Royal Family LIVE: Harry breaks silence on Capitol riots branding it ‘violent extremism’
PRINCE Harry has spoken out about the Capitol riots which saw thousands of Donald Trump supporters storm the seat of US Government earlier this month.
Prince Andrew has ‘no chance’ of royal return says Levin
Meanwhile expert Angela Levin suggested the Queen is actually "relieved and delighted" at the plans of both Prince William and Harry's to modernise the monarchy - while also suggesting Harry is "grieving" for his family in the US, and claiming the move has not worked as well for him as it has for Meghan Markle. Speaking to the Fast Company website, Harry stressed the importance of reforms to laws governing social media, adding: "We have seen time and again what happens when the real-world cost of misinformation is disregarded. There is no way to downplay this. "There was a literal attack on democracy in the United States, organised on social media, which is an issue of violent extremism."
Royal author Ms Levin told Mail Plus Palace Confidential: "I think she would be relieved and delighted because the monarchy for her is an essential part of her life and she wants to see that it is solid and that it will move on and there will heirs and another heir and another heir."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex abandoned Britain for California after quitting royal duties last March. But Ms Levin claimed Harry misses members of the Royal Family, including his cousins and the Queen.
She added that while Meghan is "blooming", Harry "hasn't found a place where he can say is his".
Harry's biographer told Mail Plus Palace Confidential: "He is very fond of his cousins, which William can take or leave.
"I think he misses it hugely. He told me he adored the Queen – he admired her hugely, which is why he did not leave the Royal Family earlier because he wanted to support her.
"He and William, although they are very different personalities, were very close.
"So he must be grieving for them because, unlike Meghan who has done very well there in the US and is blooming, he hasn't found a place where he can say is his.
"I do not think it has worked for him in terms of finding outlets that are satisfying."
The Queen's grandson and the former Suits actress announced bombshell plans to step back as senior working royals just over a year ago.
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9.20pm update: Meghan Markle and Harry 'lost popularity' with US move as pair have to wait to see damage
8.52pm update: Harry speaks out after riots
Prince Harry has spoken out about the Capitol riots which saw thousands of Donald Trump supporters storm the seat of US Government earlier this month.
Speaking to the Fast Company website, Harry stressed the importance of reforms to laws governing social media, adding: "We have seen time and again what happens when the real-world cost of misinformation is disregarded. There is no way to downplay this.
"There was a literal attack on democracy in the United States, organised on social media, which is an issue of violent extremism."
8.25pm update: Sophie Wessex admits lockdown 'goes against her natural instincts' in latest video event
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex admitted being forced to stay home to comply to coronavirus lockdown measures "goes against her natural instincts."
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex has been spending the third national England lockdown at her home in Berkshire with husband Prince Edward and their two children, the Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn.
The senior member of the Royal Family joined a meeting of the Brendoncare Havant Social Club of which she is a patron to discuss with members their personal experience with the lockdown.
During the meeting, the Countess admitted the restrictions had been testing her "natural instincts" but noted being able to communicate with others via chat had proved to be "so important.
8pm update: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘strengthened’ as Megxit came at 'right time' for couple
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have "strengthened" as a couple during the past year, with an expert claiming Megxit came "at the right time" for the pair.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry relocated to Santa Barbra, California in July, having officially stood down as senior members of the Royal Family several months before.
During that time, with much of it spent at home due to coronavirus restrictions, a royal expert has said the couple have gone from strength to strength.
Omid Scobie, who co-authored Finding Freedom the tell-all biography about the couple, has claimed Meghan and Harry are "more in love than ever".
7.16pm: Meghan was pushed too far, says Morgan
Meghan Markle was furious after regular royal rants from Piers Morgan - but in a surprising confession the TV host admitted he had "pushed things too far".
Prince Harry and Meghan announced their departure from senior roles within the Royal Family nearly a year ago.
Their decision, which initially drew criticism, has been supported by some members of the public in the wake of the royal couple brokering deals to become financially self-sufficient.
This has led to reports that the Queen felt there was no need to conduct the planned 12-month review of their arrangement.
7.10pm update: Kate handed 'direct line' to the Queen and special Sandringham House privileges
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, has been handed a "direct line" to the Queen and the special honour of using one of Her Majesty's most beloved residences.
Kate and the Queen have remained in close contact since the pandemic began, according to royal expert Duncan Larcombe.
The Duchess of Cambridge, he claimed, has a direct line to the Queen, which means she can call the 94-year-old monarch without being put on hold by aides and palace staff.
And Kate uses this privilege to ask the Queen for advice or keep her updated on the three little Cambridges - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, according to the royal author.
5.51pm update: 'The residents were so happy'
Dr Dixon added: "He asked how the roll-out had gone, he asked what it was like going into the care homes and how did they receive us arriving with the vaccine."
Dr Dixon's practice is one of 10 that form the Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network that has completed inoculations for all its residents aged over 80 and 75, as well as care home residents, after beginning vaccinations in mid-December.
She added: "The care homes have had an absolutely awful time, they've really been through the mill over the last year.
"Some of their staff have just gone above and beyond for their residents, stayed all weekend sometimes because that's what they've needed to do.
"So, I think for us, as soon as we had the opportunity to get out to the care homes we felt really excited. And then when we got there, you know the residents were just so happy."
5.07pm update: Prince William impresses during chat with medical staff
The Duke of Cambridge heard stories of care home residents crying with joy and clapping for each other after having the COVID-19 jab, during a chat with medical staff involved with the vaccine roll-out.
Dr Lauren Dixon, a GP from Cumbria, told William about the happy scenes she had witnessed and how care home residents viewed the vaccine as their "ticket" to see family again after months apart.
The duke spoke to NHS workers across the four nations to learn about the programme to inoculate millions of the elderly and vulnerable.
During a break from vaccinating residents Dr Dixon, from the Bridgegate Medical Centre in Barrow-in-Furness, spoke of her surprise at being chosen to speak to the duke on Thursday via telephone.
She said: "I was just completely shocked, really nervous and he was just lovely and just really kind and grateful, and saying a really big thank you to everybody that's in our area that have really pulled together to make the vaccination effort go as well as it has.
4.33pm update: Sophie Wessex admits lockdown 'goes against her natural instincts' in latest video event
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex admitted being forced to stay home to comply to coronavirus lockdown measures "goes against her natural instincts."
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex has been spending the third national England lockdown at her home in Berkshire with husband Prince Edward and their two children, the Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn.
The senior member of the Royal Family joined a meeting of the Brendoncare Havant Social Club of which she is a patron to discuss with members their personal experience with the lockdown.
During the meeting, the Countess admitted the restrictions had been testing her "natural instincts" but noted being able to communicate with others via chat had proved to be "so important."
4.27pm update: Prince Philip's revolutionising project cost Prince Charles and Royal Family their privacy
PRINCE PHILIP'S plans for a modernised Royal Family cost Prince Charles and other royals some of their privacy, according to a new royal documentary.
Royal commentator Alberto Angela highlighted the shift in perception of the Royal Family following a 1969 documentary Prince Philip agreed to in a bid to modernise the monarchy.
The RAI Ulisse presenter noted that the press began reporting differently on royals and became more intrusive after the film was first broadcast.
Following the documentary, it became difficult to prevent the public from looking deeper into the Royal Family and the life of future king Prince Charles.
3.53pm update: Queen 'preparing special surprise' to honour Kate on 10th wedding anniversary
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, can expect a special honour from the Queen to mark the 10th anniversary of her wedding to Prince William, according to a royal expert.
The royal couple tied the knot in a spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 and the milestone anniversary is expected to be marked by the Queen with "a special secret something".
The Queen bestowed her highest seal of approval upon the Duchess of Cambridge on her eighth anniversary when she made her a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Awards under the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by the monarch to reward services to the sovereign.
And the Queen is now thought to be preparing to award the Duchess another prestigious honour in recognition of her work as a senior member of the royal family.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! magazine: "It’s highly likely she’ll be planning a special secret something to honour Kate’s 10 years in the royal family – something she can do to mark it.
"Kate and the Queen have a fantastic relationship. Kate strikes that balance between bowing to her as head of the Royal Family in public but being able to check in with her as the great-grandmother to her children."
3.46pm update: One strike and you’re out! Meghan Markle and Harry have ‘zero-tolerance policy’ on leaks
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have a "zero-tolerance policy" on leaks to the press, according to an insider.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are understood to have become more concerned about privacy and are clamping down on leaks of any kind. The couple, who stood down as senior royals last year, are also reportedly "going through the list of people in their inner circle with a fine-tooth comb" as they become warier of those close to them.
An insider told Heat World magazine the couple are clamping down on privacy concerns.
They said: “Harry and Meghan are more concerned than ever about protecting their privacy.
“They’re going through the list of people in their inner circle with a fine-tooth comb, and anyone who enters their world is thoroughly vetted.
“They’re also being more meticulous than ever about anything they put in writing, and have had serious talks with friends and associates about the heightened need for discretion.
“In essence, it’s them clamping down on leaks of any kind.
“They have a zero-tolerance policy.”
3.22pm update: Queen "relieved and delighted"
Royal expert Angela Levin suggested the Queen is actually "relieved and delighted" at the plans of both Prince William and Prince Harry's to modernise the monarchy.
She told Mail Plus Palace Confidential: "I think she would be relieved and delighted because the monarchy for her is an essential part of her life and she wants to see that it is solid and that it will move on and there will heirs and another heir and another heir.
"They are now doing things that are for the people and with the people.
"And I think she couldn't wish for anything more. And I think she is hugely relieved."
3.11pm update: Prince William 'disappointed' with destiny to become King – Duke craves 'private life'
Prince William was "rather disappointed" to be destined to the throne because he, much like his brother Prince Harry, desired a private life, a royal author has claimed.
Prince William wanted to be able to do "something really worthwhile" privately and far from public attention, according to royal expert Angela Levin.
The author of Prince Harry: Conversations with the Prince said: "William was rather disappointed that he was an heir to the throne because he wanted a private life."
The Duke of Cambridge, Ms Levin added, was very much on the same page as his brother Prince Harry when it came to deciding how to use their platform.
2.40pm update: Kate changed William's mindset about being future king
Kate has changed Prince William's mindset about one day becoming king, according to a royal expert.
Royal author Katie Nicholl told OK! magazine: “I don’t think Kate’s background was ever an issue for the Queen.
"The only thing she would have cared about is Kate had the qualities to be a good queen. And from early on as a royal, she has shown that.
“She never complains, she’s devoted to her duties and she’s a fantastic partner for William.
"She makes William happy and she’s made him feel more positive about his future as a king – something he was previously daunted by.”
1.35pm update: William and Kate to reconcile with Harry and Meghan for 'greater good' of Royal Family
Prince William and Kate are set to reconcile with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the "greater good" of the Royal Family, according to a royal commentator.
Katie Nicholl told True Royalty TV that William and Harry's relationship had come under strain in 2020 but that tensions seemed to ease as they exchanged presents over Christmas.
The royal commentator warned that there is still a big distance between the brothers and their wives but they will come together for the "greater good" of the monarchy.
1.10pm update: Sophie Wessex will 'step into' Prince Harry's place
The Countess of Wessex will "step into" the gap left by Prince Harry in the wake of Megxit, according to a royal expert.
Royal author Angela Levin claimed Sophie will take on a more prominent royal role following Harry and Meghan Markle's departure.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit as senior working royals last March and are now living in America.
Speaking to Mail Plus Palace Confidential, royal author Ms Levin said: "I think she is much more appreciated and she will neatly step into Harry's absence."
12pm update: Queen's representative in Canada quits
The Queen's representative in Canada has quit amid allegations of workplace harassment, a move that "embarrasses" the country's leader Justin Trudeau.
The Governor-General of Canada, former astronaut Julie Payette, stood down yesterday after senior officials received the results of an independent probe looking into reports of verbal abuse and bullying by her.
The 57-year-old had been appointed in 2017 by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau to represent the Queen in the country for the following five years.
11.15am update: Queen planning 'special secret something' for Kate's anniversary
The Queen is likely to be planning a "special secret something" to mark 10 years since Kate joined the Royal Family, according to a royal expert.
In April it will be a decade since the Duchess of Cambridge's spectacular royal wedding, which saw her tie the knot with Prince William.
Royal author Duncan Larcombe told OK! magazine: “It’s highly likely she’ll be planning a special secret something to honour Kate’s 10 years in the Royal Family – something she can do to mark it.
"Kate and the Queen have a fantastic relationship. Kate strikes that balance between bowing to her as head of the Royal Family in public but being able to check in with her as the great-grandmother to her children.”
10.20am update: Meghan and Harry have 'made no secret of desire to grow family'
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have "made no secret of their desire to grow their family", according to a royal expert.
Royal author Omid Scobie told OK! magazine: "After experiencing loss, I wouldn’t want to suggest they are trying again, but they’ve made no secret of their desire to grow their family.
“They’re happy and content as three, but I could envisage them trying again if and when the time is right.
"But they’re devoted parents to Archie and their world revolves around him.”
9.40am update: Zara and Mike's daughters Mia and Lena to take advantage of Queen's ruling
Zara and Mike Tindall's daughters are to benefit from a ruling their Olympian mother could not take advantage of when she was born.
Zara is expecting her third child, her husband Mike enthusiastically revealed in late 2020 during an episode of his podcast - The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.
While the third baby Tindall will not receive a royal title, it will still take its place in the line of succession to the throne.
But, thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, even if Zara gives birth to a baby boy, the newborn won't bump down the line of succession Mia and Lena - the Tindall's daughters.
9.10am update: Kate sparks frenzy from fans as she champions NHS nurses
The Duchess of Cambride prompted an outpouring of love from royal fans on social media after she spoke out to recognise the work of NHS nurses in a new video.
Kate has received huge praise from royal fans in the wake of her latest virtual engagement.
The Duchess spoke to NHS nurses at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), on a video call earlier in the week.
One fan wrote on Twitter: "Thank you to nurses everywhere for everything they are doing during this difficult time and thank you to the Duchess for reaching out to them and for supporting this profession! I’m sure those nurses will never forget this video chat."
8.35am update: Kate and William borrow Sandringham from Queen
The Queen has lent Sandringham House to Kate and Prince William for an office while they are home schooling their children in Norfolk.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are travelling the three miles from their ten-bedroom Anmer Hall home to the mansion on the Queen’s 20,000-acre Norfolk estate to make video calls as part of their official duties.
Royal aides said the couple needed an office while they were based at Anmer Hall, where they are home schooling Prince George, seven, and Princess Charlotte, five.
8.10am update: Queen gave priceless gift to Harry and Meghan at Frogmore Cottage
The Queen gifted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle priceless artwork from the Royal Collection as they moved into Frogmore Cottage back in 2019.
A palace insider told Vanity Fair during the move: “Meghan and Harry have been told they can choose some artwork for Frogmore Cottage.
"They have been presented with a list of paintings that would be available to them and they are making up their minds as to what they would like."
7.30am update: Lady Kitty Spencer stuns fans with rare photos of her £19m home
Prince William and Prince Harry's cousin left fans speechless after providing rare glimpses of the interior of her stunning London home.
Lady Kitty Spencer lives with her fashion tycoon fiancé Michael Lewis in his £19million mansion.
And she has recently carried out an extensive renovation of the rooms, posting photos to her Instagram account.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Lady Kitty admitted that the interior design was her "most indulgent purchase".