick is the ‘best medicine’ to pick William up from his slump.

The insider says, ‘She's told him he needs to take action to get out of this horrible headspace and in her view committing to a serious exercise regime is the answer, she says working up a sweat is the best medicine.

‘She also wants him to give yoga a proper go, because, in her view, he clearly needs a better way to cope with all his stress.’

Of course behind his image, the past few years have been incredibly tough for William.

Harry and Meghan Markle first stepped down as senior royals in 2020, shortly followed by their sensational interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Then just three months after his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, the Sussexes Netflix documentary aired.

But it was Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, that may have finally put the nail in the coffin for the once-close brothers’ relationship, with Harry detailing William’s alleged physical attack of him following an argument over Meghan back in 2019.

By his side through it all, the source says Kate knows better than anyone how much William has suffered.

‘It’s not all tough love, of course, because Kate also recognises that underneath all of his bluster, William is in a lot of pain over this situation with Harry,’ the insider says.

‘Deep down, he still loves his brother and no one ever imagined they'd still be this estranged after all these years.’

In 2024, both Kate and King Charles were also diagnosed with cancer, with William’s ‘pa’ still undergoing a reduced regimen of treatment. However, with his father approaching 80, William is also aware that at some point in the future, he will take the Crown – a responsibility we’re told that also weighs heavily on the Heir Apparent.

The source explains, ‘He's also carrying this enormous sense of responsibility about the future and becoming King one day. William puts so much pressure on himself and he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders, so it's no surprise he struggles to keep a lid on his emotions.

‘People mistake it for anger, but Kate knows it's actually sadness. He’s learned to protect himself and never show weakness but anyone that knows him well will tell you he's an incredibly gentle soul, that’s why it’s especially hard for Kate to see him so consumed with anger and bitterness.’

But following Kate’s mountain feat, we’re told that she is also determined to encourage William to spend more time in nature – an activity she regularly champions for having helped her on her own recovery journey and a cause also close to William’s heart.

‘She knows that isn’t his true nature and she’s determined to help him get out of this terrible headspace he’s in. She keeps reminding him that he's got so many positive things going on in his life, if he'd only allow himself to focus on them,’ the insider says.

‘His Earthshot initiative is doing better than ever, he’s getting so much support around the world and within Hollywood; it’s exactly what he had hoped for.’

April also marked the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary and through each photograph Kate and William share on family birthdays, it’s clear the Wales children are growing up fast.

And with their eldest son George set to follow in his father’s footsteps and start at the prestigious Eton College this September, the source says Kate doesn’t want William ‘wasting another minute’ dwelling on the past and is determined to enjoy the summer with their children.

We’re told, ‘They’ve got this wonderful summer ahead to spend precious time together as a family before George is off to Eton, to her it’s crucial that he soak this time in because it won’t last forever; the kids are growing up so fast.

‘Life is moving forward and she doesn't want him wasting another minute dwelling on things he can't change and she’s made it her mission to help him choose a new mindset.’

As it stands, William is unlikely to meet with Harry this week, but while their bitter feud rumbles on, the source says that - with the encouragement of Kate – William could start to put the past few years behind him.

The insider says, ‘The good news is that William does listen to Kate. She's probably the only person who can really get through to him and she has managed to shake a bit of sense into him but there’s a lot more work to do.’

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Prince Harry has been labelled the royal who ‘spent a month manufacturing in-out drama across every front page in Britain’ as his long-running six-year feud with his relatives once again dominates headlines around the world, following reports that he was effectively shown the door at Buckingham Palace.

Throughout nearly eight decades in the public eye, King Charles has cultivated a reputation as a deeply private individual, someone who prefers to keep personal family matters firmly behind closed palace doors.

So when a spokesperson for Harry, 41, appeared to suggest the palace had turned its back on him after it emerged that his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace in London this week had been rescinded, the public airing of grievances is said to have gone down poorly with the monarch.

Now, a source tells us that Harry’s determination to publicise private exchanges with palace officials and his habit of ‘throwing his toys out if the pram’, as described by one royal fan, has been viewed as ‘proof’ of his selfishness. The insider adds that what are seen as Harry’s relentless requests have only intensified Charles’ mounting frustration with his younger son.

An insider says, ‘Everything that has happened the last couple of weeks is being seen by most people around Charles as more proof that Harry thinks the world revolves around him and his wife.

‘The King has been incredibly understanding but Harry is pushing his luck and taking his father’s patience for granted. It's not even about the security issue, it's all the extra demands, the constant briefings and this feeling that Harry expects everyone to dance to his tune. There's a growing sense that Meghan's way of handling things has rubbed off on him and he's become convinced everything has to happen on his terms.’

The eleventh-hour cancellation of Harry’s Buckingham Palace accommodation, confirmed earlier this week, has been interpreted by some royal watchers as a moment of reckoning for the outspoken Prince, following years of public criticism directed at the Royal Family in televised interviews with Meghan Markle and the barbed revelations contained in his 2023 memoir, Spare.

Yet since the King’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, for which he is still undergoing a lighter course of treatment, it has been widely suggested that Charles, 77, is eager to restore harmony within his family - especially between his estranged sons, Harry and Prince William - and spend meaningful time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.

However, the source cautions that despite the patience Charles has demonstrated toward Harry - whom he last saw briefly in September for tea at Clarence House - there is increasing anxiety behind the scenes that the window for reconciliation may be closing if Harry’s perceived sense of entitlement continues.

‘Charles is an extremely busy man and Harry seems to think he can squeeze his father into his diary whenever it suits him and still expect the red carpet to be rolled out,’ the insider says.

‘The feeling inside royal circles is that if he genuinely wants peace, he needs to stop making demands and start showing a bit more humility, otherwise nothing is going to change.’

Instead, Harry has been portrayed as ‘going nuclear’ after his spokesperson voiced the Duke’s ‘disappointment’ over the loss of a room at Buckingham Palace at the ‘last moment’. According to our source, Harry firmly believes outside influences are attempting to ‘poison’ the King against him.

‘Harry was extremely taken aback when his invite to stay at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn at the last moment,’ the insider says.

‘He seems to think it’s William and Camilla causing trouble, no doubt egged on by a section of royal aides who will stop at nothing to poison the King against him and ram home this narrative that he’s this troublemaker who’s not to be trusted.’

Royal commentators have claimed that Prince William, in particular, was angered by any perceived olive branch extended to Harry. The source suggests there is now a belief within palace circles that Charles has allowed reason to triumph over emotion in his decisions regarding his youngest son.

They tell us, ‘It’s no secret that many senior members of the Firm – the vast majority, in fact – thought it was madness to extend the invite and they’re delighted that common sense finally prevailed.

‘But what Harry’s overlooking is that His Majesty is more than capable of making his own mind up about this matters and on this occasion he clearly felt that Harry overstepped the mark by getting way ahead of himself and jumping the gun with an unbearably self-serving and entitled attitude.’

At present, Meghan and the children are not expected to accompany Harry to London after their bid for police protection was rejected. Nevertheless, Harry is scheduled to also visit Birmingham for a series of One Year to Go engagements ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games, meaning his family could still join him later in the week.

It has also been widely reported that Harry intended to bring Archie and Lilibet to Althorp House in Northamptonshire — the childhood home and burial site of Princess Diana — after the estate announced it would close to visitors on 10th and 11th July.

Meanwhile, an insider shared that Harry remains determined to reconnect with his father, saying earlier this week, ‘Harry is still keen to see Charles, which he is looking forward to.’

The lingering question, however, is whether the King is equally ‘keen’ for such a meeting. We’re told Charles remains conflicted and is determined that this decisive move by the palace serves as a ‘lesson’ to his son.

The source explains, ‘At this point in time he seems in no mood to break bread with Harry, even if he does allot some time for him during this trip it will almost certainly be a brief meeting at best.

‘Harry’s being taught a lesson, ultimately; he can bleat and squawk about it all he likes but the decision is final and he’s been put squarely in his place. Of course it’s been phrased very carefully with the official excuse being that staff had insufficient time to prepare, plus the King’s busy work calendar was also a factor. But nobody is really buying that, certainly not Harry.’

This newest setback is said to have been a significant humiliation for Harry, arriving at a moment when his standing within the Royal Family remains uncertain.

While Harry touched down in the UK on Monday, Charles was photographed riding in an army tank during a visit to the Royal Tank Regiment in his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief - a striking visual that many interpreted as reinforcing one clear message: duty comes first. Although Harry is reportedly trying to ‘salvage’ his visit, insiders suggest Charles may find it impossible to fully forgive his youngest son if these highly public episodes continue to overshadow the institution.

The insider says, ‘It’s a huge kick in the teeth that’s left him highly embarrassed and anxious about what the future holds from this point on. He’s got no choice except to go back to the drawing board because the door’s effectively been slammed shut in a very public and unedifying manner.

‘Right now he’s trying to salvage the situation and pushing for time with his father during the trip, even if he isn’t staying at the Palace. He’d dearly love advice on how best to navigate the security issue moving forward, so he can bring Meghan and the kids to the UK and enjoy a full catch-up like just they’ve been planning for months now.

‘But he’s grasping at straws and all the chaos that preceded this latest UK visit has left a very sour taste in everyone’s mouth – especially his father’s.’

They somehow pulled off the ultimate feat: throwing America’s version of a royal wedding, while keeping the majority of the details under wraps until the very last second.

Indeed, even now – days after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce said ‘I do’ in the grandest and most expensive way possible at New York City’s Madison Square Garden arena – we’re still getting drips and drabs of anecdotes and snapshots from their bigger than big day.

So, unsurprisingly, the superstar’s plans for her and her new husband’s honeymoon are under similarly high-security levels of lock and key. According to insiders, it’s a full-on, covert operation, with no expense spared.

‘Just like they did with their wedding, they’re keeping their honeymoon plan on a need-to-know basis,’ says an insider close to the newlywed couple, who got married last week, on July 3, in front of a reported 1,100 guests – including most of showbiz’s biggest A-listers. ‘They just don’t want anything getting leaked. They want to be able to enjoy this time with total privacy.

‘Pulling off the wedding without any major leaks ahead of time was a massive feat but they did it, and they’ve pretty much followed the same playbook with the honeymoon because it’s even more important that no one finds out where they are. Having the kind of money that they have does make it much easier because they can book multiple options. That way, if something does leak, they can easily switch gears and go somewhere else.’

Still, as things currently stand, some details are certain. Whatever they do decide to do, insiders agree it will be happening within the next three weeks, as Kansas City Chiefs’ player Travis, 36, will be reporting to training camp in late July, which then runs all the way until the end of August, before football season kicks off on September 9. That means he and the new Mrs Kelce have limited time to toast their new lives in paradise.

Meanwhile, their plans are also influenced slightly by their upcoming attendance at fellow NFL player JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding to Laura Kruk on July 11 in California. JuJu is a good friend of Travis and was – of course – there in New York with Laura last week to see his mate and Taylor, 36, get wed. Insiders duly report that Travis and Taylor are excited to return the favour.

All this means they’ll likely be heading out to somewhere special early next week. The million-dollar question – or billion-dollar question, because money really is no expense – is where?

‘There have been some rumours about them starting it off at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito,’ our source reveals, adding that the exclusive resort has always been a go-to destination for luxe discretion. ‘It’s where Jackie Kennedy had her honeymoon, and so did Jennifer Lopez, so it’s ultra private and has so much history.

'Taylor hasn’t confirmed anything – her lips are sealed – but if she did go down that route there’s the option to rent out the entire property, which she’s likely to want to do for privacy. That can cost upwards of $500,000 for a week, not that money is even a consideration.’

Evidently, billionaire Taylor really is feeling splashy when it comes to celebrating her and Travis’ nuptials in the most extravagant way possible.

Though we’re still eagerly awaiting pictures of the wedded pair, we do know they were both kitted out for the day in Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by Dior’s Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson. Adding to the clothing bill were shoes for the both of them, custom made by Christian Louboutin, with Taylor draped in Cartier jewellery.

As for the behemothic day itself, not only did they take over the whole of Madison Square Garden – which is usually reserved for concerts or sports events, they also had performances by truly world-class superstars, including Paul McCartney and Stevie Knicks.

With guests including – but certainly not limited to – Brad Pitt, Beyoncé, J-Lo, Zoe Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Cindy Crawford and Selena Gomez – they also took every opportunity to cater to their showbiz attendees in the high-end manner to which they’re all accustomed. That meant setting up enough lavish food buffet stands to feed a small country, and unlimited bottles of Ace of Spades champagne, which is co-owned by wedding guest Jay-Z.

It’s no surprise that all this is believed to have cost the couple an eye-watering $20million – which might sound somewhat expensive to us mere mortals, but really is the tiniest dent to Taylor’s $2.1billion fortune. Combining this with Travis’ $100m nest egg, they do ostensibly have a few pennies left to rub together for an exceedingly lavish honeymoon.

As our source reveals, the brand-new husband and wife clearly have no problem in pulling out all the stops when it comes to marking their special moments. But ultimately, their priority is privacy.

‘Her friend, Selena Gomez, kept her honeymoon low-key, so she was suggesting to Taylor that they do something similar since it’s the last thing anyone would expect, but that’s not really Taylor’s style,’ we’re told. ‘She and Travis love to go big, as everyone saw with their wedding; nothing is done halfway.

'Renting out a private island, the way Prince William and Kate Middleton did when they got married [the royal pair stayed in an 11-villa private resort in the Indian Ocean in 2011] is what a lot of people are expecting. That will give them the privacy they want, plus a real chance to relax and soak up this rare bit of time off.

‘The only thing that's really dictating their plans is Travis' football schedule because once training camp starts, it's straight back to reality, so this is a rare opportunity to disappear completely and they’re doing everything possible to make sure they truly get the chance to hide out.

'Unfortunately, that’s meant they can’t even tell the majority of their family and friends the plan. Even the people closest to them are having to wait until they’re on the way home from the honeymoon before they find out where they’ve actually gone. They’re just not willing to take any chances.’

Exclusive resorts, luxe living and a steely-eyed focus on privacy? Sounds like Taylor’s living life a la Jackie Kennedy with uncanny style.

Whether they jetted off to their secluded £6.3 million getaway in Portugal or a ‘sentimental villa’ in France, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to have spent last week enjoying Europe with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, before what was set to be their highly anticipated return to the UK this week.

However, their homecoming descended into chaos over the weekend when it was alleged that the Palace had sensationally reversed their decision for the family to stay at Buckingham Palace.

As ever with the Sussexes, the story of course has two sides, with palace insiders insisting that Harry had not accepted King Charles’ offer by the deadline, leaving no time to prepare the royal residence.

Meanwhile, Harry’s team released a statement on Monday, explaining that Harry had been trying to work out the family’s security arrangements before accepting. They admitted the Duke had only accepted the invitation at the weekend, but blamed RAVEC [the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, in control of royal security] for the delay.

Now, we're told this pandemonium with the palace did, unsurprisingly, not lend itself to the couple happily kicking back with some sangria and tapas amidst the cobbled courtyards of Europe.

A source tells us the break instead descended into a holiday from hell as Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, continued to try and strike compromises over the issues that have plagued them for months and have the potential to threaten the long-term future of their marriage.

An insider says, ‘This was supposed to be a chance to enjoy a bit of downtime together, but instead it turned into one long strategy session. They were constantly on the phone with lawyers and publicists trying to get ahead of the security fallout, and by the time that was over Meghan was pulled into a bunch of work drama with her brand, so there wasn't exactly much time left for romance.

‘The whole security battle and the endless wrangling over their visit [to the UK] ended up overshadowing everything; right up until the very last-minute Harry was still desperately trying to find a way to get Meghan and the kids over there.

‘He won’t listen to her and spent what should have been their quality time going over every possible scenario. He built this trip up for so long and genuinely believed they were finally going to pull it off, so when it all started falling apart he was absolutely beside himself.’

Instead of the family celebration and royal reconciliation Harry had long hoped for, the estranged Prince touched down in the UK on Monday ahead of the court ruling for his trial against a British newspaper, and has presumably arranged his own accommodation – without Meghan and the kids by his side.

However, the past few months it has become clearer by the day that Meghan and Harry’s respective priorities outside of their family unit appear to be shifting.

For months it has been widely reported that the couple have been increasingly pursuing separate career paths, with images of Harry looking somewhat sombre at Kris Jenner’s birthday party in November prompting speculation that he was becoming disenamoured with the Hollywood scene.

Furthermore, while Harry’s focus on charity work is both honourable and hugely worthy, recent reports have claimed that Meghan is now ‘basically the breadwinner’ for their household as finances begin to run ‘tight’.

Just last week, during their European break, Meghan was still posting new content to promote the launch a new range of honey for her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

And, harking back to Kris Jenner’s party, during which Harry was poignantly pictured wearing a memorial poppy, the source says he is reluctant to continue playing the ‘plus one’ while Meghan throws everything at what is widely reported to now be a fading Hollywood dream.

‘They had very high hopes for this trip but, by all accounts, it ended up being very stressful with their same old arguments coming to the forefront,’ the insider says.

‘Fact is, Harry doesn't want to spend the rest of his life just sitting in the background being Meghan’s plus one, while she does nothing but work herself to the bone, and she doesn't want to sit around watching him beat himself up with guilt for all the things that are going on with his family.

‘They're both very committed to finding their way through this, so in that sense having time to talk things out was positive, but it certainly wasn't the romantic escape they'd imagined.

Meanwhile, the domestic Duchess was previously said to have no desire to return to the UK whatsoever, having last retuned four years ago for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

For Harry, even after his latest public humiliation, an insider revealed earlier this week, ‘Harry is still keen to see Charles, which he is looking forward to’; a further sign of his enduring desire for reconciliation and a wish we’re told Meghan believes is only ‘lining himself up for more torture’.

The insider says, ‘Meghan did her best to be supportive because she knows how much this trip meant to him, but it’s no secret she was incredibly relieved to get out of going. She’s terrified of going back there after everything that’s happened in years gone by and even more anxious about bringing her children.

‘So, as much as she wanted this to work out for Harry’s sake, on her side there is this sense that she’s dodging a bullet. She’s still so deeply wounded by the way she’s been treated and she’s angry at the way they’ve treated Harry, as well. In her view it’s time for him to step back and stop trying because the constant rejection and mind games are taking such a toll on him.

‘The fact that he was invited to stay at Buckingham Palace and then when he accepted the offer, it was withdrawn, says it all as far as she's concerned. They are toying with him and she can’t understand why he keeps lining up for more of this torture.’

As it stands, Meghan and the children are reported not to be joining Harry in London after their request for police protection was denied. However, Harry is due to travel to Birmingham to celebrate a series of One Year to Go events ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games, so it is still possible that his family may join him for the latter part of the week.

It was also reported how Harry had hoped to take Archie and Lilibet to Althorp House – Princess Diana's childhood home and final resting place – after the estate announced its closure to the public on 10th and 11th July. The estate is also situated just an hour from Birmingham.

Following Diana's tragic death in a Paris car crash in 1997, she was laid to rest on an island in the middle of Althorp's Round Oval Lake. Harry is also expected to spend time with his uncle and Diana’s brother Earl Charles Spencer, who is the current resident of the estate, and has reportedly wanted to introduce his children to the place where their grandmother was both raised and buried.

But for now, what could have been the first step on a road to reconciliation with the royals remains in turmoil as the source says the Sussexes plans are, even now, still undecided.

‘One minute they were talking about staying for just one night, then there was the possibility of staying with Charles, then another royal property, then only flying in at the very end for the Invictus commitments,’ the insider says.

‘It just became this endless cycle where every time they thought they'd found a solution, something else changed and they were back to square one. It didn't help matters that they were so proactive in briefing their team. Harry genuinely believed everything was finally coming together, so having to keep backtracking was incredibly humiliating.’

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the couple formerly known as Brangelina bitterly split – totally demolishing our picture-perfect image of them and their tight-knit ‘rainbow’ family.

And a decade later, the debris from that infamous break-up is still laid to waste. By all accounts, Brad Pitt barely has any tangible relationship with the six children he shares with Angelina Jolie, and as their youngest two – Vivienne and Knox – get set to celebrate their 18th birthdays this month, it seems his connection to them is becoming all the more tenuous.

It’s fair to assume that the next few months – starting with the twins’ milestone birthday on July 12, and ending in September with the anniversary of his and Angelina’s painful break-up – will leave Brad feeling all kinds of wistful and reflective over what he’s lost.

But according to insiders, the actor isn’t letting heavy feelings of regret stop him in his tracks. Having spent the past few years in particular doing so much work on himself, his sobriety, and strengthening his relationship with his girlfriend Ines de Ramon, 33, sources tell heat the Hollywood star is remaining hopeful for the future. But at the same time, he knows he has to live his life in the present.

‘Brad would give anything for his kids to be able to experience this new version of himself, but he knows that this isn’t something he can demand,’ says an insider close to the 62-year-old, who gave up alcohol shortly after splitting from Angelina, and later admitted his boozing had gotten out of control. ‘It has to happen naturally, which is why he’s stopped trying to force the issue. But anyone who knows him well will tell you his kids are always front and centre of his mind – and he wants the children to know that too.

‘One thing that gives him a lot of comfort is the fact that some of his kids are still in touch with his family [his father, William, and his brother and sister, Doug and Julie]. For him, that’s proof the door isn’t completely closed. He doesn’t expect some dramatic reconciliation overnight, but he refuses to believe this is how the story ends.’

While Brad’s professional and romantic life has gone from strength to strength in recent times, thanks to his nearly four-year relationship with Ines, and his 2025 action film F1 winning rave reviews and an Oscar nod, his connection to his six kids has seemingly splintered even further. 
Infamously, the proverbial first hit the fan in September 2016, after a private plane altercation, which – according to Angelina’s lawyers – allegedly saw Brad turn abusive to both Angelina and the children. The FBI and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services both investigated Brad following the event; and while the actor was later cleared of all allegations, he himself has admitted that his heavy drinking did a whole lot of damage to their family life.

Since then, Brad’s barely been able to repair his fatherly bond with his kids. And now, one major source of contention seems to be a decision made by most of them to drop the surname ‘Pitt’.

In May 2024, his and Angelina’s daughter Shiloh, now 20, was the first to take action – filing a legal petition to drop the ‘Pitt’ portion of her hyphenated last name on her 18th birthday, which was subsequently granted. Her siblings Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, also followed suit this year – both filing legal petitions with the Superior Court of California to distance themselves from their dad forever. Meanwhile, twins Vivienne and Knox, 18 this month, have also dropped ‘Pitt’ publicly. That means that, as things stand, Pax, 22, is the only child to have not yet pursued a public or legal name change.

Meanwhile, as the twins reach legal adulthood this month, it strikes a massive sea change in the fractured family’s dynamics. As fans will know, Brad and Angelina were locked in numerous legal battles that went on for years following their split in 2016 – not least over the issue of custody. However, now that his two youngest children have reached 18, any notion of custody – or a legal duty to see their father – is no longer relevant. With that, there’s bound to be some uncertainty over what this means moving forwards, especially since Angelina previously complained she had to stay in Brad’s home base of LA while their children were still underage.

As per their divorce agreement, which was finally finalised in 2024, she is free to move abroad as soon as the twins turn 18, and she might very well take her brood with her, meaning Brad could be even more distanced moving forwards.

Still, as our source explains, the Hollywood star knows the best thing he can do is remain philosophical, and be open to the idea that – further down the line – they’ll all make amends.

‘Of course, he wishes things were different right now and he'd give anything to speed the process up, but he's accepted that's out of his hands,’ we’re told. ‘All he can do is keep the door open and hope that, when the time is right, his kids decide to walk through it. As far as Brad’s concerned, being their father isn't something that ends because they’ve chosen to drop his last name. He doesn’t care what they call themselves, they will always be his children and he will never stop loving them.’

Our insider adds, ‘One thing about Brad that has stayed constant is that he knows how lucky he has been, decade after decade. Even on a bad day, it's still a lot of fun being Brad Pitt and he's had a real spring in his step since last summer when F1 became the biggest financial hit of his career. He has patience, resilience and persistence, and he's not despairing about the situation with his kids. He knows he'll eventually have a place in all of their lives again, because he helped raise these kids and turn them into the people they are today.’

He has waived £1.5 million in rental income from the Duchy of Cornwall Estate to support local communities and, in recent days, spoken candidly about the ‘system’ that leaves so many people without homes.

Backing up his words with action, he has unveiled fresh plans aimed at tackling homelessness. As if that weren’t enough, he also opened up about cherished memories of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, revealing that she instilled in him a fondness for afternoon tea.

Whether by chance or careful timing, coverage of William’s headline-grabbing charitable drive has coincided with news that Prince Harry is due back in Britain any time from now. But while the public focus remains on William’s work, sources suggest a very different atmosphere behind closed doors.

William, 44, reportedly hasn’t spoken to Harry in four years. Many insiders claim he is prepared to sever ties completely, believing Harry and Meghan Markle’s actions amounted to a profound betrayal of the institution.

Yet given the brothers’ once-unbreakable bond and the tragedy they experienced together, that hardline stance has always seemed difficult to comprehend. Now, a source tells us that Kate Middleton has grown increasingly uneasy as William’s emotions intensify ahead of Harry’s return.

An insider says, ‘Kate has never seen William this tormented and it's breaking her heart because there's nothing she can really do. She says she feels as though she’s watching him melt down in front of her very eyes, and she’s helpless to stop it.

‘He won’t admit it, but he's incredibly anxious about Harry and Meghan’s visit. He’s pacing around and on edge all the time and barely sleeping.’

In what some commentators have labelled an unexpected ‘victory’ for the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan are speculated to be travelling from their home in Montecito. While Harry is expected in the UK on Tuesday 7th July for his latest court appearance in his trial against a UK newspaper, at the time this story was published, Meghan was still believed to be joining him, although security arrangements were reportedly still under review.

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44 – largely estranged from the monarchy for six years – are expected to travel with their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. Reports indicate that King Charles has extended a warm welcome, offering them accommodation befitting working royals during their stay, with Buckingham Palace widely tipped as their base.

For William, this apparent olive branch is said to be a ‘bitter pill’ to swallow. Tensions between him and his father are reportedly so strained that William has allegedly considered stepping back from future family gatherings at Sandringham.

Observers suggest Charles is following his heart – particularly his longing to reconnect with his grandchildren – rather than the more cautious judgement expected of a monarch, and warn he could be making a ‘terrible mistake’ by inviting Harry and Meghan back into the inner circle.

Although William is likely to keep his distance from his brother during the visit, the source claims he feels ‘sickened’ by what he views as a ‘manipulation’ of his father, who remains in cancer treatment.

The source says, ‘He’s convinced they’re only coming over to stir up trouble and manipulate his father. And Charles isn’t exactly putting his mind to rest by piling on the pressure for him to meet with Harry, which William keeps insisting is absolutely a no-go.

‘That’s the worst part of this for him, seeing the way Charles is bending over backwards for Harry and Meghan after the way they betrayed them all sickens him and leaves him feeling totally kicked in the teeth. He’s now got all this tension with his father and naturally he’s blaming Harry and Meghan for that, which is only adding to his rage.’

The fracture that has defined the past six years began in 2020, when Harry stepped down as a senior working royal and relocated to California with Meghan to forge a new path. Since then, the couple have settled into a $29 million Montecito estate and pursued ventures ranging from charitable initiatives to lucrative media projects, including their former $100 million Netflix agreement.

Back in Britain, William has remained steadfast in his royal responsibilities. As heir to the throne, he has weathered significant personal challenges, notably the cancer diagnoses of both Kate and Charles in 2024, while continuing to represent the Crown.

Those shared health battles are said to have strengthened the bond between Kate and Charles. Now, according to the source, the Princess of Wales finds herself conflicted – sympathetic to Charles’ desire for reconciliation, yet acutely aware of William’s ‘devastation’ over how events are unfolding.

The source says, ‘That's the part Kate finds hardest to watch because she knows how devastated William is by what's happening with his father. He can't understand why Charles keeps giving Harry and Meghan chance after chance when every concession that’s made only encourages them to push for more and he doesn’t hold back in saying so.

'He and his father are totally at odds over how Harry and Meghan should be handled and that’s driven a huge wedge between them. Kate’s constantly trying to help keep the peace between them but so far it’s been futile, they can’t see eye to eye on this.’

At the same time, becoming a father to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, has reportedly heightened William’s awareness of what he has lost in his relationship with Harry.

‘William has a lot of pride, he wants everyone to believe that he's completely detached from whatever Harry and Meghan are doing, but the people closest to him say that's complete nonsense, anyone can see how much this is weighing on him,’ the insider says.

‘Regardless of what has gone on, Harry is still his flesh and blood and, however angry William may be, he can't simply switch those feelings off. Instead, he's becoming consumed by resentment and bitterness, and it’s taking a real toll on him.’

The upcoming visit could prove pivotal for Harry and Meghan’s standing within the monarchy. However, the source claims Kate worries that the burden William has carried for more than six years is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

‘Normally Kate can calm him down and get him back into a good mood fairly quickly when he’s got a bee in his bonnet, but not when it comes to Harry. That’s a topic that she does tend to tip toe around, and even more so lately because now that there’s this added layer of Charles taking Harry’s side, or at least that is the way William sees this,’ the insider says.

‘It’s not just Kate, most people in his life avoid bringing Harry up because everyone knows how quickly William gets worked up and no one wants to make things worse.

‘It's been more than six years of this now and Kate admits she's running out of ways to help. She's genuinely afraid that all this stress and anger is going to take a toll on his health, especially because it’s not the only burden he’s carrying. It’s very worrisome for Kate and everyone else that cares about William.’

It’s now been nine months since the start of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s very public unravelling from his ties with the Royal Family, having been stripped of his Duke and Prince titles and all but banished to a quiet life on the edges of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Following the allegation of sexual assault made against him by the late Virginia Giuffre and the subsequent allegations surrounding his friendship with sex trafficking paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the royals are widely believed to have washed their hands of him. Andrew meanwhile, has denied any wrongdoing.

Now, following his arrest under suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, the disgraced former Prince appears to have got the memo from his big brother King Charles that he isn’t welcome within the royal fold. But that hasn’t appeared to have stopped him from scheming a royal return behind closed doors, according to sources.

While he himself is unlikely to be welcomed back into a public-facing role, Andrew, 66, is widely reported to have been the ‘mastermind’ behind his daughters’ Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s return to the royal fold via the wedding of their cousin Peter Phillips and his bride Harriet Sperling last month.

He is reported to have urged his daughters – who were coincidentally photographed in clear view greeting Prince William – to ‘hold their heads high’ and remember they are ‘princesses of blood’.

But last month, for the UK’s Father’s Day on 21st June, both Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, appeared to all but deny their father’s existence.

Instead, Princess Eugenie wrote her own gushing social media post about her husband Jack Brooksbank, with whom she shares sons August, five, and Ernest, three, describing him as ‘the best there is…’, with no mention of her own father whatsoever.

And we’re told this public snub has left Andrew feeling so ‘abandoned’ that he has now vowed to ditch his mission to re-ingratiate his daughters into the Royal Family – a move that could have shocking consequences for the York family.

An insider says, ‘Andrew simply cannot understand how it’s come to this. He insists he's doing everything he can to help them behind the scenes. He’s been lobbying the King to get them more financial help and fighting to protect their titles, he swears up and down he’s even been trying to help Sarah Ferguson’s standing within the family, and instead of being grateful they are stabbing him in the back.

‘He’s feeling completely abandoned and left to rot by his own family, and he’s warning that if they’re prepared to throw him under the bus to save themselves, then they’ll all go down together because he’s got no reason left to keep protecting people who won’t even give him the time of day.’

However, instead of laying the blame with his daughters, or even with himself, we’re told that Andrew has instead turned on his ex-wife and the sisters’ mother, Sarah Ferguson, who he believes has been secretly insisting that Beatrice and Eugenie play nice with King Charles and William to ensure their royal standing for years to come.

The source says, ‘He’s telling anyone who will listen that his daughters have turned on him just so they can stay in the King’s good graces, and that Sarah is to blame because she’s poisoned them against him and made them think their only hope is to kiss up to Charles and William.

‘He’s absolutely convinced that they’ve turned on him and he blames Sarah. He’s accusing her of telling the girls they need to keep him at arm’s length and stay firmly in Charles’ and William’s good books if they want any sort of future. In his view, Sarah has poisoned them against him and turned them into people he barely recognises.’

Following a recent audit by The National Audit Office (NAO), the sisters were plunged into further scandal last month when it was reported that Charles covers the accommodation costs their royal residences at St James’ Palace and Kensington Palace, despite the Princesses not being working royals.

It was also reported that Andrew had previously been sub-letting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate, which he leased from the Crown for 26 years, with the recent audit finding that Andrew and his family and staff had 12 properties owned by the Crown Estate or the Royal Household.

And we were recently told how Andrew – who could reportedly seek up to £558,000 for the Crown in compensation under his original lease terms – had been demanding more cash from Charles; not just for himself, but for Sarah and the girls, too.

A source said, ‘He’s vowed not to let them be sidelined and is saying he will make an almighty stink if they’re evicted. He wants money from Charles as compensation for his own eviction and he says Sarah deserves a chunk too.’

However, with Beatrice and Eugenie now potentially in a position to negotiate with William or Charles themselves, the source claims that for many, Andrew’s obsession with his daughters standing could be hindering them rather than helping.

‘A lot of people would argue that anything he’s done for them has been motivated purely by his own self-interest but Andrew totally denies that. He’s got this image of himself as the long-suffering father and no one can convince him otherwise,’ the insider says.

‘Of course if the girls suddenly started making a big public show of supporting Andrew, it would be disastrous. Charles and William would almost certainly wash their hands of them and a lot of doors would slam shut overnight.

‘They’re in an impossible position because they don’t want Andrew to feel they’re abandoning him, but they also have to think about their own children, their husbands and the lives they’ve built for themselves.’

It’s now been months since the girls were last photographed or reported to have met with their father. Eugenie is believed not to have seen him since before Christmas, whilst Beatrice was photographed taking her daughter Sienna horse-riding with Andrew in Windsor in January.

And the source says the Princesses are ‘making their best efforts’ to show him they still care about him, but that Andrew can simply not understand that their own livelihoods – including their jobs and the charities they champion – are at risk if they are to be seen public supporting their father who, in May, was further accused of ‘alleged inappropriate behaviour’ at the Royal Ascot races in 2002.

‘It’s so sad that Andrew is going down this path because Beatrice and Eugenie do love him and they are doing their best to navigate this horrific situation,’ the insider says.

‘Andrew is complaining that they’ve washed their hands of him but that’s just not true, they are still in contact with him and still making their best efforts to show him they care, but any reasonable person can see what a total disaster it would be for them to start publicly rallying around him right now. It would be the equivalent of social suicide.’

Moreover, their attendance of Peter and Harriet’s wedding, followed by Eugenie’s return to social media strongly suggest the sisters are slowly separating themselves from the storm of scandal that has engulfed their parents in recent months.

So much so, that Beatrice and Eugenie may continue to be at loggerheads with their father over how much they should, or shouldn’t, be seen to support him. The only question that remains is: Is Andrew willing to accept his daughters’ independence?

‘They’ve worked so hard to carve out their own identities, not just within the royal family but within London society as well. Why should they be expected to throw all of that away just because their father made terrible decisions?’ the source asks.

‘But as far as Andrew’s concerned, family should stick together when the chips are down, not run for cover. He’s warning that if his own family is prepared to sacrifice him to save themselves, then he’s got no reason left to keep protecting them either.’

It’s been two decades since she first wowed the nation, showcasing those famously endless legs on Britain’s Next Top Model, and now she's at it again.

Today, at 40 and a mum-of-four, Abbey Clancy still looks every bit the showstopper, once again capturing attention with two jaw-dropping topless photos on her social channels - a thirst trap that fans are calling next level.

Abbey, who married England football icon Peter Crouch in 2011, simply captioned the latest photo series ‘Lately,’ sharing a glimpse of what the family’s been up to recently.

However, all eyes were on Abbey as she appeared to pose nude against a sleek marble bathroom backdrop, before reclining on a bed in nothing but a tiny pair of panties - sending her followers into a frenzy.

“Hottest girl in the world,” raved one follower, while yet another commented, “Banging as f**k.” More comments praised her husband’s luck: “Peter Crouch is one lucky, lucky man.” Another honestly admitted, “Hands up if you pinched the screen to zoom in?” Cheeky!

These sexy updates come as the couple - who already co-host a smash-hit podcast - prepare for cameras to follow their daily lives in a new reality TV series. The show will be set at their £3million mansion with kids Sophie, Liberty, Johnny, and Jack.

A TV insider commented, “making a fly-on-the-wall show was just the next logical step for them both, with the public already feeling like they know them incredibly well as a duo.”

If rumours are to be believed, though, Abbey and Peter might be relocating for the show, with whispers of a big move surfacing.

A source recently told heat, “Abbey and Pete recently revealed they are selling their Surrey mansion as they want a new start and to do it while the children are still young. Abbey’s dream has always been to have a big house in the country, where they can have their own animals and grow fruit and veg, and that is what they’d planned. However, she’s been mainly living in Portugal since the start of April. She and the kids have loved it and she’s starting to wonder if that’s where they should go. They have a holiday home there and have so many friends already, and Abbey loves that lifestyle for her and the kids.”

That wouldn’t spell the end for their chart-topping podcast: “They often film from there when they’re on holiday and they rarely have guests anyway. Abbey doesn’t see why Pete couldn’t fly back home for his football work. She thinks it’s an opportunity they can’t waste and that they can figure it out.”

Abbey first crossed paths with Peter in 2005, and she’s been making waves internationally ever since - with dozens of magazine covers, a spot in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition in 2010, and a signing with Elite in New York soon after. She also made the top 10 in FHM’s Sexiest Women list in 2010.

TV has also been a big part of her journey - hosting Britain’s Next Top Model from 2015 and launching her hit podcast, The Therapy Crouch, with Peter in 2019, drawing in more than 10 million downloads.

The podcast is known for its candid and sometimes racy chats, including Abbey’s now-famous line that she’s a “Lady on the street, freak in bed,” and Peter’s banter, “Ludacris said it well,” nodding to the lyric, “Clean in the work place, dirty in the sheets,” from the rapper’s hit “Nasty Girl.”

Abbey has also confessed that 6ft7in Peter sends her “vile” emojis when he’s feeling frisky.

She said, “I just don’t know how long I can go on with these sexual emojis that you keep sending me. If the kids go to school and he hears me like, put the key in the door, I’m in and no-one’s in the house, I just get a beaver and an aubergine emoji text.

“I’m not even gonna say the last one but you can imagine what it is.”

Regarding that third emoji, she added, “I’ve got a bit of hydration in there. How vile is that? Am I supposed to go, ‘Oh yeah, now I’m bang up for it’.”

Abbey asked Peter, “Do you think you’re going to get lucky with those messages?” to which he replied, “I’m just letting you know, I’m just putting my cards on the table.”

In another cheeky conversation, Peter admitted he loves it when Abbey greets him at home in the nude, and she spilled that she once picked him up from training in nothing but a coat.

He recalled, “If I came home and you had no clothes on. It’d be the best surprise ever.”

Abbey replied, “I picked you up from training once like that, didn’t I? That Burberry Mac you got me, I picked him up from training once with that on and nothing underneath it – to get him home.”

Peter then remembered, “And it worked… very well!”

When it comes to showbiz romance, rockstars and supermodels go together like thunder and lightning. But sadly, their unions are just as tempestuous. Think of the likes of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, and Seal and Heidi Klum - just two rockstar/model pairings who lived the gilded celebrity fairytale, got wed and had beautiful children, before inevitably crashing and burning amid betrayal, acrimony and melodrama. 
But according to insiders, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo are working hard to avoid being just another statistic – despite the fact their marriage is apparently once again on very shaky ground.

The genetically-blessed pair have been married since 2014, and are now the proud parents of three children: daughters Dusty, nine, and Gio, eight, and a three-year-old son, whose name they’ve kept private. But their happy home life first took a nosedive four years ago, when Adam was accused of cheating on Behati with multiple women.

At the time, the Maroon 5 frontman furiously denied physically cheating on his wife, but he did take 'full responsibility' for 'crossing a line', confessing he had indeed communicated with other women in a flirtatious manner.

In the wake of the scandal, the pair were said to be working hard to salvage their relationship and keep their family together – and four years later, we’re told they’re still focused on that mission. But unfortunately for them, all the controversy and claims left some serious scar tissue, and now, friends are worried they’ll never be able to fully recover from the scandal.

Indeed, last week, speculation reached fever pitch all over again that their marriage was in jeopardy, as friends told InTouch magazine that a divorce felt 'inevitable'.

Now, insiders tell heat the ground is still shaky. As much as Behati wants to trust Adam, we’re told she can’t ignore the fact that – as he himself has said – he’s crossed a line before, fuelling her worries that it’s only a matter of time before he does it again. What’s more, as much as she’s reluctant to disrupt her children’s lives at such a young age, she’s also well aware that the Moves Like Jagger singer is an archetypal rockstar – with the naughty, flirtatious charisma to match. Having idolised Mick Jagger for years, Adam apparently revels in his on-stage persona as a sex icon, which in turn does nothing to allay his worried wife’s concerns.

‘To give a little credit to Adam, he’s actually working on the marriage instead of bailing,’ says an insider close to the 47-year-old, who first met Victoria’s Secret model Behati in 2012 after scouting for models for a music video. ‘He doesn’t want to lose her, but he doesn’t want to lose his rockstar lifestyle either. His stardom is incredibly important to him, and his whole identity is built around it. He’s obsessed with Jagger, and he lives that kind of lifestyle to the hilt. An enormous amount of work has already been put into this marriage since his alleged affair years ago. Nobody is giving up. But Adam is who Adam is. They both hate the idea of divorcing but the people closed to them do see it as an inevitability.’

By all accounts, Adam and Behati, 38, really had seemed to defy the odds and make a rockstar-model marriage work long-term. But the proverbial hit the fan in 2022, after Instagram model Sumner Stroh went on TikTok claiming she’d previously had a year-long affair with the singer, and also shared flirtatious messages they’d allegedly exchanged.

Though their affair had apparently ended several months prior, she accused Adam of getting back in touch again to ask her if she’d mind him naming his and Behati’s then unborn son Sumner. What’s more, she claimed Adam had told her his marriage was over during their alleged romance, adding she thought they’d been keeping it quiet simply ‘to avoid the negative press’.

In response, Adam released a statement just one day later, insisting that his extramarital encounters were never ‘physical’, but admitting he used ‘poor judgement in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner.’

He continued, ‘I did not have an affair. Nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period in my life.

‘My wife and my family is [sic] all that I care about in this world. To be this naïve and stupid enough to risk the only thing that truly matters to me was the greatest mistake I could ever make. I will never make it again. I take full responsibility. We will get through it. And we will get through it together.’

Four years later, it’s safe to say the pair have made a valiant effort, frequently posting loved up tributes to each other online, despite the fact that several other women have since spoken out and also claimed to have had affairs with the rocker.

As our source explains, as much as their friends have their doubts, the couple really do want to make things work.

‘They’re still doing therapy and really making a big effort to stay united and not let things build up,’ our insider reveals. ‘The problem is that the scars from betrayal rarely fully heal. As devoted as Behati is, it would be impossible after what they went through for her not to have some trust issues, and there are times those old wounds get reopened.

‘That being said, there’s still a tremendous amount of love between them and you really couldn’t find two more devoted parents. Adam is the ultimate girl dad - he will dress up in costume for them, let them paint his nails, whatever makes them happy. That’s the side a lot of people don’t see because Adam and Behati aren’t going to parade the kids around for photo ops to prove what a happy family they are. Adam’s defenders are always quick to point out what an amazing dad, and Behati would agree with that.’

For now, we’re told the pair are holding on tight, despite the damage done – and despite the fact that, as much as Adam’s a family man at home, he can’t shake his frisky, sex icon persona on stage. The big question is, is he willing to sacrifice his Moves Like Jagger to avoid having a divorce streak to match his idol Mick?

‘The balancing act has always been finding a way for Adam to be himself while still making Behati feel secure and prioritized,’ we’re told. ‘They've come this far together and they're both still fighting hard to stay together. Whether that's enough in the long run remains to be seen, but for now they're focused on making the marriage work, not walking away from it.’

Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK next week with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for what is already being described as a highly emotional family visit.

But while the trip should centre around time with relatives and a return to familiar places, it has reportedly instead sparked fresh tension behind the scenes within the Royal Family.

At the heart of it all is Harry’s speculated revisit to Althorp House, Princess Diana’s childhood home and final resting place - a move that sources say has already become a point of unease for Prince William.

According to insiders, what might have been a private and sentimental journey has instead reopened old divisions between the brothers, who remain increasingly distant.

As Harry, 41, continues building his post-royal life in California alongside Meghan, 44, attention has once again turned to reports that the couple could be working with Netflix on a deeply personal project focused on Diana ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death next summer.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, it’s claimed Harry is quietly developing plans to honour his mother on a major scale, with Meghan expected to play a central role in the project.

But while Harry is said to see both the visit and the reported documentary as heartfelt ways to honour Diana, we're told William has been left feeling deeply uneasy by the reports, particularly where Meghan is concerned.

An insider says, ‘William has heard the rumours about them filming some sort of docuseries about Diana so naturally he’s suspicious that getting footage for that is the real motivator for Meghan to come on this trip.

‘It sickens him that she’s going to have any part in this tribute to his mother. He blames her for tearing the family apart and doesn’t believe for a second that his mother would approve.’

Moreover, William’s feelings about Harry's relationship with the streaming giant have long been complicated.

When Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior royals in 2020, reportedly after assuring the late Queen they would not profit from their royal status, one of their first major business moves was signing a widely reported multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, said to be worth around $100 million.

Just months later, Netflix released the fourth series of The Crown, which introduced Princess Diana’s marriage to the then Prince Charles in highly dramatised form, including controversial scenes depicting private conversations after her death.

At the time, William was widely reported to have been left ‘sickened’ by what he believed was the exploitation of his mother’s story.

That reaction, sources suggest, still lingers when it comes to any potential new Netflix content involving Diana, making the idea of another project even more sensitive.

Further speculation has also been fuelled by recent reports linking Meghan to a possible fashion venture inspired by Diana, following her visit to Switzerland in May.

During that trip, Meghan wore a calf-length lilac pencil dress that drew immediate comparisons to an outfit worn by Diana during a similar engagement in the 1990s.

Harry himself has also previously spoken about his wife in relation to his late mother during the couple’s 2022 Netflix series Harry & Meghan.

He said, ‘So much of what Meghan is, and how she is, is so similar to my mum. She has the same compassion, she has the same empathy, she has the same confidence. She has this warmth about her.’

However, those comparisons are said to have caused frustration for William and the source says William finds Harry words ‘deeply offensive’.

‘The fact that Harry keeps trying to sell this idea that Meghan is some sort of Diana 2.0 really gets under William's skin because he finds the comparisons deeply offensive and says they are way off the mark,’ the source says.

‘But Harry believes Meghan has all the qualities people admired in his mother and says anyone who can’t see that is blind. Meghan’s incredibly honored that Harry has so much faith in her and she doesn’t see anything wrong with trying to follow in her late mother-in-law’s footsteps.’

Attention has now turned to the Sussexes’ reported stay at Althorp, which sources say has only intensified William’s concerns about what may be taking place during the trip.

The insider adds, 'Meghan is front and centre of anything Harry does and William’s says it’s almost guaranteed that she’ll end up front and centre in this too. The fact that they are potentially staying at Althorp and no doubt spending time with the Spencers is only adding to his worry that they’re going to be filming and he’s threatening to step in and put a stop to it.

‘As far as he's concerned, they are using Diana's legacy to help build Meghan’s brand, and that’s something he’ll never stand for.’

Despite the tensions, Harry’s connection to his mother remains central to his motivations.

He has previously spoken about having a shrine to Diana in the family home in Montecito and has often described how her legacy continues to influence his life and charitable work.

For Harry, marking the upcoming 30th anniversary is said to be of deep importance, particularly as he seeks to pass that connection on to his children.

However, sources suggest William would prefer the Spencer family to remain distant from any involvement that could encourage further developments.

We’re told, ‘Unfortunately for William there’s really not much he can do to stop this. Harry is still very close to Diana’s brother and the rest of the Spencer clan and they’re hardly going to object to him making a film about his mother. They’re just as fond of William and would love to see things improve between him and Harry, but there’s no way they will step in and take sides.

‘While that may be fair, it’s still very hard for William to stomach after all the pain Harry has caused the family. But he can’t tell the Spencers what they should or shouldn't do, that won’t go over well, William knows that and so does Harry.’

The current situation also revives memories of the brothers’ joint BBC documentary in 2017, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, which marked the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death.

Harry is said to have previously approached William about further collaborations, but those suggestions were reportedly rejected.

The 2017 film saw both brothers share personal memories of their childhood, with proceeds donated to charity and neither receiving payment.

But with relations still strained, the prospect of another joint project is now seen as highly unlikely.

Even so, sources insist Harry is determined to continue with his own plans regardless.

'Even if they were to suddenly oppose this project, Harry wouldn’t let that derail him. He’s a very strong-minded person and he’s passionate about making this tribute, so he's not about to ask anyone's permission to do it,’ the source explains.

‘And if people don't like Meghan being involved, as far as Harry’s concerned that's their problem because he’s absolutely hell-bent on making her a part of whatever tribute he decides to do for his mother. He says it’s his decision and he honestly doesn't understand why it’s even an issue.’

Ultimately, it is the continued comparisons between Meghan and Diana that sources say remain the most sensitive issue for William.

The insider adds that he is increasingly frustrated by what he sees as a narrative that risks overshadowing his mother’s legacy.

The insider says, ‘Any comparison between Meghan and Diana sets William off because he loathes his sister-in-law and blames her for destroying the family. He says anything Meghan touches ends up becoming all about Meghan, and he's convinced that'll happen here too.

‘He’s told friends that he can't imagine her putting together anything that isn't self-serving and completely inappropriate for Diana's legacy. He’s furious and vowing to find a way to stop this.’

J.LO

We’ve all heard those rumours about J.Lo, 56, insuring her butt for a million dollars… but given this impressive poolside look, we would strongly advise Jennifer to take out a new policy for a TRILLION dollars for the whole bod.

Want to get her look, ladies? Well, you’ll need 10 hours sleep a night, not a drop of alcohol or caffeine EVER and sadly you will have to spend a fair chunk of your waking hours in a gym doing heavy weights, circuit training and Pilates. Other than that, it’s just eating plenty of greens and slapping on plenty of SPF. Easy-peasy!

Tulisa Contostavlos

The N-Dubz singer has long been known as The Female Boss. And just in case you were thinking of challenging her about that, know this: Tulisa, 37, loves nothing more than an intense boxing session. She’s also into strength training, so be warned that those upper cuts will, er, cut. It’s no wonder that her biggest hit was ‘Ouch’!

Liz Hurley

Every time we write a caption for a picture of Liz we have to do a double-take. Just how is it possible that this body has walked the Earth for 61 years? Looking more like a hot 20-something, the sexy sexagenarian loves sharing pics of her bikini body and who can blame her. The secret to this wizardry? Eat sensibly, eat slowly, don’t bother with the gym, do bother taking the stairs, make sure half of your dinner plate is vegetables and make your own bread and cakes. Could it be possible to love her anymore than we already do?

Rita Ora

When one of your biggest hits is ‘Hot Right Now’ you really need to make sure you can live up to the promise. And Rita really does. Hotter than the surface of the Sun, Rita credits sloooow and steady workouts with weights and rather than trying to hit thousands of steps per day, she says that 20 minutes of movement is enough. Add to that two litres of water per day, some red light therapy and green juices and you’ll be good to go like our girl Rita.

Tess Daly

She’s recently quit her starring role hosting Strictly Come Dancing (the UK version of Dancing With The Stars) and she’s recently quit her marriage to fellow TV presenter Vernon Kay. But we’ll tell you something that just won’t quit – her smoking hot bikini look! Tess may be 57 but she’s channelling 27 thanks to her daily yoga habit, power walking, cardio intervals and, get this, her ‘phone call routine’. She swears by using phone calls as an opportunity to get off her butt and take a hike. Also known as the ‘walkie talkie’!

Amanda Holden

With an Instagram account titled ‘noholdenback’ you pretty much immediately get the message. Amanda loves to be ‘out there’ and here she is in yet another sensational two-piece rocking her 55-year-old curves while looking for all the world like she’s just quit college. As well as drinking fresh coconut milk, the British TV presenter swears by a vegetarian diet, Peloton workouts, A LOT of water (she reckons about twice the recommended amount) and accidental fasting (accidental as in ‘whoops, I forgot to eat’. Not something you’ll ever catch us doing!).

Vicky Pattison

The Queen of UK reality TV was once famous for being absolutely WILD on hit show ‘Geordie Shore’. At that time, she would often be filmed getting ‘mortal’ (that’s very, very drunk for those who don’t speak fluent Geordie) and basically partying up a storm. These days, she’s settled down after marrying in 2024 and she’s living a healthy (mortal-free) lifestyle. Now 38, she swears by dog walks and Pilates to keep her fit. ‘I don’t want to be a slave to the gym, so getting Milo and Max transformed my life. I’m a big advocate for getting out into nature and I do about five-to-10 walks a week. I also like Zero Gravity Reformer Pilates.’

Lizzo

Having reached her ‘weight release goal’ last year, the Good As Hell singer has a new-found appreciation and love for her body. ‘I’m taking the time every day to put some love into it,’ she admitted. Lizzo, 38, does ‘intense’ Pilates, skipping and circuit training with weights and an exercise ball. She’s got it all going on!

Maya Jama

The Love Island UK host – and former squeeze of rapper Stormzy – is happy to flaunt her sensational figure in a bikini. She relies on a few main exercises to keep her enviable bod looking snatched. Maya, 31, said, ‘I’m on a home workout vibe at the moment – dancing around my house, and just being active anywhere I can. Squats really work the glutes, which is a must; push-ups do wonders for my core; and I love kickbacks because they’re great for firming and toning.’

Salma Hayek

Her 60th birthday is just three months away, but Salma clearly has no need to worry about hitting that milestone as she looks incredible!  And we know how she does it. ‘I don’t have time to exercise,’ she admitted. Instead, she relies on restorative yoga ‘to tone muscles without clenching’, dancing, swimming and walking her beloved dogs. ‘These are my trainers,’ she joked. WOOF!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned return to the UK next week has already sparked intense debate behind palace doors, with growing speculation about how the visit could descend into chaos.

The couple are expected to travel with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in what is being framed as a family-focused trip, including events linked to the Invictus Games.

But despite the public-facing message of unity, sources suggest the reunion has been carefully managed at the very top of the Royal Family - with King Charles reportedly taking personal charge of arrangements.

According to reports, the King has even stepped in to oversee security and accommodation to ensure the Sussexes are looked after during their stay.

However, while the move has been seen as an olive branch, it is also said to have triggered unease elsewhere within the family. And with tensions reportedly still running high behind the scenes, we’re told the monarch has warned the Sussexes that they must play by his rules if they want this homecoming to be a success.

An insider says, ‘Charles has gone above and beyond to make this visit happen, but nobody should mistake that for blind trust. The reality is that he's taking a huge chance and he knows it.

‘He's made it very clear to Harry that there cannot be any drama or any hint that this trip is being used for personal gain. If he sees any cameras or gets a whiff of troublemaking that will be the end of things.

‘Charles is willing to extend an olive branch, but he's not willing to be embarrassed or blindsided again.’

The announcement of the Sussexes return to celebrate One Year to Go until the Invictus Games comes after months of speculation over whether Harry, 41, would be joined by Meghan, 44, and the children on his trip.

The reported decision is also being linked to King Charles’ wish to spend time with his grandchildren, something he has made increasingly clear in private conversations earlier this year.

The last known meeting between Charles and Harry took place briefly in September, with Harry later admitting that relations had been strained during his ongoing legal dispute over UK security arrangements.

On the surface Charles appears to have gone against the grain, but we’re told the monarch has made it crystal clear that any ‘wrong move’, from Meghan in particular, and any hope of a family truce going forward will be shattered.

The insider says, ‘Charles is willing to welcome Meghan because she's Harry's wife and the mother of his grandchildren, but that doesn't mean all is forgiven. Meghan is still viewed by many as the cause of all the drama, and there’s zero trust.

‘Charles has gone against a lot of advice to open this door and truth be told most people around him still think it's a huge mistake. This is only happening because it’s what Charles wants, but one wrong move on Meghan’s part and any hope of a more permanent reconciliation could disappear overnight.’

It is currently not clear whether Charles has arranged to spend time with the Sussexes, but given the lengths he has gone to, it is likely that the King will want to spend time with his grandchildren; a desire a source also made clear earlier this year.

But now speculation is swirling over the personal cost of this reconciliation when it comes to the reaction from the rest of the royals, who have loyally stood by Charles’ side during the darkest of his days, following his mother’s death and his cancer diagnosis.

The King’s decision is also said to have caused friction within his own household, with reports suggesting both Queen Camilla and Prince William have expressed frustration over the move.

We’re told Charles is still deeply affected by the fallout from previous public claims made by Harry and Meghan, which he felt placed strain on the monarchy at a particularly vulnerable time. Now those close to the King believe he remains cautious, but is determined not to shut the door entirely on his younger son.

‘Charles has already paid a price for pushing for this reunion, it's caused so much tension between him and William and it’s got Camilla angry with him, too,’ the source says.

‘They’re convinced he’s taking an unnecessary risk and setting them all up for more agony, and the reality is that Charles has spent years giving Harry and Meghan a very wide berth. He got tired of feeling as though every conversation could somehow come back to haunt him.

‘He’s still very burned by all the public airing of grievances that have happened over the years. Fairly or unfairly, there’s a strong feeling within the family that Meghan encouraged a lot of it, which is why there’s still so much wariness around her.’

Ahead of the trip, Meghan appeared to offer a subtle public gesture on social media to mark Father’s Day in the UK.

She shared an image of Harry with their children, with Archie wearing an England football shirt in what some interpreted as a low-key nod to their upcoming visit.

However, the gesture comes amid continued scrutiny over Meghan’s commercial activities and public image.

Recent months have seen renewed discussion around her business ventures, including her involvement in a fashion-related AI platform and how her outfits are marketed online.

Royal commentators have also raised concerns about how images from public engagements have been used in commercial contexts, especially following the Sussexes’ Australian trip in April.

Royal watchers were then left stunned when an AI fashion app which Meghan invested in earlier this year – which enables her to create a page to ‘sell’ her outfits to fans and receive 10-20% of the profit if they purchase them through the app- advertised the dress that Meghan had worn to greet sick children, with the children even pictured in the photograph, which was later removed.

Royal author Tom Sykes has described the move as ‘sickening’, with a further source saying, ‘…The idea that these terminally ill children have come out to greet you because you’re a member of the royal family and hours later you’re promoting your ‘hospital look’ for money. The Queen never would have imagined this could happen because it’s just basic human decency.’

A spokesperson for Meghan responded, saying, ‘Meghan wore that outfit all day during daytime hours yesterday, including times when she was enjoying Sydney and on [a] boating trip. OneOff [the app] does sometimes pull [images of stars] from Getty [a picture-sourcing site] but Meghan’s team has been working closely with them to make sure they’re using approved photography and correcting as needed.’

However, it appears the criticism hasn’t held Meghan back, as earlier this month it was revealed that her page on the platform is now selling the outfits the Duchess of Sussex has previously worn to the Invictus Games – Harry’s beloved charity which supports war veterans, who train for an epic sporting contest.

And we were told that this apparent attempt to indirectly profit from an event supporting the futures of war veterans, presumably to continue to fund her and Harry’s lavish Californian lifestyle, had caused outrage.

A source said, ‘She’s blurring the lines between philanthropy and personal profit. If the money she made was going back to Invictus there'd be no questions asked, but the money is going into her account and that is absolutely raising eyebrows - it’s seen as very bad form.’

However, we’re now told how Harry still believes these stories are ‘distorted narratives’ and is pleading with his father to play nice with Meghan; something we’re told he will do, whilst keeping a very close eye on her movements in the UK.

‘Harry has begged Charles to give Meghan a fair chance and stop assuming the worst because of all these distorted narratives but Charles isn't about to switch off his instincts,’ the source says.

‘He knows if this all goes wrong it will be on his shoulders and he simply can’t afford another disaster. That’s why there will be no shortage of people keeping a close eye on how things unfold.

‘Charles will have his trusted aides reporting back to him about how Meghan is conducting herself and whether there are any signs of trouble brewing.’

It’s likely that if the pair are photographed publicly during their visit, Meghan will have already boosted the profile of the Sussex brand through headlines alone, but we’re told there’s still a growing fear that any wrong move by Meghan and their trip could descend into chaos.

The insider adds, ‘There’s a lot of concern about her tendency to throw her weight around and Charles wants to be absolutely sure that doesn’t happen this time. The hope is that everyone behaves, and they get through the visit without incident but behind palace walls there’s still a feeling that Meghan is a potential bomb waiting to go off.

‘Charles wants this reunion to succeed more than anyone, but he's also made it clear that if there are any issues, all bets are off.’

She’s received a tidal wave of love from fans after posting a picture of her completely bald head following her struggle with alopecia.

TV presenter Melanie Sykes, 55 - whose model good looks propelled her from the catwalk onto TV screens in the 90s in the famous Boddingtons Bitter beer adverts – had revealed her diagnosis last year in an emotional statement on her social media.

At that point, she had told fans she was in ‘so much pain’, adding, ‘I’ve got an autoimmune condition, I am losing my hair - I keep having crazy inflammation all over, and I am working on healing.’

Then, last month, the former model – who dated Bros singer Matt Goss for five years until their split in 1996 - shared another update with her social media followers, revealing that her alopecia had left her ‘two-thirds bald.’

The former TV presenter uploaded a video to Instagram showing how large patches of hair were missing on the sides of her head. Lying on her back, she turned side to side to show the effects of the autoimmune condition which causes extensive thinning of hair and baldness, captioning it: ‘#Liberty.’

Just days later, however, Mel – who has sons Roman, 24, and Valentino, 22, with her ex husband actor Daniel Caltagirone - updated fans again, this time with a stark image of her completely bald head, under which she’d written, ‘Loss + Gain = Life.’

The update came more than a year after Mel first revealed she’d been diagnosed with alopecia – as well as a heart condition and widespread inflammation, conditions that she said were linked to ‘Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, shock, mistreatment and malpractice’ due to her experiences of feeling dismissed by the UK healthcare system.

‘This country must do better and get better. Our health services are utterly shocking, bar a few and rare decent humans who listen without prejudice and judgement,’ she said in an emotional video recording.

That followed her diagnosis with autism at the age of 51 in 2021. In an interview following her diagnosis, Melanie, who also has ADHD, said, "I've always felt different to other people and how they think and operate, but now I know it's because I'm autistic it makes me feel validated as I understand why."

Mel had quit her high-flying TV career – which saw her host Today With Des and Mel, The Vault, Celebrities Under Pressure, Let’s Do Lunch as well as a whole host of other appearances – after a bitter experience on Celeb Masterchef.

She claimed a comment by co-host Gregg Wallace had made her realise she was ‘done’ with TV. Though he didn’t comment on her allegation, he later referred to ‘a handful of middle class women of a certain age’ who had made allegations about him, but apologized for any offence caused and said he had not been in a ‘good head space’ at the time.

Currently believed to be single, Mel had told fans earlier this year that she was counting her blessings, despite her struggle with alopecia.

‘I’m learning to live with “loss” and counting my blessings instead. It’s not always easy to be grateful, but it is the key to happiness and takes daily, moment-to-moment practice. Practice love.’

Despite the challenges, Mel has repeatedly spoken about focusing on her recovery and maintaining a positive outlook and has also recently completely a meditation teacher training course, revealing that she has been experiencing what is known as ‘post-traumatic growth’ – the positive psychological changes that can follow periods of trauma.

He was recently seen looking solitary while attending a basketball game by himself in Texas earlier this month. Now, sources claim that feelings of loneliness are beginning to affect Prince Harry, as he and his wife Meghan Markle – who stayed behind at their California home – are reportedly spending more and more time apart.

The insider says, ‘Their lives have drifted onto completely different tracks. It started two years ago when they made the conscious decision to go in their own directions with their work – but that has gradually expanded to the point where it’s become impossible to deny that they are now living very separate lives much of the time.’

They continue, ‘Meghan is focused on building her business empire, while Harry often seems to be operating in an entirely different world. Meghan could easily have attended the basketball game, but she came up with the same old excuses about needing to take care of the kids and focus on work.’

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44 - parents to Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – have called California home since their headline-making departure from royal duties in 2020.

Although Meghan remains estranged from much of her father's side of the family – including her father and half-siblings - Harry's ties with the Royal Family have also become famously strained, following a series of public criticisms made by the couple through interviews, documentaries and other platforms.

Reports suggest Harry has increasingly struggled with feelings of isolation since settling in the United States. Last month, claims emerged that several of the couple's celebrity friendships have reportedly ‘cooled’ since their 2018 wedding, including relationships with Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams and David and Victoria Beckham.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not returned to the UK together since attending the Queen's funeral in September 2022. However, Harry has made a number of brief solo trips over the years, including one last autumn when he met with his father for a private tea at Clarence House in what was reported to be their first in-person meeting in 19 months.

According to recent reports, Harry hoped his forthcoming visit to Britain for the Invictus Games One Year To Go event would create an opportunity for Archie and Lilibet to spend time with King Charles at Balmoral, where Harry enjoyed many childhood summers.

It was previously reported that the trip was expected to involve the whole family, and reports last week indicated that Archie and Lilibet would be travelling to the UK as well. However, the insider claims Meghan has been extremely hesitant about making the journey.

The insider shares, ‘Meghan still has reservations about bringing the children over and it’s caused rows. She wanted to know that every possible precaution has been taken before she agrees to a trip.

‘Harry feels the more his family stays away, the more distant the children will become from the rest of the family. He would love to see his children making memories with their grandfather.’

The source continues, ‘No one is suggesting the marriage is over, but there’s no denying that their relationship looks very different these days. They’re spending a huge amount of time on separate schedules in separate cities. It’s become almost the new normal for them to be apart.’

Throughout their eight years of marriage, Harry and Meghan have repeatedly faced speculation about the state of their relationship. In 2023, a spokesperson dismissed allegations that Harry kept a hotel room available for nights when he wanted time away from the family home.

Although the pair recently presented a united image during their tour of Australia, a number of their collaborative business ventures have struggled to gain momentum, including their discontinued Spotify partnership and several projects produced for Netflix.

Meghan appears to be concentrating much of her attention on her personal lifestyle venture, As Ever, despite reports suggesting the company could face losses of around $5 million due to unsold stock. Nevertheless, sources say she remains determined to turn the brand into a big success.

The insider also claims that Meghan is less troubled than Harry by the amount of time they spend apart, viewing it as a natural consequence of their demanding careers and individual commitments.

‘Meghan’s attitude is that they’re both independent adults with their own interests and ambitions. She doesn’t see any reason why they should have to do everything together and she’s very quick to shut down suggestions that there’s anything wrong. Harry has adopted the same public stance, but there’s no question this arrangement is a world away from the life he originally wanted,’ the insider says.

Four years on from their previous trip to Britain, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are at last poised to return to the UK next week.

Despite a last-minute panic over security provisions, Harry's spokesperson confirmed this week that the Prince had vowed to look at 'all options' to allow his wife and children to come with him, after his bid to secure enhanced security provisions was declined.

The family – including Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet – are tipped to appear at a special one-year countdown celebration ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games, set to be staged in Birmingham. In what many are describing as a significant gesture towards reintegration into royal life, Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, are also due to spend time with King Charles at the Scottish royal retreat of Balmoral.

According to insiders, Charles, 77, has gone a step further by inviting them to stay at Buckingham Palace too – potentially placing the Princess of Wales in the difficult position of coming face-to-face with her sister-in-law.

Given the history between them, Kate, 44 – who has remained distant from Meghan since 2020’s ‘Megxit’ – is said to worry that such a meeting could lead to private exchanges that might later be brought into the public arena, something she is determined to avoid.

‘This is Kate’s worst nightmare,’ the source explains. ‘Charles is trying to keep lines of communication open with the Sussexes, but Kate is far more cautious. Charles has never stopped hoping that the family will heal, but Kate and Prince William remain deeply wary after years of private family matters being aired in public.

‘Kate’s biggest concern isn’t Meghan coming back to Britain – it’s what comes with it. Kate worries about history repeating itself once they’re back inside Palace walls and privy to private moments. It’s dangerous, because she feels the Sussexes could worm their way back into the family.

‘Kate feels they’ve paid a very high price over the last few years – she’s cautious about the Sussexes having access again when there are still unresolved issues. She feels she could be walking into a trap – the timing couldn’t be more delicate.’

Once labelled ‘The Fab Four’, friction between the couples has simmered ever since Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties in 2020. Relations were further strained when the Sussexes publicly discussed intimate family matters – first in their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, then in their 2022 Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, and later in Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare.

In the explosive Oprah sit-down, Meghan alleged that contrary to reports claiming she had made her sister-in-law cry, it was actually Kate who left her in tears during a disagreement over bridesmaid dresses for her 2018 wedding to Harry.

Within his autobiography, Harry detailed another disagreement between Meghan and Kate, recalling how the duchess teased that Kate had ‘baby brain’. The Princess of Wales reportedly responded that she ‘was owed an apology’ and added, ‘We’re not close enough for you to talk about my hormones.’

Other than attending the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022, the Sussexes have not travelled to the UK together since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which took place three months prior to her passing.

Our source adds that aside from any potential Palace encounter, there is also the possibility of an awkward crossing of paths at one of Kate’s most cherished venues – Wimbledon.

The princess has served as royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since inheriting the position from the Queen in 2016. Having made appearances at the championships nearly every year since 2011, supporters were delighted when she made a moving return in July 2024, one of her earliest public engagements while undergoing cancer treatment. The following year, she was met with another standing ovation after announcing she had been given the all-clear.

However, the Duchess of Sussex – who previously appeared cheerful beside Kate at the 2018 and 2019 championships – is believed to have secured an invitation to this year’s tournament from her close friend of 12 years and Wimbledon wildcard entrant, Serena Williams. Although out of the singles competition, Serena and her sister Venus are also taking part in the women's doubles.

‘Wimbledon is very close to Kate’s heart, but she’s already dreading it. People around Kate think Meghan is fully aware of the position this puts her in – and there may be more than just tennis balls flying across the court if the duchess makes an appearance,’ our insider explains.

‘Meghan won’t share her plans in advance or arrange her schedule around what works best for Kensington Palace. If she wants to support Serena, she will. The two women could end up in close proximity – the Palace is handling the situation very carefully. They don’t want any misunderstandings, or anybody claiming they were snubbed.’

For years, the fractured relationship between Prince Harry and the rest of the Royal Family has seemed almost impossible to repair.

Ever since the Duke of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with Meghan Markle, relations between Harry and his relatives have appeared strained at best and openly hostile at worst. Interviews, documentaries and Harry's explosive memoir Spare only deepened the divide, leaving many royal watchers convinced there was little chance of reconciliation any time soon.

Yet behind the scenes, King Charles is reportedly attempting to build bridges with his youngest son. According to reports, the monarch has made a dramatic gesture ahead of Harry and Meghan's anticipated return to Britain, with an offer that has allegedly triggered fresh tensions at the highest levels of the monarchy.

And while Charles may see the move as an act of family unity, insiders claim Prince William views it very differently.

The Prince of Wales, who has spent recent years carrying an increasing share of royal responsibilities while supporting both his wife and father through their respective cancer diagnoses, is said to be deeply unhappy with the King's approach.

Now, according to sources, what began as a disagreement over Harry and Meghan has evolved into a much wider conflict between father and son, sparking concerns about what it could mean for the future stability of the monarchy.

'This has been bubbling away for what seems like an eternity and neither of them is giving an inch, which of course is taking a heavy toll as everyone is walking on eggshells and wondering how on earth it’s come to this,' a source claims.

'And of course, there’s an acute awareness that things will get a whole lot worse once the Sussexes come to town. William has been beside himself ever since he received the news. To say he’s upset and feeling undermined is a colossal understatement. The more it sinks in, the angrier he gets.'

At the centre of the reported dispute is Charles' alleged decision to offer Harry, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, accommodation at a royal residence during their forthcoming UK stay, along with the security arrangements said to have been approved for the visit.

The reported olive branch has surprised many royal observers, particularly given recent reports surrounding Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor property once occupied by the Sussexes.

The couple were asked to vacate the residence in 2023 following the publication of Harry's memoir, and reports have since suggested that any remaining traces of their time there are set to be removed as previous renovations are reversed.

Against that backdrop, Charles' apparent willingness to welcome the family back into royal circles has reportedly come as a major shock to William.

Royal commentator Tom Sykes recently claimed the future King has already begun demonstrating his disapproval.

Writing on his Substack newsletter The Royalist, Sykes alleged: 'Prince William has threatened to “boycott Sandringham” and shunned a key family gathering with his father last weekend in disgust at learning of Meghan Markle’s triumphant imminent return to the U.K. on the arm of Prince Harry.'

According to insiders, however, William's response has only created further friction with Charles.

While the Prince of Wales reportedly believes he is protecting the institution, the King is said to regard his son's reaction as excessive and unhelpful.

'He’s effectively telling his father ‘it’s me or Harry’ but it seems to be backfiring in his face,' the source claims.

'From Charles’ point of view he won’t be dictated to by anyone, least of all his own son. He finds William’s attitude immature, obstructive and totally out of step.It makes him worry that his son doesn’t have the temperament to be King, which of course is red rag to a bull as far as William’s concerned.

'He’s literally unable to contain his temper and resentment when it comes to the Sussexes, and the fact his father is rolling out the red carpet and treating Harry like this prodigal son is his very worst nightmare imaginable.'

Sources suggest the disagreement extends beyond personal grievances.

While the breakdown in relations between William and Harry has been widely documented over recent years, those close to the situation claim the Prince of Wales also views the Sussexes through the lens of protecting the Crown.

As the future monarch, William is reportedly concerned about the wider implications of allowing Harry and Meghan closer access to the institution once again.

'It’s his unequivocal opinion that the Sussexes are every bit as dangerous today as they were in years gone by, if not more so because they’ve had so long to plot how to divide and conquer in order to manipulate his father and somehow work their way back into his good graces,' the insider says.

'They’re the ultimate wolves in sheep’s’ clothing from William’s point of view, and he is quick to remind people how much they’ve openly hated on the monarchy yet never seen fit to apologize for any of the poisonous things they’ve said and done.

'Allowing them back into the fold serves no purpose except opening the floodgates for chaos and showing horrendous weakness, so William says, and he’s not shy about making his feelings known anymore because he feels it’s his duty to call this for what it is.'

The timing of the Sussexes' reported visit has only intensified speculation.

Recent polling and media reports have suggested Harry and Meghan's popularity in America may have softened compared with previous years, while Meghan's lifestyle venture has faced scrutiny over whether it has achieved the impact many expected.

According to insiders, William is highly suspicious of the motives behind any UK return and fears it could ultimately benefit future commercial projects.

'There’s not a shred of doubt in his mind that they’ll be using this trip to network and push Meghan’s lifestyle brand on the British people, whilst filming whatever they can during the trip and presumably saving it all up for some type of money making TV special,' the source alleges.

'He’s also extremely mindful that one day in the future, Meghan will probably look to spill the beans in her own memoir, just like Harry did with Spare.

'So he’ll be damned if he’s going to give them any ammunition let alone content, during this visit or any other time, and he’s advising everyone else that they too need to keep their guards way up and avoid seeing the Sussexes if they possibly can, even if it means defying the King.'

With plans for the Sussexes' trip reportedly moving forward, insiders claim concern is growing among palace aides about the increasingly strained relationship between Charles and William.

Although both men continue to carry out official duties and work together on matters of state, sources suggest tensions behind closed doors remain difficult to ignore.

'This collision course that he’s been on with his father is extremely disturbing and worrisome for everyone inside the Palace, because he’s clearly intent on digging in and keeping this hard line stance going in the long-term,' the insider says.

'Obviously there’s a fundamental need for them both to work together. They’re still attending meetings and briefings together but they’re being extremely curt towards each other and it’s making for an extremely uneasy atmosphere. You can cut the tension between them with a knife.'

Senior members of the family are reportedly making efforts to ease the situation before it escalates further.

Among those said to be encouraging reconciliation are Princess Anne and Prince Edward, both of whom are believed to understand the concerns of both sides.

At the same time, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is also reportedly attempting to lower the temperature between father and son.

'A number of senior figures like Princess Anne and Prince Edward have attempted to intervene and explain to Charles that William is only trying to protect the monarchy, whilst reasoning with William that his father is coming from a place of love and peace,' the insider says.

'And of course Kate is trying to help calm the situation, which is causing her no end of stress and upset as she hates all this negativity and conflict. But William cannot help himself at this point, he’s adamant that it’s his duty to speak up and stand tall when it comes to Harry and Meghan. He’s absolutely dreading this visit and making it very plain that he finds them utterly repulsive and radioactive.'

As we write ahead of Prince Harry’s highly anticipated arrival in the UK next week, we imagine the pillows at Buckingham Palace are being plumped, the silverware polished and the royal staff preparing the household’s best towels, which of course we envisage as threaded with pure gold to match the ceilings.

It has been widely reported that King Charles has offered an olive branch to his youngest son in the form of a royal residence to reside in during his UK stay, widely understood to be the London palace.

The gesture was reported to have come under the proviso that the monarch is able spend time with his grandchildren, Archie, seven and Lilibet, five, who, alongside Meghan Markle, 44, are expected to make their first return to England in five years.

However, following the weekend's bombshell news that Harry, 41, is now reconsidering plans to bring his family back to the UK, we’re told that many within the palace, led by Prince William, are convinced this latest announcement is yet another attention seeking ploy by the Sussexes and have been left ‘bewildered’ that Harry would essentially turn his back on all of the King’s goodwill.

An insider says, ‘Everyone knows His Majesty has put his entire reputation on the line to accommodate Harry’s entire family, not just him, so for this last-minute flip-flopping to be taking place is both bewildering and infuriating for Charles and everyone else who’s involved in the arrangements.

‘However this plays out, it’s only served to further antagonize senior figures behind palace walls who say Meghan and Harry are incapable of doing anything without causing stress and self-obsessed drama'.

Harry’s sudden U-turn is reported to be down to the reported refusal by RAVEC for his family to have full police protection during their stay.

It’s now been just over a year since Harry lost his case for Police protection for him and his family whenever they visited the UK, but it was reported that each of Harry’s UK visits would be assessed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee on a case-by-case basis.

However, with just a week to go until Harry’s return, it was reported that RAVEC had determined that the family should not receive 24hr police protection – a decision that is now said to be under reassessment at the final hour.

At present the trip is expected to go ahead, but a spokesperson for Harry has suggested that it is still dependent on the outcome of the security review.

They said on Monday, 30th June, ‘The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.’

Yet following the news and somewhat conflicting messages, sources have come forward to express their suspicion surrounding the timing of the update, with one insider describing the already delicate situation as having already turned into a ‘farce’ before the Sussexes have even touched down in the UK.

A source said, ‘On Friday night the Sussex office issued an op [operational] note saying that the full family would be coming to the UK, and they had accepted royal accommodation. Next day they pull out. It's a total joke and a farce.'

Meanwhile, Royal Author Tom Sykes added, ‘Meghan and the kids maybe weren’t coming after all. The reason? Security. The exact thing their own note had conceded was not available, and which they had implied was not an obstacle, the day before.

‘So what was Saturday [the day the reports emerged that Harry was reconsidering his trip] really about? I believe it was entirely cynical. It was/is an attempt to bounce King Charles – a cancer-stricken King – into intervening in the RAVEC process to grant Harry the security coverage he has spent years demanding and been repeatedly denied.’

Indeed, the real tragedy at the heart of this sudden turnaround is the broken promise that King Charles would be able to spend some quality time with his grandchildren, whom he hasn’t seen since their last trip to the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee celebrations back in 2022.

So much was the monarch’s desire to form a bond with Archie and Lilibet, that he is widely reported to have put a strain on his relationship with Prince William, who is understood to strongly disagree with his father’s decision to welcome Harry back into the fold.

Now the source says, ‘Whether they come or not, it’s still been extremely insulting – and highly upsetting – for the King to deal with. Everyone knows how much he’s been longing to spend time with his grandchildren, he’s very upset and confused right now whilst waiting for the final decision.

‘Harry may have a valid concern over security provisions but the fact it all kicked off barely 24 hours after they confirmed news of the visit is seriously suspect from a lot of people’s perspectives. They don’t understand why he’d blast those details right before he had all the required arrangements in place and formally checked off.’

Meanwhile, William, 44, is believed to remain ‘furious’ at Harry and Meghan, but even when he is presumably at his most hot-headed given the reports that he has threatened to ‘boycott’ family events at Sandringham for the near future, we’re told that Charles’ eldest son feels immense ‘torment’ over the way his father may have his hopes dashed.

‘William is leading the chorus of people saying that this is just absolutely typical of Harry and Meghan, he doesn’t believe for one second that this wasn’t done with some sort of ulterior motive and he’s convinced Meghan is the one pulling the strings,’ the insider says.

‘William doesn’t want to give Harry the satisfaction of knowing how much this is bothering him, that’s why he’s always pushing this narrative that he doesn’t care and doesn’t pay much attention to what the Sussexes are getting up to, but anyone in his world will tell you that’s absolutely not true; he’s tormented by what Harry and Meghan are putting the family through.

‘What rubs him and others the wrong way is how Harry is going about getting it, and the fact that he’s toying with His Majesty’s emotions while he’s in the middle of battling cancer. It’s just cruel as far as William is concerned.'

Following six years of explosive exposes, including Harry and Meghan's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple's 2022 Netflix series and Harry's 2023 memoir Spare, the source further claims that William now feels that every 'stunt' made by his brother and sister-in-law is just another bid for attention.

They add, ‘He believes everything they do is calculated to get the maximum attention so he’s not the least bit surprised that they’ve pulled another stunt. In his view, if they were truly serious about bringing the children with them, they would have kept it all under wraps until they had every detail sorted and approved.

‘But instead they’ve gone and teased that this is happening, they’ve gotten heaps of attention and now suddenly they’re coming out saying it might not be possible if they don’t get what they want as far as official protection.’

And we’re told that, akin to the belief of a number of royal observers, William, too, feels that Harry and Meghan are trying to flip the narrative to garner sympathy from the royals and the UK public – a move that, if true, appears to have backfired so far.

‘The timeline makes absolutely no sense, unless of course it’s all been done as a way to garner sympathy and manipulate things to their advantage, which is what William and a lot of people within the Firm believe was the real motivation behind all of this,’ the source explains.

‘And to be clear, William is not taking issue with Harry’s desire for protection for his family. He says the manipulative way this has been handled has just reinforced everything he's been saying about his brother and sister-in-law for the past six years. He doesn’t trust them and he’s horrified that they’ve managed to weasel their way back into Charles’ good graces.’

It was expected to be the moment that had been six years in the making when, finally, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would come face-to-face with the Royal Family in a reunion that many had hoped would see the end to what has been a bitter, and very public, royal rift.

However, last week it was reported that Harry, 41, may now have to make a dramatic U-turn, with his spokesperson confirming that he could be forced to leave Meghan, 44, and their children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – in California, putting paid to his plans for a wholesome, and no doubt emotional, return with this family to his homeland.

We’re now told this last-minute chaos, driven by a decision not to provide 24hr security for Harry and his family, has been ‘devastating’ for the estranged Prince, who insiders tell us is convinced there are ‘dark forces’ at play

An insider says, ‘This is a devastating blow for Harry, especially. He was confident they’d be approved, but the word came back that they’ll only receive protection during their time at royal residences and barring some type of miracle, that appears to be the final decision.

‘Obviously, it leaves him in a terrible position, knowing that the kids and Meghan will be more vulnerable and unable to travel around so freely during their stay. And make no mistake; he will only allow Meghan and the kids to join him on UK soil if he’s 100 per cent sure that they’ll be adequately protected.’

It’s now been just over a year since Harry lost his case for police protection for him and his family whenever they visited the UK, but it was reported that each of Harry’s UK visits would be assessed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) on a case-by-case basis.

However, with just a week to go until Harry’s return, it was reported how RAVEC had determined that the family should not receive 24hr police protection – a decision that is now said to be under reassessment at the final hour.

The verdict will no doubt have come as a shock to Harry, who is reported to have made plans for his children to meet with their grandfather and for the family to visit Althorp House, in Northants, the childhood home and final resting place of Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana. The estate is closed to the public on the 10th and 11th of July, prompting speculation that Harry would be staying.

Following her tragic death in a car crash in 1997, her grave is now situated on an island at the centre of the estate’s Round Oval Lake. It is likely that Harry had planned to meet the current resident of the estate, Diana’s brother Charles Spencer, and take Archie and Lilibet to visit their grandmother’s resting place.

Now we’re told that with such profound plans in place, we're told Harry believes that ‘dark forces’ are at work to prevent Meghan and their children from returning to the UK.

The source says, ‘He’s trying to find a way around this, but if it does wind up meaning he decides to come back alone, it’s an epic disaster on so many levels – and it only strengthens his ongoing belief that dark forces are at play here, within the British Establishment and inside the Firm.

‘He’d desperately hoped this trip would be a positive experience from start to finish, but that simply isn’t going to be possible if he and his wife and kids aren’t able to feel safe leaving palace grounds. He feels completely justified in that worry, especially after everything that happened to his mother, and says he'd never forgive himself if he ignored his instincts.’

King Charles is widely believed to be supportive of the family’s return to the UK and is reported to have been the driving force behind the decision to allow Harry and his family to stay at a royal residence – understood to be Buckingham Palace, which is renowned for its strong security presence.

The King last met with Harry in September and is widely reported to wish to form a bond with his grandchildren.

Meanwhile, royal author Tom Sykes has since claimed that the decision by the monarch hasn’t gone down well with Prince William, who is reported to remain ‘furious’ with his brother, who he is understood not to have spoken to for four years.

Writing on his The Royalist Substack, Tom writes, ‘It is an astonishing betrayal of his loyal and dutiful heir who has made clear he never wants to see Harry again, believes he should be exiled (as far away as possible) and has told friends he blames the stress of Harry and Meghan’s betrayal for aggravating Catherine’s cancer.’

And after one member of the public depicted Harry as ‘just a child throwing his toys out of his pram’, we’re told that he is aware that turning down the King’s offer to stay at a palace – included the security that would provide while ethe family are in residence – may only create further drama behind palace walls at a time that he had hoped to reach a truce.

The insider says, ‘Harry knows it's creating a terrible impression with the royals and that's genuinely upsetting for him because the last thing he wanted was for this to turn into another ugly drama, but he doesn’t feel like he has any choice, his children’s well-being and safety is his number one responsibility and he’s not going to put them at risk, it’s as simple as that.

‘Harry knows his father’s hands are tied to a large extent as he’s not in control of the British authorities’ ultimate decision. But he’s hoping and praying for some type of Hail Mary so the trip can still go ahead.’

It is important to note, however, that Harry and Meghan can bring their own security team, but only the taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police are able to carry arms – an important factor that Harry is adamant needs to be considered for the safety of his family.

The source further explains, ‘Harry says that's the distinction so many people keep missing. His fear is that if some unhinged individual were to target them, there would only be so much his own team could realistically do. That's why he gets so upset when people dismiss his concerns.

‘Harry knows full well there are people rolling their eyes and using this as yet another stick to beat him with, but as far as he’s concerned, none of that matters because his family comes first and always will.’

Meanwhile, the trip was expected to be Meghan’s first return to the UK in four years, having last seen the royals at the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

The Duchess of Sussex is widely reported to have been reluctant to ever step foot on UK soil again, but had reportedly agreed with Harry’s wish to introduce their children to the family’s rich heritage.

Now, however, despite reported tensions between them over Harry’s wish to reconcile with his family, the source says Harry and Meghan are completely united on the importance of putting their children’s safety first.

We’re told, ‘Meghan is proud that he’s standing his ground, she doesn't want to spend the whole trip looking over her shoulder or having to constantly worry about where they're able to take the children and what sort of threat they might face. That's not the sort of visit either of them had in mind.

‘If this was just about him, it wouldn’t bother him so much, but he simply refuses to compromise when it comes to Meghan and the children’s safety, no matter how unpopular that makes him.’

Heat is giving you the chance to win a pair (x2 tickets) to KISSTORY on Blackheath with Subway. Scroll to the bottom to enter the FREE competition for a chance to WIN now!

Meanwhile, here’s what you’ve got in store:

Blackheath, get ready for Saturday 25th July when the UK’s original Old Skool and Anthems party takes over South London for KISSTORY on Blackheath with Subway.

Across 4 massive stages, expect to see MOBO award-winning powerhouse Ms. Dynamite, unstoppable chart-topper Joel Corry, alongside KISSTORY legend Kevin Lyttle, icon Alison Limerick, and global dance pioneer Todd Terry plus loads more!

And of course, it wouldn’t be KISSTORY without wall-to-wall anthems delivered by our very own, Ace, Majestic, Marvin Humes, Nick Bright, DJ Pioneer, Scott Garcia, Tyler West and Wideboys.

And that’s not all… this year we're dialling it up. ALL. DAY. LONG.

🪩 KISSTORY Bingo

🎈 Ball pit + bouncy castle = big kid energy unlocked

⛳ Mini golf + rodeo bull… you think you're brave enough?

🚗 Dodgems + Waltzer rides

✨ And LOADS more!

For more details on how to buy tickets and the full FAQ’s, click here: KISSTORY on Blackheath 2026: Get your tickets now!

This is an over 18s event. Valid photo ID is required as proof of age for all guests on entry. Last entry is at 6pm.

Festival season is well and truly in full swing and whether you're looking for wellness and zen or a massive rave in a muddy field, there really is an option for everyone. But if festivals aren't you're thing, then there's still loads of fun to be had.

Here's everything to look out for in July...

Caffè Nero limited edition drinks

From 29 June to 12 July

Caffè Nero's Wimbledon Station

From £4.85

This summer Caffè Nero have launched two limited-edition drinks that sound absolutely delicious - an iced blueberry muffin matcha latte and a iced strawberries and cream matcha latte. While it'll be available at the Wimbledon Station store from Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July, they'll be rolling out the blueberry muffin matcha latte from Wednesday 15 July nationwide. Not only that but for every matcha purchased on the Caffè Nero app or at the Wimbledon takeover, you’ll be entered into a prize draw where you can win matcha for A YEAR. Sign us up.

Tesco is giving away a free bowl of strawberries and cream

Thursday 2 July - Friday 3 July

122 Wimbledon Bridge, London SW19 1RH (one minute walk from Wimbledon station)

Free

Tesco (in Wimbledon) are celebrating Wimbledon by giving out thousands of free portions of strawberries and cream. All you need to do is head down for 11am where the freebies begin and you can enjoy your complimentary bowl while soaking up the sun.

Free iced tiramisu lattes

Wednesday 9 July

Nonna Bakery (in Holborn)

London is set to have its first ever National Tiramisu Latte Day and to celebrate the occasion, Nonna Bakery are giving away FREE iced tiramisu lattes. It’s available in classic or pistachio and only while stock last so make sure you head down there from 2pm.

Amuse's Banana Lip Oil Collection launch

Friday 10 July

Café Vins - 1 Marlborough Court, Carnaby, London, W1F 7EE

We all love a freebie and we’ve got good news in store for you because Amuse are launching their own banana lip collection and to celebrate the launch they’re hosting their own pop up. Not only will the first 100 visitors receive a mini banana lip oil, but they’ll also get a free banana flavoured drink and dessert. Don’t worry if you’re not one of the first 100 visitors, you’ll still be able to explore the new collection, receive an Amuse tote bag with any banana lip oil purchases and you can even get some photos in the branded photo booth.

Watch Wimbledon with Limoncè Limoncello

Throughout the duration of Wimbledon

Cardinal Place in Victoria (London)

Not sure where to watch Wimbledon? Well, Limoncè Limoncello have partnered with Greenwood to host a pop-up bar at Cardinal Place in Victoria where they’ll be broadcasting the tennis matches on a large screen. To make your viewing even better, you’ll be able to drink a refreshing Limoncè Limoncello spritz.

Treat yourself to The Beauty Crop’s 25-piece summer beauty bag

There’s nothing better than getting a really good deal and this summer The Beauty Crop have done just that. They’ve launched a summer beauty bag that includes a pink gingham travel tope and 25 FULL-SIZE products. As well as their brand new Oui Cherie watermelon twist setting spray, you’ll also get travel accessories, primer, eyeliner, blusher and whole lot more make-up and a pink water bottle. Individually the products would cost £246 but they’re giving you 64 per cent off - meaning you only have to pay £85.

Watch the Wimbledon, World Cup and the Love Island final at Rooftop Cinema Club

Throughout July

Bussey Building (Peckham)

From £14

Let's be honest, July is all about the World Cup, Wimbledon and of course the Love Island final. So why not watch the games of the Islanders with a bunch of other people who are as obsessed as you at the Bussey Building in Peckham. Not only that but all throughout the month they're also screening iconic films such as The Parent Trap, Mamma Mia, Pretty Woman and 10 Things I Hate About You.

Go to Legoland...TWICE

From 25 June to 25 September 2026

LEGOLAND® Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers

Tickets from £29.75

Get double the bang for your thrill-seeking buck at LEGOLAND® Windsor resort this summer holiday. Buy just one (one!) ticket and you'll have access to two (two!) Merlin theme parks. And - AND - you can choose to mix and match your parks; so you could go to Thorpe Park one day, and Alton Towers the next, if your stomach / nerves can handle it. Just buy a ticket via the park's website to access a second free day, with the latter redeemable until 25 September. To book your ticket and get a second visit to another theme park for free, visit one of the following sites: LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort  or Chessington World of Adventures.

Fearne Cotton's Happy Place Festival

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July

Old Deer Park, London

Tickets from £49.50

Broadcaster, podcaster and best-selling author turned wellness queen Fearne Cotton returns with the 6th instalment of her Happy Place Festival this month featuring immersive workshops and thought-provoking talks from top experts including Davina McCall, Sam Thompson, Tulisa, Jordan Stephens, Ruby Wax, Olivia Bowen and so many more. The entire festival is designed with one clear ethos in mind: to offer a relatable and accessible version of self-care, at a pace that suits each individual, with festival goers invited to indulge in everything from gong baths and Pilates classes to calligraphy and colour therapy. Tickets available here.

Y2K Festival

Friday 10 July - Sunday 12 July

Tattershall Lakes Country Park, Lincolnshire

Festival packages start from £353

Away Resorts are celebrating all things 90s and 00s with a weekend filled with themed activities, retro vibes and live performances from the likes of Dane Bowers, East 17, Judge Jules and Shoasis. Dust off your bucket hat, charge your digital camera and get ready to relive the glory days. Tickets available here.

KISSTORY on Blackheath

Saturday 25 July

Blackheath, London

From £47.81

KISSTORY is always our go to for a bit of nostalgia and they're back with another festival. The iconic line-up includes Ms Dynamite, Joel Corry, Kevin Lyttle, Alison Limerick, Majestic, Marvin Humes and lots more. Tickets available here.

Smoothies at Black Sheep

Throughout July

Locations throughout the UK

From £4.99

If you're feeling hot Hot HOT, and not in the good way, trot down to your local Black Sheep Coffee shop. They've got a smoothie range that's packed full of fruit and contains no syrups, fillers, or other nonsense. We've tried the mango and greens smoothie and you could hardly taste the greens at all. This is a good thing. Find your nearest Black Sheep Coffee.

Non-alcoholic cocktails at The Alchemist

If you're doing Dry July, or are a sober punk year-round, the new low and no cocktail menu at The Alchemist is sure to delight. The sober drinks are presented with as much flair as their boozy cousins and there's not a sugary Shirley Temple in sight, thank goodness. If you get peckish, we thoroughly recommend the miso mushrooms, they're - honestly - one of the best things we've tasted all month. Find your nearest Alchemist bar.

The Paradox Museum

Knightsbridge, London

Tickets from £25.50

Get your melon twisted at London's palace of optical illusion, the Paradox Museum. We went with an eight-year-old who was thrilled with the mind-bending optical illusions, and the spills of the zero gravity room. Be warned though: the illusions are SO good that some of them, including the Underground-themed tunnel above, will make you giddy. All part of the fun. Get tickets to the Paradox Museum.

Eat Wimbledon

Available throughout the UK

£12.99

If you can't get to Wimbledon, the next best thing has got to be eating TENNIS BALL SIZE TRUFFLES. These seriously huge, brownie-inspired, sweet treats come rolled in vibrant green white chocolate and are packaged in a tennis ball style tube, for added fun. Buy tennis ball truffles from cutter & squidge.

Try Green Chef

Available throughout the UK

From £19.18

Spice things up in the kitchen this month with Green Chef, a nutritionist-approved recipe box delivery service. There's eight diet options including vegan, high-protein, keto and lower carb, and you choose how many you want per week plus the amount of time you want to spend in the kitchen. We can highly recommend the sweet miso aubergine which perked up our Monday night a treat. Check out Green Chef now.

WATCH: he real question is, do we see Love Island's Jasmine and Kavan making it work or will they meet someone new in Casa? 👀

Georgina Terry is group editor for heat and Closer online. She's sure she used to be cool but these days spends more time in soft play than scoping out hip new happenings. To be clear, Georgina Terry has two young children.

Fergie’s 'Cinderella'Toe-Sucking Shame

On August 20, 1992, the regal atmosphere at Balmoral Castle came to a screeching halt after the Queen discovered explicit photos of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in a tabloid newspaper. The photos, snapped in St Tropez, captured Fergie sunbathing topless as her American 'financial advisor,' John Bryan, appeared to suck her toes - with young Princess Eugenie playing nearby as they kissed.

That summer, Fergie was staying at Balmoral, where the unfolding scandal created a tense atmosphere within the royal household. Remembering the chaos, she later wrote in her memoir, 'It would be accurate to report that the porridge was getting cold. Eyes wide and mouths ajar, the adults were flipping through the Daily Mirror.'  Royal biographer Penny Junor described how, 'The family came down to breakfast, and there was Fergie in this shocking scene… and that was the end!' Ingrid Seward, another royal watcher, said, 'The Queen was furious, absolutely furious… She just couldn’t believe Fergie could have been so stupid to allow this to happen.'

After the images came to light, Fergie was rapidly asked to leave Balmoral. Within hours, the 'Toegate' scandal was global news. Public response was mixed - many saw it as an invasion of privacy, while journalist Anne-Marie O’Neill labelled the event 'undignified' and remarked, 'It really was the first time the royal family was opened up to such ridicule.'

Bryan later contested the toe-sucking accusation, saying, 'Goddamn it, I wasn’t sucking her toes – I was kissing them!' Fergie eventually described it as a moment of fun, 'He was pretending to try the slipper on my foot and I was Cinderella… and I said, "Oh, ha, ha, it doesn’t fit because you are not the Prince."'

The aftermath saw Fergie largely pushed out from royal circles, maintaining only a cordial relationship with her ex, the then-Prince Andrew. As for her former father-in-law, the late Prince Philip, by all accounts, he 'did not like being in the same building as her.'

How Harry & Meghan’s Revelations Shook The Royals

Nearly 30 million worldwide watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s extraordinary Oprah interview in March 2021, which dropped a series of bombshells into the heart of the royal institution. After stepping away from royal duties and relocating to the US, the couple spoke openly about their hardships within the monarchy.

Harry discussed deep family discord, including the withdrawal of financial support and a strained relationship with his father: “I will always love him, but there’s a lot of hurt that’s happened.” Meghan described a misunderstanding with Kate: “A few days before the wedding, [Kate] was upset about the flower girl dresses, and it made me cry,” but she claimed that Kate was a “good person” who later made amends.

The most disturbing revelations covered Meghan seeking help for her ailing mental health. “I went to the institution… and I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.” But nothing rocked the palace more than Harry and Meghan’s claim about “concerns and conversations” over “how dark” their son Archie’s skin tone might be. Harry added, “At the time, it was awkward. I was a bit shocked.”

The world and the Palace were both stunned, prompting an unexpected statement from the Queen, who usually preferred not to respond to criticism. In it, she said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan… While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

Harry then released his memoir Spare, which detailed an alleged scuffle with Prince William: “He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor.”

However, despite simmering tensions, Harry said he hoped for reconciliation. Indeed, some recent encounters between Harry and King Charles have ignited the faint hope for possible peace in the future.

The Sex Chat That Jeopardised Charles’ Future As King

In December 1989, a late-night, six-minute phone call between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles was secretly recorded and ultimately changed British royal history.

The intimate call, which was dubbed 'Camillagate' and 'Tampongate,' blatantly exposed their affair. Charles confessed, 'I want to feel my way along you, all over you and up and down you, and in and out,' and he then added, 'I need you several times a week.' Camilla responded, 'I need you all the week. All the time.' Then a shocking moment arrived when Charles said, 'Oh God, I’ll just live inside your trousers or something. It would be much easier,' to which Camilla joked, 'What are you going to turn into, a pair of knickers?' In an even more excruciating exchange, he then joked about becoming her tampon.

The source of the tape is still unclear. It was published in January 1993, soon after Charles and wife Diana formally separated. Public reaction was ferocious, with both Charles and Camilla, still married to other spouses, becoming objects of media ridicule. Cartoonists took aim at Charles, and Camilla was labelled the 'most hated woman in Britain.' Diana reportedly held up a copy of the transcript and told insiders, 'Game, set and match,' adding, 'It’s just sick.'

Neither Charles nor Camilla struck back in the media. Camilla’s marriage dissolved soon after, and Diana famously declared in her BBC TV Panorama interview, 'Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.' Charles didn’t confess until his marriage had 'irretrievably broken down.'

However, the tapes, assembled from multiple recordings, also highlighted a deep emotional connection between Charles and Camilla that was clearly missing in their first marriages. In the end, they survived the scandal. They married in 2005 and later became King and Queen Consort – persevering in the wake of controversy.

Love Letters and a Secret Lovechild

When Princess Anne wed Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, half a billion people watched a seemingly fairy tale event. But soon, their marriage was troubled.

Even after welcoming son Peter (1977) and daughter Zara (1981), by the late ‘80s, Anne and Mark were drifting apart, allegedly staying together only for their children’s sake.

Everything came to a head in 1989, when four private letters from Timothy Laurence, a royal aide, were stolen from Anne’s quarters and reported in the media. The letters’ contents weren’t published, but their romantic tone was undeniable. A royal source commented, 'Obviously, Tim and the princess were physically attracted to each other, but their friendship goes deeper than that. He cares for her in a way that her husband does not.'

Sensational headlines asked: 'Can This Marriage Be Saved?' But while Anne was grilled by the Press, Mark Phillips was away at a horse show. He told journalists, 'I left home on Friday and have not spoken to Princess Anne since. I will be ringing home tonight on my car phone to find out what is going on.' The couple soon confirmed their separation, admitting that their marriage had been “under strain” for a long time.

Next, attention settled on Mark’s own personal drama. Art instructor Heather Tonkin revealed that Mark had fathered her daughter, Felicity, in 1985, explaining, 'My ambition is to get Mark’s public acceptance of [Felicity] and to be able to put his name on her birth certificate.' DNA tests established Mark’s paternity, resulting in a settlement, though he never met Felicity, whose equine interests mirror his own.

By 1992, Anne and Mark were divorced. Anne married Timothy Laurence eight months later, and Mark remarried, too, but that union collapsed by 2012. Despite their separation, Anne and Mark continue to appear together at royal events – proving that even fractured royal families can sometimes remain friendly.

The Duke’s Colossal Royal Downfall

The ongoing controversy around the former Prince Andrew has struck at the heart of the British monarchy, reverberating across the globe.

Once regarded as the Queen’s favoured son and a respected member of the Royal Navy, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s reputation has suffered an irreversible blow - largely due to his connection with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to one of the most explosive scandals the Royals have ever seen.

It all came to light in 2015, thanks to legal records tied to Epstein, one of Andrew’s close associates. Virginia Roberts (Giuffre) accused Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell - currently serving a jail sentence - of trafficking her, and she alleged Andrew assaulted her aged 17, claims that he has vigorously denied.

Buckingham Palace issued rare statements refuting the charges, but the story erupted again in July 2019 when Epstein was arrested for allegedly trafficking underage girls. After his death in jail, the focus on Andrew only sharpened.

To answer the speculation, Andrew gave a disastrous TV interview on BBC’s Newsnight in November 2019 with journalist Emily Maitlis. His explanations - denying being with Virginia that fateful night and citing a medical inability to sweat - were widely lampooned.

Following this, charities withdrew support, and Andrew quit public life, 'I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.'

Although Andrew insisted on his innocence, things only intensified. In August 2021, Virginia brought a civil case, and, months later, Andrew was stripped of all royal and military positions. The Palace said, 'The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.'

Eventually, Andrew settled with Virginia – who tragically took her own life in 2025 – and gave up his dukedom. More revelations came posthumously with Virginia’s memoir. Charles then removed his 'prince' title.

On his 66th birthday, Andrew was arrested while police probed claims about sharing classified details with Epstein. His homes were raided, but he was released pending further investigation. King Charles stressed full royal cooperation: 'the law must take its course.' Police inquiries remain ongoing.

Prince Philip's Night with a Showgirl

During their impressive 74-year union, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s marriage endured decades of gossip and innuendo.

In October 1948, while Elizabeth was expecting Prince Charles, Philip allegedly dropped in on West End actress Pat Kirkwood backstage for an evening out. Though the Prince had photographer Baron Nahum (Pat’s boyfriend) with him, the group dined in Mayfair and continued to a nightclub, where Philip and Pat danced until dawn before returning to the Baron’s with a late supper. The media quickly ran with headlines such as: ‘The Prince And The Showgirl!’

Pat denied any wrongdoing, later reflecting, 'I suspect he felt trapped and rarely got a chance to be himself' and she revealed how she 'made him laugh.' Some years later, she lamented, 'A lady is not normally expected to defend her honour. It is the gentleman who should do that. I would have had a happier and easier life if Prince Philip, instead of coming uninvited to my dressing room, had gone home to his pregnant wife on the night in question.'

Rumours also linked Philip to Russian dancer Galina Ulanova, a relationship dramatised in the TV series The Crown, though entirely fictional.

When Philip travelled abroad for five months in 1956 with friend Mike Parker, tales of private parties and supposed female guests circulated. The Queen herself shut down the chatter by issuing a statement to say, 'It is quite untrue that there is a rift between the Queen and the Duke' later adding, 'There’s nothing worse than to fence a man in and stop him from doing what he wants.'

Philip’s alleged flings included actresses and aristocrats, though insiders insisted, 'He was never one for chasing actresses.' Both Lady Brabourne and Lady Sacha Abercorn, described as his friends, rejected any romance.

Despite years of speculation, not a shred of solid proof surfaced. 'People have often said, "He must have been unfaithful," but there is no solid evidence for that,' royal author Robert Lacey asserts. Even Philip himself once fired back at reporters: 'Have you ever stopped to think that, for the past 40 years, I have never moved anywhere without a policeman accompanying me? So how the hell could I get away with anything like that?'

WATCH: The real question is, do we see Love Island's Jasmine and Kavan making it work or will they meet someone new in Casa? 👀

Four months after leaving the UK amidst the furore surrounding her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, it was revealed in April that Sarah Ferguson had been staying at a £2000-a night ski resort in the Austrian mountains.

However, after being photographed emerging from a Mercedes outside her chalet on April 16th, it appears the disappearing former Duchess is at it again, having not been spotted since and presumed to have moved on.

The only hint that Sarah, 66, may have stayed local, was the presence of her daughters Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, at a wedding in Austria’s capital city of Vienna last weekend.

Stepping out in Austria while the rest of the family celebrated the Trooping the Colour parade at Buckingham Palace, we’re now told that the sisters did make the three-hour journey to Salzburg, close to where their mother is staying, for an ‘incredibly emotional’ reunion.

Not least so, we’re told, because Sarah is becoming ‘desperate’ after being evicted from her home of Royal Lodge in October and reportedly having sunk a vast amount of money on staying in a luxury resort for the past few months.

Now, the source says Sarah has pleaded with her daughters to help her out of what has become a ‘nightmare’ situation.

An insider says, ‘Beatrice and Eugenie are in an absolutely terrible position because at the end of the day and for all her faults and flaws, Sarah is still their mother and they love her and worry about her.

‘When they saw her in Austria it was incredibly emotional; Sarah didn’t even try to hide how desperate the situation has become. The money’s running out, the credit cards are at the limit, and so far Andrew has had no luck securing any sort of extra help from Charles for her.

‘It’s no wonder Sarah’s convinced the girls are the only ones she can turn to. She’s putting a lot of pressure on them to rescue her from this nightmare.’

It’s now been eight months since Sarah and Andrew were stripped of their royal titles and evicted from their Windsor home, but over the past few months following Andrew's arrest under suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, their daughters’ have been dragged into the eye of the storm like never before.

Despite there being no sign of wrongdoing by the princesses whatsoever, there have been calls from the public for Beatrice and Eugenie to be stripped of their royal titles and speak out about anything they may have known about their parents’ friendship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.

Earlier this month, one royal observer even went as far as to call the younger Yorks ‘a rot at the heart of the monarchy’ following a financial audit that revealed how both Beatrice and Eugenie have been keeping palace properties at peppercorn rent, despite not being working royals.

However, last fortnight, the royals appear to have put the scandal that continues to engulf them aside to celebrate the wedding of Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling in the picturesque Cotswolds.

And while Prince Harry, Andrew and Sarah were all absent from the guest list, Beatrice and Eugenie, who alongside William are also first cousins of Peter, attended the idyllic ceremony, which took place in a quintessential village church before guests continued celebrating at Anne’s home of Gatcombe Park.

The nuptials mark the first time the sisters have rejoined the royal fold so publicly since Christmas and following the arrest of Andrew under suspicion of misconduct in public office in February. He has denied all allegations against him.

Now, the source says the sisters have found themselves in a difficult situation following Sarah’s shocking demands.

We’re told that not only are their husbands – Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank – not thrilled over the prospect of inviting scandal to their very doorsteps, but any sign of colluding with their mother could also risk the princesses losing their royal titles, too.

The source says, ‘The problem is that Beatrice and Eugenie are at a loss as to what they can realistically do. Their husbands are extremely uncomfortable about becoming more involved in Sarah and Andrew’s problems and certainly aren’t keen on the idea of opening up their homes.

‘What makes it even harder is that the girls are painfully aware of how delicate their position already is within the royal family. They don't want to alienate themselves from the family and risk getting the boot themselves. But they also can’t bear the idea of abandoning their mother when she needs them most. It's a lose-lose situation.’

However, it has been widely agreed by royal watchers that Sarah remains a threat to the monarchy following reports that she has already been approaching publishers about a potential royal tell-all, allegedly seeking to secure a deal for around £2 million.

A source previously told us that Sarah had been keen to meet with King Charles to discuss a financial agreement that would allow her to set herself up elsewhere. Yet with nothing reported to be in place and no meeting expected to take place, we’re told that Sarah could go ahead with her explosive memoir - a move that may further put her daughters’ future within the royal fold at risk.

‘If they totally turn their backs on their mother the odds of her totally blowing everything up are exponentially higher. Sarah isn’t going to come out and say it, but the more they help her out, the less likely she is to go ahead with her dreaded tell-all - that’s the hard truth of this,’ the insider says.

‘If she does write her memoir and throws the Royal Family under the bus, the way she’s been threatening, it will have a huge blowback effect on Beatrice and Eugenie and their standing within the family.

‘It’s hard to imagine it wouldn’t be the absolute end for them. They’re already teetering on being exiled along with their parents so it’s an incredibly delicate situation. Obviously, it will be very hard for them to extract any promises out of Sarah, no matter how much they help her, but she’ll be a whole lot less vulnerable to all the vultures if she’s not worrying about her survival.’

However, Sarah has long had a reputation for enjoying a lavish lifestyle, and the source claims that without the support of Andrew’s status and wealth, Sarah could struggle to ‘control her spending’ – potentially leaving her daughters in a precarious position that could last for years, rather than any short-term fix.

‘Sarah is not exactly known for being frugal, a lot of people are warning the girls that once they start helping her out, they will never see the end of it because she burns through money like you wouldn’t believe,’ the source says.

‘For pretty much her entire adult life Sarah has had Andrew supporting her so she never learned to budget or control her spending. Even after they divorced she relied on him to save the day and that simply isn’t going to happen this time around, or at least it seems very unlikely.

‘The reality is she’s wholly unprepared to fend for herself, which is a frightening position for her to be in, it’s no wonder she’s putting so much pressure on the girls, they truly are her only option.’

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With her wedding to Travis Kelce just days away, Taylor Swift should be floating on cloud nine. Instead, insiders say the singer’s long-running fallout with Blake Lively has cast an shadow over what ought to be the happiest week of her life.

‘Even though it was Taylor’s decision to end the friendship, it’s still very painful. She and Blake were so close for so many years – so of course she misses her – and now here she is getting married and potentially not even inviting Blake to her wedding. It’s got to feel weird,’ a source tells us.

The pair were inseparable for nearly a decade. Since first striking up a friendship in 2015, they’ve shared holidays, red carpets and family milestones – with Taylor even becoming godmother to Blake and Ryan Reynolds’ three daughters, James, Inez and Betty. Which makes the reported silence between them all the more striking, and it seems Taylor is having second thoughts over the emotional fallout.

‘No doubt there’s an element of guilt at play here too because Taylor’s a very empathic person – it’s no secret Blake is suffering. There was a time she was going to be Taylor’s maid of honour and now it seems she’s not even getting an invite, which is just sad,’ the insider continues.

At the centre of the rift is Blake’s explosive legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. In December 2024, Blake filed a complaint and lawsuit alleging sexual harassment on set, as well as breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy. Justin denied the allegations and responded with a $400million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Blake, her husband Ryan and their PR team.

The saga took another turn when Taylor was named in Justin’s lawsuit and later served with a subpoena. Private text exchanges between the former friends were unsealed in court documents. By May 2025, a source claimed that ‘their friendship has halted’, adding that ‘Taylor wants no part in this drama’.

Now, almost a year on, it seems little has changed.

‘Most people around Taylor don’t think Blake is getting an invitation. Never say never because Taylor does tend to follow her heart, but if you forced people to bet on it, they’d say it’s not happening,’ our insider says.

There have been conflicting whispers, though. One US outlet suggested Taylor had extended an olive branch with an invite, while other sources insist ‘there was no reconciliation call’.

So far, there’s been no official confirmation either way. What is clear is that emotions are still running high behind the scenes.

‘That doesn’t mean Taylor has stopped caring about Blake – quite the opposite. One of the reasons this has been so difficult is because the friendship meant so much to her, she’s had to wrestle with a lot of conflicting emotions over this and likely will for a long time. She misses Blake, she misses the friendship and she hates how ugly everything became,’ the source explains.

‘At the same time, she was deeply hurt by the way Blake handled this whole thing, she felt massively betrayed. Her inner circle is very protective of her, they’ve all held her hand throughout and seen the pain it’s caused, so it’s pretty hard for them to stomach the idea of her going backwards and potentially inviting more pain in. They’re telling her the healthiest thing is to keep moving forward instead of reopening old wounds.’

Taylor, 36, is expected to marry NFL star Travis, also 36, on 3 July – with fans already dubbing the ceremony ‘the royal wedding’. The couple have been together since summer 2023 and announced their engagement last August, after the Kansas City Chiefs tight end proposed in the garden of his Missouri home.

‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,’ Taylor joked at the time – a line that instantly sent fans into meltdown.

As for the venue, speculation is rife. Some reports suggest the couple will wed at Taylor’s $17million oceanside property in Rhode Island – the same home where she recently hosted a glamorous pre-wedding celebration with close friends. Others claim New York’s Madison Square Garden is in the running. Notably absent from the Rhode Island gathering? Blake.

‘There’s no question that Blake would jump at the chance to come to the wedding. Everyone knows she’s still hoping that somehow her friendship with Taylor will recover, but to her credit she hasn’t been putting any pressure on things,’ the insider reveals.

‘For a long time, she was reaching out and trying to make amends, but she finally gave up and that’s definitely the smartest path to take if there’s going to be any hope of healing their friendship in the long term.’

History suggests time can be a powerful healer in Taylor’s world as the source explains regarding her once-frosty relationship with Karlie Kloss.

‘Taylor does not like to be pressured. She has a history of taking a step back from people when she’s hurt and then reassessing later on. Look at what happened with Karlie Kloss. They didn’t speak for years but time did heal things between them, to the point that Karlie is getting an invite, which did shock a fair amount of folks in Taylor’s life.’

Whether Blake’s name makes it onto the final seating plan remains to be seen.

‘Right now, though, the overwhelming consensus is that chapter is closed. But very few people believe Taylor will hold onto resentment forever. She and Blake had such a deep bond, it’s hard to imagine that there won’t be some sort of healing, but it’s very doubtful it will happen in time for the wedding,’ the source adds.

Through it all, Travis is said to be a steady presence.

‘Travis has been very supportive. Whatever Taylor decides he will get on board for, but he hates seeing how much stress this is causing her. Everyone does,’ our insider says.

For now, all eyes are on 3 July. It should be a day about love, laughter and a fresh chapter. But whether the guest list includes one very famous former friend could be the detail everyone’s watching.

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Following reports that he has personally paid for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security and has secured the Sussexes a royal residence for their upcoming UK trip, it has become clear that King Charles has been the driving force behind his son’s return.

The monarch is widely reported to wish to reunite with Harry and to spend time nurturing a bond with his grandchildren – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – who he has not seen in person since the late Queen’s jubilee in June 2022; the weekend also marking Lilibet’s first birthday, which they celebrated at their former Windsor home of Frogmore Cottage.

Their reunion is no doubt set to be an emotional one, but we’re now told how Charles’ joy at seeing his grandchildren remains overshadowed by the hurt he feels over the deep divide between his two sons, Harry and Prince William, who are today all but strangers following a six-year rift.

So much so, that a source reveals how the monarch intends to step in and bring his feuding sons together once and for all by inviting them to come face-to-face during Harry’s visit in July.

An insider says, ‘Charles has become increasingly emotional about the situation between William and Harry because, from his point of view, far too much time has already been lost. There was a period where he accepted that neither side was ready to move forward, but he’s now become convinced that if this family is ever going to heal, somebody has to step in.

‘He’s mellowed considerably and keeps telling William that carrying around this level of resentment is helping nobody. In Charles’ mind, July presents the best opportunity they're likely to get, and he doesn't want it wasted. He knows there’s every chance the meeting could be uncomfortable, but he firmly believes it’s now or never.’

Meanwhile, given William’s reported reaction to the news that not only will Harry be returning - but that they will receive the royal treatment as provided by the King when they land back on UK soil - Charles could have his work cut out.

William, 44, is reported to have been so put out by the news that he has threatened to ‘boycott’ family events at Sandringham for the foreseeable future and is said to have made a swift exit from the Trooping the Colour parade at Buckingham Palace last weekend, avoiding the annual family meal that traditionally follows.

One royal watcher summarised, ‘Make no mistake, this is a huge victory for Harry, a massive humiliation for William and a gigantic political gamble (which I suspect won’t pay off) for the King.’

Now we’re told that William remains adamant that the Sussexes can’t be trusted and, alongside Camilla, feels that welcoming Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, back into the royal fold would be a ‘huge gamble’ and one that could have wide-reaching repercussions.

‘William and Camilla think the whole idea is complete lunacy. They've both warned Charles countless times that he's setting himself up for disaster; that Harry and Meghan can’t be trusted,’ the source says.

‘William is still livid and can’t understand why his father keeps extending olive branches. As far as he's concerned, Harry is beyond hope. Camilla isn’t much more enthusiastic and has made no secret of her belief that Charles is taking a huge gamble.

‘But Charles has dug his heels in. He’s reached the point where he believes the feud is damaging the family far more than any awkward reunion ever could.’

Shedding light on the stark reality of Harry and William’s heartbreaking rift is the fact that, come September, it will have been four years since the two, once inseparable brothers, are believed to have spoken a single word to one another.

Having been forced together for perhaps the final time to mark the passing of their grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, at her funeral in 2022, the chasm between the siblings appears only to have widened with widespread reports that William could even strip Harry and Meghan of their royal titles when he takes over the throne.

Meanwhile, Harry previously revealed how Charles had begged his sons, ‘Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery', when the trio attended the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021.

But five years on, and Harry and William’s feud is not only more bitter than ever, but also comes amidst the King’s own battle with cancer, for which he continues to receive treatment.

Now the source says that Charles is insistent that this reunion is in everyone’s best interests and sees William’s threats over Harry’s return as ‘petulant’ and ‘ridiculous’.

We’re told, ‘Charles is tired of defending his position on this matter, he says the decision has been made in the family’s best interests, and if William continues to fight him on that, then he’s being petulant and obstructive.

‘All this talk that William is now threatening to boycott Sandringham is utterly ridiculous and over the top. In his view, he assumes it’s something that was said in the heat of the moment, and once the dust settles, William will hopefully calm down and start to see common sense.'

They add, 'Charles is determined to force it through. He’s certain that Harry can be talked into it, and once they’re in the same room, it’ll be a case of them finally opening their hearts and dropping their respective grievances, preferably one-on-one, though he is more than willing to sit in and act as a de facto mediator.’

Meanwhile, in a heartbreakingly poignant twist, the 30th anniversary of William and Harry’s mother, Princess Diana’s tragic death, next year could also play a role in finally bringing the brothers back together.

Having been an incredibly protective and doting mother, Diana’s former butler and close friend, Paul Burrell, previously said the Princess would have been ‘devastated’ by their rift.

He added, ‘If their mother were here today, she would bring them back together…It was very important to her that they stayed close’.

And the source says this sentiment is shared by their father, who, following his 2024 cancer diagnosis, knows that time is precious.

‘He’s certain that peace between the brothers is what his mother would have wanted, as well as Diana and many other figures inside the Firm, both past and present,’ the source says.

‘And if it takes a forced peace or intervention of sorts for that to finally happen, then so be it. He’s got several weeks to work on William, and despite the current resistance, he’s confident that ultimately he’ll be able to pull this off.

‘He intends to remind both his sons that life is too short for grudges, plus the painful reality is that he himself is still fighting cancer, and it’s his greatest wish that his sons find it in their hearts to move forward.’

However, William is widely reported to remain ‘furious’ over his brother and Meghan’s tell-alls, including Harry’s accusation in his memoir Spare that William had assaulted him during an argument over Meghan. And to this day, we’re told that he sees Harry’s ‘disrespect’ as ‘unforgivable’ and has moved past the idea that his younger brother will ever apologise.

The insider says, ‘Of course, William’s position is that this sentimentality all belongs in a bygone era, that Harry has changed irredeemably, and there’s far too much mud under the bridge for any hope of a respectful relationship.

‘Ultimately, his brother has disrespected the Crown to an unprecedented and unforgivable degree. The only way he’d rethink that stance is if Harry were to grovel for an apology and make the type of concessions and promises that he’s totally incapable of – at least, whilst Meghan’s still on the scene.

‘At this point in time, he’s totally dead set against any face time whatsoever, so his father can push for him to meet with Harry all he wants, he’s simply not interested, and it’s hard to see his position changing.’

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In what has been described as an unexpected ‘victory’ for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Sussexes are, at this very moment, likely to be packing up their suitcases in Montecito ahead of their grand return to the UK in the coming week.

The couple, who have largely been estranged from the Royal Family for the past six years, are to be joined by their children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – and are widely reported to have been welcomed back by King Charles with all of the grace and favour of working royals, complete with full security and the comforts of a royal residence during their stay.

The news of this proverbial royal red carpet has unsurprisingly been reported as a ‘bitter pill’ for Harry’s brother, Prince William, to swallow, with relations between the Heir and his father now said to be so frosty that he has allegedly threatened to distance himself from family events at Sandringham for the foreseeable future.

However, rather than being disappointed or saddened by his brother’s reaction, we're told Harry, 41, who has openly described William, 44, as his ‘arch nemesis’, is instead relishing William’s reported fury.

‘Harry knew William would fly off the handle as soon as his father rubber-stamped the terms of their trip back, and he told Meghan to sit back and enjoy the show,’ an insider says.

‘For Harry, seeing his brother throw his toys out of the pram like this just demonstrates that he’s an ill-tempered brat who’s filled with negativity and resentment, whereas he and Meghan are just trying to live their lives and let bygones be bygones.’

Having reportedly been told the news of the Sussexes’ return next month just hours before the Trooping the Colour parade last weekend, it was reported that relations between William and Princess Kate, and Charles and Queen Camilla, had already cooled by the time they put on a united front on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

A source claimed, ‘Queen Camilla, King Charles, and the Princess of Wales were not outwardly warm together that day, and it wasn’t just because of the protesters. Relations were decidedly frosty backstage.'

Another insider added, ‘The King’s relationship with William is not in a good place’, with reports claiming that William, Kate and their children had not attended the annual lunch following the celebration and had instead made a swift exit.

Charles will now undoubtedly be grappling with a way to navigate this immensely difficult situation between his warring sons, but we’re told that, as far as Harry is concerned, what he perceives as William’s ‘brattish’ behaviour is just ‘playing into' his and Meghan's hands.

The source says, ‘Make no mistake, this is tremendously satisfying for Harry, and he’s telling Meghan it’s only a matter of time before other royals come to their father’s side and choose their side over his hot-headed brother’s.

‘The longer William’s bad attitude goes on, the more it plays into their hands. It’s enormously satisfying for Meghan, too, and she’s in full agreement that their best strategy is to smile sweetly, charm as many people as they come to the UK, and let William keep shooting himself in the foot with his bad attitude.’

The announcement of the Sussexes' return to celebrate One Year to Go until the Invictus Games comes after months of speculation over whether Harry would be joined by Meghan and the children on his trip.

And the decision, reportedly driven by the monarch’s desire to spend time with his grandchildren, certainly appears to be a huge U-turn. The last time Charles met with Harry was briefly back in September, and Harry later admitted that his father had refused to see him during his legal dispute over security for his family in the UK.

It was also widely reported that William had no intention of reconciling with his brother this summer; something we’re told Harry was aware of and is seeing Charles’ good grace toward him as a ‘stunning moral victory’.

‘Harry is trying to be discreet and not rub it in William’s face too openly, but in private he can’t resist having a humble brag,’ the source says.

‘He knows how hard his brother campaigned to have him banned from the royal fold this summer and that his father is defying his wishes as well as many others by opening the door for him and Meghan after all these years of bad blood.

‘So the fact they’ve finally managed to pull this off and be granted security and accommodation on royal grounds is a huge coup as well as a stunning moral victory, as far as Harry’s concerned.’

The brothers are now believed not to have spoken since their grandmother’s funeral and, even then, relations were reported to already be very fractious following Harry and Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which they made scathing allegations of bullying and racism against the royals. The Royal Family have strenuously denied any claims of racism, with Prince William publicly stating, 'We are very much not a racist family'.

And the source says that while Harry still feels sorrow over the deep rift that has grown between himself and William, he knows that this visit could be a huge opportunity for him to win back the favour of other senior royals before William takes the throne in the future.

The insider says, ‘Of course he still feels badly about his fractured relationship with William and there’s an acute awareness on that his relationship with the royal family will be a whole lot worse and quite possibly non-existent once his brother becomes King – especially if he makes good on his plan to strip them of their HRH titles.

‘But for right now, it’s one battle or challenge at a time, and Harry’s biggest priority is to make this trip a success whilst keeping his side of the street clean. He can’t control his brother’s thought process or actions, and in many ways he feels quite sorry for him to be holding onto so much anger and resentment.’

The source adds, ‘In years gone by, Harry says he would have taken the bait and gone into an open war with his brother. But instead he’s being polite and respectful, telling people that he hopes William finds peace and contentment at some stage in his life because it must be horrible to be consumed by so much negativity and rage.’

Meanwhile, we’re told Harry’s alleged smugness is only making the situation worse for William, who is widely reported to remain ‘furious’ over Harry and Meghan’s tell-alls and is allegedly preparing to cut the Sussexes out of the royal fold for good when he becomes King.

‘Of course, this all gets back to William and incenses him even more. He finds it staggering that Harry is so unrepentant and downright smug and self-righteous, that he has the audacity to tell people he’s out of line after all the chaos and pain he’s inflicted along with Meghan,’ the source says.

‘In William’s mind, Harry may have scored this initial coup, but it’s just the start of a long war that he fully intends to win. He’s sticking hard to the line that he won’t be steamrollered or bullied by the Sussexes under any circumstances and that his father is making a very grave mistake indeed.’

WATCH:

I bet we can all remember the last time we were involved in some kind of piggyback antics, right? We were either at a festival, a bit tipsy or reluctantly carrying a child that just CAN’T WALK ANYMORE!! Anyway, back to the point, it’s not every day that you indulge in adult piggybacking, because frankly, it draws a LOT of attention! So, when we saw the latest pics of Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds enjoying a piggyback session, we naturally assume that something was going on in what we are led to believe is absolute paradise of a relationship.

Luckily for the two A-listers, cameras were poised to capture these playful moments, and the pair even posed for selfies with fans while they enjoyed their New York date night. You think we’d be relieved, because let’s be honest, it was starting to feel like we were never going to hear Blake Lively’s name again unless it was firmly attached to Justin Baldoni.

But in heaven-sent news, last month we finally saw the end of the lawsuit to end all lawsuits, when it was, at last, settled after 10 of Blake’s claims were dismissed out of court. While Lively’s attorneys said in a statement, 'This settlement is a resounding victory for Blake Lively,' Justin Baldoni’s lawyer stated that it was a 'total victory' for his client. I mean, two winners are better than two losers, right?

And while it seems that one huge hurdle is behind the A-list darlings, sources say behind the scenes, the couple are facing their own struggles.

An insider says, 'The last thing they want is for people to think the pressure is getting to them, but there is no denying it's been an incredibly difficult period. Putting on this over-the-top show of being fun and carefree for the cameras is being seen as very contrived by those in their orbit because the reality is they’ve been absolutely battered by this. Every time they think they’re turning a corner, another setback lands on their doorstep.

'They finally got a win when the judge ordered Justin’s side to cover her legal fees, and they are really trying to frame that as a huge victory, but no one’s buying that. There is just no denying the turmoil this ordeal caused them; it completely upended their lives. They can make all the happy social media posts and pose for all the happy selfies, but of course, this has taken a big toll; even the most solid marriage would feel the pressure under these circumstances. The question is, how much longer can they take this?'

While Ryan’s involvement in the unravelling of Blake and Justin’s working and personal relationship is well documented, as Hollywood husbands go, he has to be applauded. Reynolds has steadfastly maintained his loyalty to his wife in the face of any and all criticism. There’s no doubt that while they’ve continued to attend red carpet events together, it’s not been easy.

Our source tells us, 'Before all this happened with [Justin] Baldoni, Blake saw this movie as a major comeback opportunity. She was genuinely excited and believed it would make her a rom-com queen and catapult her into a more prominent position in the Hollywood pecking order. Instead, it turned into this epic fiasco that has damaged her reputation and spilt over onto Ryan as well.'

The insider continues, 'They are essentially back at the drawing board now, trying to figure out how to roll with the punches and rebuild from this. That’s a huge reason why they’re working so hard to project a positive image for the cameras; they’re trying to show the world that they’re still standing and still united. But make no mistake, things are grim behind the scenes; this whole situation weighs heavily on both of them. It’s no exaggeration to say it was hanging over their lives like a black cloud.

'The legal situation, which meant an almost daily back and forth with lawyers, and on top of that, very few of the secondary consequences in all of this have been resolved. The fallout with Taylor [Swift] has been so painful, and there’s no end in sight, and she’s by no means the only relationship they’ve lost. Not to mention the beating that their public image has taken.

'For a couple that is hyper image-conscious, that is arguably the worst part, even worse than the financial hit. Whether they admit it publicly or not, criticism gets under their skin. At the same time as they’re dealing with all of this, they still have four young children to raise; the pressure is enormous. But as tough as things are, they are still very committed to getting through this together. The big and unspoken challenge, though, is that finding a path back from where they are now is likely to be a very long slog.'

Before the It Ends With Us fiasco, Blake and Ryan were seen as one of the most solid couples in Hollywood. Back when they weren’t navigating a gazillion-dollar lawsuit, their main problem was finding time together!

An insider close to the parents of four who met in 2010 on the set of Green Lantern, and married two years later in September 2012. 'One area that isn’t so easy to manage is Ryan’s jam-packed schedule. He’s on the crest of a wave and feels a ton of pressure to ride it while he can, and Blake is super supportive, but the reality is they don’t get much in the way of vacations or date nights. They never really get the chance to be one of those boring couples that just sit at home, cuddling up, watching Netflix.'

'Ryan is constantly flying over to the UK for his work with Wrexham, and then back to LA to schmooze with studio people,' our insider reveals. 'He’s amazing at doing it all, while Blake holds down the fort with the kids and relies as little as possible on nannies. But she’s got her own movie career and brands to run as well, so the two of them barely have a moment of downtime, let alone the bandwidth to plan for more babies.

'They do a great job with the PR and presenting this image that they’re joined at the hip, but that’s because they’re brilliant at their timing. It’s not like they’re apart all the time – it’s just that there’s never a long stretch of time where they can truly relax and connect alone. And when they do have time off, what’s most important is spending time with the kids. As much as they’d love time to just chill out and go on romantic date nights, their alone time has to take a back seat to their family and their careers.'

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For years, royal fans have hoped that Prince William and Prince Harry would eventually find a way back to each other. But with every passing month, that possibility appears to grow more remote.

By the time September arrives, it will reportedly have been almost four years since the brothers are believed to have shared a conversation.

Once seen as an inseparable double act who supported one another through unimaginable tragedy, their relationship is now widely regarded as one of the deepest fractures facing the Royal Family.

Now, with Harry expected to return to Britain in the coming weeks, fresh speculation suggests one senior royal is determined to seize what could be the best opportunity yet to encourage a reconciliation. According to insiders, that person is Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is said to believe time is running out to repair the damage.

While the Princess of Wales has largely stayed out of the ongoing dispute, a source claims she has reached the point where she feels waiting any longer could make matters worse.

'In her view, the longer they wait to deal with this, the worse it’s getting. She’s even said she fears that this could be the last chance because the longer this goes on, the more the hurts stack up, and at some point there’s just too much water under the bridge,’ the insider says.

The source adds that Kate, 44, had always hoped emotions would naturally settle following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life, believing the brothers would eventually reconnect on their own.

‘Kate never imagined this feud would drag on for so many years. In the beginning, like everyone else, she assumed there would be a cooling-off period, and eventually they’d find their way back to each other,’ the source says.

'Instead, the opposite has happened. Every year that passes, they seem to get further apart. It might not be quite so heartbreaking if they’d always been at odds, but they used to be so close, they were two peas in a pod.’

The reported concerns come as Harry, 41, prepares for another visit to the UK. Although no meetings with members of the Royal Family have been officially confirmed, the trip has inevitably reignited speculation over whether any private reunion could take place behind Palace walls.

It has long been reported that King Charles also hopes to see his sons rebuild their relationship. Harry himself revealed in Spare that his father pleaded with the brothers following Prince Philip’s funeral, saying, ‘Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery.’

Years later, the family divide remains unresolved, despite Charles continuing to undergo treatment for cancer.

According to the source, both the King, 77, and Kate reportedly believe the emotional cost of the feud has become impossible to ignore.

‘She and Charles are on the same page; they can’t stand by and just accept that these two may never even speak again. It just feels too unbearably sad,’ the insider says.

'[Kate] worries about what the weight of all this anger and bitterness is doing to William, but she’s even more worried about Harry; she’s convinced he’s really suffering right now, she’s said he looks increasingly unhappy in the photos she sees of him.’

Despite those reported concerns, persuading William to reopen the door may prove far from straightforward.

Relations between the brothers have remained strained ever since Harry and Meghan, 44, stepped back from royal duties in 2020, with tensions escalating following a series of high-profile interviews, the Netflix documentary series and Harry’s memoir, Spare.

In the book, Harry described William as both his ‘arch nemesis’ and his ‘beloved brother’, while also alleging that William physically assaulted him during an argument about Meghan in 2019. The memoir also included numerous claims about family life behind Palace doors, many of which attracted worldwide attention.

Kate herself also found her name drawn into the public fallout surrounding the Sussexes. She was portrayed as distant in Harry’s memoir and later became the subject of further controversy following claims made in Omid Scobie’s book Endgame.

Scobie denied identifying her as the person involved in conversations about Archie’s skin colour and said any suggestion otherwise resulted from an editing error. Buckingham Palace has consistently denied allegations of racism within the Royal Family.

Given everything that has unfolded publicly, the insider believes William would be reluctant to embrace any attempt at reconciliation unless Harry was prepared to take responsibility for the hurt caused.

We’re told, ‘It’s hard to imagine William will react well to this. He isn’t going to tell Kate what she can and can’t do; that has never been their dynamic, so it won’t be a case of her asking permission, but no doubt this is going to rock the boat.

'William is not going to change his position first; it will take Harry swallowing all pride and essentially begging. That’s hard to imagine, but Kate and Charles feel that it’s possible once he realises all that he will gain by getting William back on side.’

According to the source, Kate is approaching the situation carefully and has yet to raise the subject directly with her husband.

Instead, she is reportedly waiting to see whether a private meeting with Harry becomes a realistic possibility before discussing any plans with William.

‘Kate has not broached the subject with William head-on yet; she’s tiptoeing around it, and to be fair, no meeting has been set yet. Once something is on the books, odds are she will tell William, she’s not the type who would lie,’ the insider claims.

‘That’s why this is all being kept hush-hush for now. She and Charles are both dreading William’s reaction, but they just don’t feel like they can ignore this any longer.’

Adding another emotional layer to the situation is the approaching anniversary of Princess Diana’s death.

Next year marks three decades since the late Princess passed away, and those close to her have often spoken about how much she valued the close relationship between her sons.

Her former butler Paul Burrell previously reflected on how devastated Diana would have been by the current estrangement, saying, ‘If their mother was here today, she would bring them back together…It was very important to her that they stayed close.

The insider claims Kate often reflects on that sentiment and feels increasingly determined not to allow the division to become permanent.

‘Next August will mark 30 years since Diana’s passing, and here are her boys not even willing to be in the same room. Kate feels that’s such a travesty and she can’t let it happen,’ the source says.

‘It’s true they always had their battles and their differences, but they were still incredibly bonded, that’s how their mom raised them, she always wanted William to look out for Harry.’

Kate's own relationship with Harry was once famously warm. After joining the Royal Family, she reportedly developed an easy friendship with her future brother-in-law, who affectionately referred to her as ‘the sister I never had.’

The pair were often described as sharing a mischievous sense of humour, with Harry previously recalling Kate once giving him a novelty ‘grow-your-own-girlfriend’ kit as a Christmas present while he was single.

Those memories, according to the insider, are part of the reason Kate believes she may still be able to reach Harry in a way that others cannot.

Before any conversation between the brothers could happen, however, the source claims Kate wants to speak privately with Harry to stress how fragile the situation has become and encourage him to consider the bigger picture.

‘She wants to meet with him face to face and find out, and she wants to try and talk sense into him. She does feel he’s the one that should be the first to apologise since he is the one that wrote such terrible things [in Spare] about William.

‘Not that she will dare say that directly to Harry, she will take a much more diplomatic tact. She knows how sensitive Harry can be. Whether it works or not remains to be seen but she’s dead set on giving this her all.’

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After months of questions, it’s been confirmed that Meghan Markle will join Prince Harry on his upcoming trip to the UK – the first time she’s been here in nearly four years. The couple’s return is said to have been driven by King Charles, who’s supported the approval of full security and given them permission to stay at a royal residence for the duration of their trip.

The Sussexes – who are bringing Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, with them – are set to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, Harry’s charity event for wounded service people, in Birmingham on 10 July. Now, they are also expected to spend time with the King, who’s said to want to get to know his grandchildren and make amends with his son.

But not all royals will be welcoming Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, with open arms – especially the Prince and Princess of Wales, who’ll be facing them on home turf after a bitter six-year rift. We’re told that, while Kate, 44, is happy about Harry’s potential reconciliation with his father, the impending arrival of Meghan and the kids has stirred up major anxiety for her, and a source says she’s feeling conflicted over the ‘chaos’ that threatens to ensue.

An insider says, ‘Kate is an incredibly forgiving person, but she feels there has been so much hurt stirred up over the years by Meghan. It’s impossible for her to forget everything overnight. There’s a lot of distrust there. Kate does want to see Harry and wants to do whatever she can to help the King, but there’s no denying that Meghan being there makes things more complicated for her. ‘If Harry was coming on his own, it would be a very different story. Kate has always had a soft spot for him. As much as Kate wants this peace, it’s impossible not to worry about what chaos Meghan will bring.’

Of course, there’s no doubt Kate will also be very conscious of the effect the Sussexes’ return will have on Prince William, 43. Writing on his The Royalist substack, royal author Tom Sykes claimed, ‘It is an astonishing betrayal of [the King’s] loyal and dutiful heir, who has made clear he never wants to see Harry again, believes he should be exiled (as far away as possible), and has told friends he blames the stress of Harry and Meghan’s betrayal for aggravating Catherine’s cancer.’

The source adds, ‘William is against the whole idea and Kate can’t ignore his feelings. She understands why Charles is pushing for reconciliation and genuinely believes Harry should have this chance, but it’s hard to stomach the idea of having to play nice with Meghan. It’s causing friction between him and his father because William feels betrayed that the King is welcoming her back. Just hearing Meghan’s name can set William off, so naturally that makes Kate worry about him and his stress levels.’

The rift between the two couples has been well-documented – especially by Harry and Meghan themselves. In his memoir Spare, Harry accused William of physically assaulting him over his disapproval of his relationship with Meghan. The tension between Kate and Meghan has also been widely reported. The most famous head-to-head was when Meghan was accused of making Kate cry by insisting that Princess Charlotte wear an ill-fitting bridesmaid dress.

During her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan said it was actually Kate who had made her cry, a version of events that Harry later backed up, writing in his memoir that he had picked Meghan up from ‘the floor’ in tears. He also portrayed Kate as cold and unwelcoming to Meghan in the book.

In 2023, Kate was alleged by royal author Omid Scobie – who was widely reported to have been close with Meghan – to have been the ‘royal racist’ who raised questions about the skin colour of Meghan and Harry’s then-unborn first child, Prince Archie. Scobie denied this and claimed it had been an editing error and the royal family have strenuously denied any claims of racism.

Now, the source says the future Queen has naturally been left ‘hurt’ by the allegations Meghan has made about her. The insider says, ‘Kate’s not bad-mouthing Meghan, but everyone knows what a difficult spot this has put her in. It’s no secret there was a lot of friction between them and it hasn’t been forgotten. Kate wants peace, she wants Charles to have this opportunity with Harry and the children, but this is causing her no end of anxiety. There’s been so much hurt for her personally, not to mention the impact it’s had on William.’

Kate has always been known as the peacemaker, the one pushing for the warring brothers to make up, but we’re told she now fears Meghan’s presence has made reconciliation unlikely. ‘She had hoped to get Harry alone for a heart-to-heart, to talk sense into him and encourage him to apologise to William, but that won’t happen with Meghan by his side,’ the insider says.

‘Most people in the family firmly believe that Harry was manipulated by Meghan and she played a part in turning him against them all, so there’s a huge amount of distrust and bitterness.

‘There’s no doubt Meghan’s presence is going to completely change the atmosphere of this visit.’

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A month on from the shocking announcement of their split, insiders are now saying Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are heading for a quickie divorce using online lawyers.

The pair – who were married for 22 years – are reportedly hoping that an online divorce would make things cheaper and less complicated, with a source saying, ‘Tess doesn’t want to spend thousands on solicitors for a divorce. They have effectively re-coupled as friends. They won’t be fighting over assets and will stay close.’

Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, tied the knot in 2003, and went on to welcome their two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. But the golden TV couple hit headlines back in 2010 when Vernon, 52, was caught up in a sexting scandal with former Page Three model Rhian Sugden, 39 – as well as multiple other women – which he later publicly apologised for.

It seemed the pair had put the past behind them and moved on, so their split announcement in May left fans saddened. They wrote in a joint Instagram statement, ‘After much consideration – and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another – we have made the decision to separate amicably.’

And they do seem to have been amicable, with reports claiming they’re still living under the same roof. They’re also liking each other’s Insta snaps and recently attended the Pub In The Park festival together. Let’s hope it stays that way.

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Standing side by side with other senior members of the Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour parade last weekend, Kate Middleton radiated dignity, calm and resilience.

However, it was later reported how, just hours before the annual celebration, the Princess of Wales, 44, and her husband Prince William, 43, had been told the news that King Charles is set to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK in the coming weeks.

The Sussexes' visit is Meghan’s first return to the UK in almost four years; the Duchess of Sussex having last returned for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. And while Harry has flown back and forth, next month will mark the first time he is joined in his homeland by his wife and their children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.

Furthermore, the couple’s return is also widely reported to have been driven by King Charles, who is also said to have supported the approval of full security and given the Sussexes permission to stay at a royal residence for the duration of their trip.

It’s reported that the reason at the heart of the families’ return is the King’s desire to form a bond with Archie and Lilibet, but for the rest of the royals, it also means coming face to face with Harry and Meghan amidst a six-year-long, bitter rift.

Now we’re told that as pleased as Kate is over Harry’s potential reconciliation with his father, the impending arrival of Meghan and the kids has stirred up some major anxiety for her, and a source says she’s feeling stressed and conflicted to say the least over the 'chaos' that threatens to ensue.

An insider says, ‘Kate is an incredibly forgiving person, but there has been so much hurt stirred up over the years by Meghan, it's impossible for her to simply forget everything and move on overnight.

‘Kate does want to see Harry, and she wants to do whatever she can to help the King, but there’s no denying that having Meghan there makes things worlds more complicated for her.

If Harry was coming on his own it would be a very different story, Kate has always had a soft spot for him; it’s Meghan's involvement that changes the dynamic completely. As much as Kate wants this peace, it’s impossible not to worry about what chaos Meghan will bring.’

Of course, there’s no doubt that Kate will also be very conscious of the effect the Sussexes' return is reported to already have had on Prince William.

Writing on his The Royalist Substack, royal author Tom Sykes claimed, ‘It is an astonishing betrayal of his loyal and dutiful heir who has made clear he never wants to see Harry again, believes he should be exiled (as far away as possible) and has told friends he blames the stress of Harry and Meghan’s betrayal for aggravating Catherine’s cancer.’

Now the source adds, ‘William is so against the whole idea, and Kate can't simply ignore his feelings. She understands why Charles is pushing for reconciliation, and she genuinely believes Harry should have this chance, but it’s still hard to stomach the idea of having to play nice with Meghan.

'It’s now causing all this friction between him and his father because William feels totally betrayed that the King is welcoming her back. Just hearing Meghan’s name can set William off, so naturally that makes Kate worry about him and his stress levels.’

Meanwhile, other reports have also speculated how Kate may be feeling about the prospect of coming face-to-face with Meghan for the first time, given that until earlier this week, it had been widely reported that the Montecito-based Duchess had no desire to ever set foot on UK soil again.

After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, it was reported that the growing distance between Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, and William and Kate had contributed towards the Sussexes’ departure.

While Harry accused William of physically assaulting him over his disapproval of his relationship with Meghan, the distance between Kate and Meghan has also been widely reported.

Of course, the most famous head-to-head was the now-infamous ‘bridesmaid dress gate’, when Meghan was accused of making Kate cry over insisting that Princess Charlotte wear an ill-fitting bridesmaid dress.

During her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan said she had been so affected by the reported clash that she set the record straight, telling Oprah it had been the other way around, with Harry later insisting in his memoir, Spare, that he had picked Meghan up from ‘the floor’ in tears over Kate’s insistence that the dress be changed last minute and that the flower girls wear tights.

Furthermore, Kate was dragged into the furore when she was described as ‘cold’ and unwelcoming to Meghan in Spare and was alleged by royal author Omid Scobie – who was widely reported to have been close with Meghan in particular – to have been the ‘royal racist’ who raised questions about the skin colour of Meghan and Harry’s then unborn first child, Prince Archie, now seven.

Scobie denied this and claimed it had been an editing error, and the Royal Family have strenuously denied any claims of racism.

Earlier this week, Columnist Amanda Platell mused, ‘How must she [Kate] feel about the 'homecoming' of grifter Meghan, who has done so much to discredit her, coming back here to be embraced by the King at heart of the Royal Family?…Not very happy, one would imagine. It would only be human for her to feel slightly betrayed by such a heralded reunion. After all, both Sussexes have been so cruel to her.’

Now the source says that while Kate has been known as the family’s peacemaker, the future Queen has naturally been left ‘hurt’ by the allegations Meghan has made about her.

The insider says, ‘Kate's not bad-mouthing Meghan, but everyone in her inner circle knows what a difficult spot this has put her in. It’s no secret there was a lot of friction between her and Meghan, and that hasn’t nearly been forgotten. Kate wants peace; she wants Charles to have this opportunity with Harry and the children, but this is causing her no end of anxiety.

‘Kate has always risen above the drama, but just because she’s stayed quiet doesn’t mean she hasn’t been affected by everything that’s happened. There’s been so much hurt for her personally, not to mention Kate’s had a front-row seat to the impact it’s had on William and is still having to this day.’

So much so, that a source recently told us how Kate had been rooting for reconciliation between Harry and William and had hoped that with the 30th anniversary of their mother’s tragic death approaching next year, the warring brothers could finally make peace.

However, we’re told Kate now fears that Meghan’s presence will ‘change the atmosphere’ and further foster a feeling within the Firm of continued ‘distrust’ and ‘bitterness’.

‘She had hoped to get Harry alone for a heart-to-heart, to talk sense into him and encourage him to apologise to William, but that won’t happen now, not with Meghan watching over,’ the insider says.

‘Kate has always been good about keeping her own feelings in check and focusing on the bigger picture, which is exactly what she intends to do this time around, but there's no doubt Meghan's presence is going to completely change the atmosphere.

‘Most people in the family firmly believe that Harry was manipulated by Meghan; that she stirred the pot and purposely turned him against them all, so of course there's a huge amount of distrust and bitterness.’

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