Royal Family LIVE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'embarrassed' over Colombia tour fury
A source claims Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced "similar comments" and backlash when they conducted their visit to Nigeria.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received mixed criticisms after completing their four-day visit to Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez, with some slamming the couple for imitating a "royal tour".
A source told OK! Magazine the trip was to help "elevate their status in Hollywood", but instead the Montecito-based duo have been left "embarrassed" by the reaction.
They said: "Both Meghan and Harry are keen to do more of these tours as that’s what they love doing and what they enjoyed most about royal life. But they’ve been left embarrassed by this latest backlash, especially as they faced similar comments when they went to Nigeria."
They added: "They want to help raise awareness of the issues some of these countries face and they know their profile can highlight that. They also know that these trips help elevate their status in Hollywood and in turn help their brand. They don’t want to stop doing them but are unsure of what to do next to win everyone over again."
The couple were accused of costing the poverty-stricken country £1.5 million in security costs alone, but El Pais reports the Ministry said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex financed the trip with their "own resources" with the help of international agencies.
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King’s niece 'wants to follow in Queen Elizabeth's footsteps in historic move'
King Charles' niece has ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II with a historic move, according to an insider.
Lady Louise Windsor, 20, daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, wants to become the first female royal to serve in the military since the late Queen, a friend of the young royal told The Sun.
Telling sign tipping royal staff off abut late Queen's upcoming death
Balmoral, known for its cosy and private atmosphere compared to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, held little indication of the Queen's deteriorating health that morning.
However, certain events did raise alarm bells, especially for the staff at Windsor.
The Guardian reported: "The departure of the Queen's helicopter from Windsor Castle shortly before 7am to take the Prince of Wales from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, where he was staying that night, to his mother's bedside, would have alerted them".
Then-Prince Charles made it to his mother's side at Balmoral just before 10.30 am, with Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, arriving from nearby Birkhall. Princess Anne was already present due to her engagements in Scotland.
The wider public became aware of the urgency when, at 12.50 pm, Buckingham Palace revealed that Princes William, Andrew, Edward, and Sophie were en route to Scotland.
By 2 pm, a separate announcement came that the Sussexes, who were in the UK and staying at Frogmore Cottage, intended to travel to Scotland too, although ultimately, Prince Harry journeyed alone
King Charles listed as buyer for huge £5m apartment in 'Billionaire Row'
King Charles was listed as the buyer of a £5.4million stunning luxury three-bedroom apartment on Billionaire's Row in New York City, and pictures offer a glimpse of the property.
The property's deed shows that the property was bought in July by "King Charles in Right of Canada, Represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs."
Princess Kate's special bond with Queen Elizabeth that allowed rare Balmoral privilege
On Princess Kate's first visit to Balmoral, after she began dating Prince William, the late Queen reportedly made a special effort to ensure Kate felt welcomed into the royal fold.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, continue the cherished Royal Family tradition of spending time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland each year.
Prince William has fond memories of visiting the Scottish Highlands retreat since childhood, and now, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have had the opportunity to experience the estate, creating lasting memories with their late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
According to royal author Katie Nicholl, Queen Elizabeth granted Kate a rare privilege during her early visits to Balmoral: permission to bring her camera and take photographs of the estate and its surrounding landscapes.
Body language expert exposes Princess Kate's upbeat demeanor during Balmoral outing
A leading body language expert has deciphered three subtle cues from the Princess of Wales that reveal her current state of mind.
Body language guru Judi James analysed Princess Kate's demeanour during a recent visit to Balmoral, Scotland.
Speaking with the Mirror, Judi observed: "Kate looks chatty and animated here and as she turns her head to speak her brows are raised."
She elaborated: "But there is one even stronger sign of authentic, relaxed happiness. We can see her teeth gleaming in a smile that is mirrored by William's smile as they drive to church.
"The important 'tell' though comes from the very distinct dimple we can see at the side of her cheek, which suggests she's truly enjoying the outing as well as the company in the car.
"The hat with its feather gives a jaunty look too, making Kate look positive and upbeat here."
Royal Family’s favourite summer pudding revealed by ex-staffer - and it's so easy to make
The Royal Family are now enjoying their holidays in Balmoral where they will spend the rest of the summer relaxing in the Scottish Highlands.
But while they may have access to the best chefs and most intricate and exquisite dishes in the world, it's the simple things that they enjoy the most, according to a former staffer.
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, former royal butler Grant Harrold revealed that when the weather gets warmer and the sun is shining, the royals are quite partial to Eton Mess and Strawberries and Cream.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Colombia tour torn apart by devastating new poll
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Colombia tour has been torn apart as it is deemed "less impactful" than the ones carried out by members of the Royal Family.
The couple marked their second international tour of this year last week - taking place just three months after their visit to Jamaica.
As reported by the Mirror, the publication's readers appeared less than impressed by Meghan and Harry's latest tour - comparing it to any carried out by the Royal Family.
Meghan and Harry, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, paid a visit to local schools to promote the importance of digital literacy and mental health awareness - as well as appearing at a summit about online safety.
King Charles ‘open to truce’ to end rift with Prince Harry after taking key bit of advice
It has been claimed King Charles has received advice from spiritual leaders leading the monarch to contemplate repairing his relationship with his son, Prince Harry.
Sources say the monarch has drawn comfort from their guidance and since inheriting the crown, the King has spent time exploring theologies.
As reported by MailOnline, an insider said: "Faith has always been a part of Charles’s life and something he’s explored, but since becoming King it is playing a more central role."
They added: "That reliance on faith and quiet contemplation has become a comfort and asset to him and helps him cope with the role as he adapts to being King."
Royal Family's strict present rule that left Prince Harry 'disappointed'
The Royal Family have a little-known Christmas present rule that reportedly left Prince Harry “disappointed” as a youngster.
According to royal author Craig Brown, the Royals have a “ridiculously low” spending limit - around £5 - for Christmas gifts. It meant they would have to think of presents that are “quirky or a little bit cheeky”.
In his book Voyage Around the Queen, Brown says “an inflatable toilet seat” or “grow-your-own-girlfriend kits” would be typical gifts they would exchange. Brown says expensive and luxurious Christmas gifts were “frowned upon” by the royals.
Real reason why Prince William and Kate don't want to move into Prince Andrew's home
Despite ongoing speculation, Prince William and Kate Middleton have no plans to move into Prince Andrew’s £30 million Royal Lodge, even if the Duke of York is eventually evicted from the Windsor property.
According to royal insiders, the Prince and Princess of Wales are more than content to remain in their current home at Adelaide Cottage, a smaller residence that better suits their current needs.
King Charles has reportedly been trying to encourage Prince Andrew to leave the Royal Lodge for over a year, but the disgraced Duke of York has steadfastly refused to vacate the property.
The move was initially thought to be part of a plan for William and Kate to take up residence in the spacious 30-bedroom mansion, which would provide ample space for their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
Princess Kate is the star of the show - without her, the Firm fades into the background
COMMENT: In a year that has tested the Royal Family like no other, Princess Kate has emerged as the star of "The Firm," her rare public appearances only magnifying how vital her role has become.
Today, as she made her third appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis, attending a service at Crathie Church on the Balmoral estate, the depth of her importance to the monarchy could not be more evident. When Kate steps into the public eye, the Royal Family shines with a light that is often otherwise dimmed.
Her first public engagement since the cancer diagnosis was at Trooping the Colour in June, where she joined the Royal Family on Buckingham Palace's famous balcony. This was followed by a Wimbledon appearance in July, where she brought her daughter Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa Matthews along. Each sighting was a reminder of Kate's star power - a much-needed brightness in a year clouded by uncertainty.
Prince Andrew set for fresh humiliation as 'most embarrassing' portrait could be displayed
Prince Andrew is reportedly bracing for further public embarrassment as the National Portrait Gallery considers acquiring an awkward photograph of him.
The renowned Trafalgar Square gallery may display a snapshot from the Duke of York's disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview.
During the televised interview, Andrew was left visibly uncomfortable as he was questioned by Emily Maitlis about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This potential new addition to the gallery's collection would immortalise what many consider to be one if not the most cringe-worthy royal interview in history.
The news follows recent portrayals of the infamous TV exchange in Netflix's 'Scoop', starring Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell, and the forthcoming Amazon Prime series 'A Very Royal Scandal'.
A Royal Family picnic – Charles and Camilla’s special day with grandchildren at Balmoral
King Charles and Queen Camilla have organised a riverside picnic for their children and grandchildren on the Balmoral estate, Express.co.uk has learned.
According to our well-placed source, Queen Camilla's children Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, along with their children accompanied the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children and other members of the Royal Family at a picnic organised on the banks of the River Muick which runs through the Balmoral estate.
Queen Camilla is a very proud grandmother of five. Her son, Tom Parker Bowles, has Lola, 16, and Freddy, 14, and her daughter, Laura Lopes, has Eliza, 16, and 14-year-old twins, Louis and Gus. All have been staying at Balmoral Castle recently.
Royal Family's cutting six-word response to anyone who mentions Prince Harry and Meghan
Members of the Royal Family have a cutting six-word response to anyone who mentions Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
According to former Tory MP and podcaster Gyles Brandreth, the names of Harry and Meghan “do not crop up very often” anymore in royal circles. But he says when they do, courtiers very often attempt to move the conversation away from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
It comes after Harry and Meghan quit life as working royals and moved to Montecito in California, USA, in 2020. Since then the pair have had a turbulent relationship with Harry’s family, making a series of claims about them in interviews with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix series, and in the duke’s memoir Spare.
Five times Meghan Markle has echoed Princess Diana’s fashion choices
Meghan Markle's fashion is undeniably her own, but it’s clear that she draws inspiration from the late Princess Diana’s iconic style, having replicated a number of looks since marrying into the Royal Family on May 19, 2018.
Through thoughtful tributes and bold statements, Meghan has attempted to carve out her place in the fashion history books while keeping Diana’s influence alive for the next generation.
Accessories are another area where Meghan subtly nods to the late Diana. The late Princess of Wales was known for her love of statement jewelry, particularly pearls and oversized earrings and Meghan often accessorises with delicate pieces or former items from Diana's collection.
Express.co.uk shares five times Meghan Markle has echoed the late Princess Diana's fashion choices.
Inside Tam-Na-Ghar: Prince William and Princess Kate's secret Scottish cottage revealed
Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 - are currently staying at Balmoral.
However, while most of the Royal Family are staying in the colossal 52-bedroom castle, the Prince and Princess of Wales are residing in a cottage known as Tam-Na-Ghar, which was gifted to William by his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother.
The Wales family currently split most of their time between Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, and Anmer Hall, their country home on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Princess Kate breaks cover as she makes her way to church at Balmoral
Princess Kate has been snapped on her way to Crathie Church on the Balmoral estate today, August 25.
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, joined the couple as they sat in the front row – the first time they have been to church at Crathie, where the Royal Family have worshipped since Queen Victoria purchased the estate over one hundred years ago.
Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward and Sophie as well as King Charles and Queen Camila were in attendance. However, there was no sign of Prince Andrew who is staying in the late Queen's favourite cottage, Craigowan, with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
King Charles and Queen Camilla to host Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria at Balmoral
Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer will visit Balmoral to stay with King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Sunday Express has learned.
It is tradition for the serving Prime Minister and his or her partner to be invited to join the monarch at Balmoral towards the end of the summer months just before Parliament is back in session. The House returns on September 2 this year."
The prime minister and his wife received their invitation earlier this month and they accepted," said the source."The Prime Minister's team will update on his diary in the usual way at lobby."
Royal Family’s favourite summer pudding revealed by ex-staffer - and it's so easy to make
The Royal Family are now enjoying their holidays in Balmoral where they will spend the rest of the summer relaxing in the Scottish Highlands.
But while they may have access to the best chefs and most intricate and exquisite dishes in the world, it's the simple things that they enjoy the most, according to a former staffer.
Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for King Charles from 2004 to 2011, revealed that when the weather gets warmer and the sun is shining, the royals are quite partial to Eton Mess and Strawberries and Cream.
Meghan Markle's surprising discovery when packing up belongings at Frogmore Cottage
Meghan Markle once revealed a sentimental moment she had during one of her rare trips back to the UK after stepping down as a working royal.
The Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry made their sensational royal exit in 2020 and moved across the pond, leaving their base in Britain - Frogmore Cottage - and moving into their Montecito mansion a while after.
The lease for the royal cottage in Windsor was gifted to the couple by the late Queen Elizabeth for their wedding in 2018.
However, they didn't stay long in the Grade II listed home as after their US move and Prince Harry's bombshell memoir, Spare, in January 2023, King Charles had them evicted, with the duo officially moving out of the property in June 2023.
Queen Mary of Denmark wears Princess Kate’s favourite designer - with odd detail spotted
Such a wardrobe mishap might ruffle the feathers of the fashion-conscious, but Queen Mary of Denmark proved that grace can outshine even the most strangest of fashion decisions - such as wearing a top backwards.
Eagle-eyed royal fashion fans spotted Queen Mary wearing one of Princess Kate's favourite designers at a 50th birthday party this weekend for Baroness Helle Reedtz-Thott.
Turning heads in hot pink, Queen Mary wore a silk top with bow detail from Erdem, costing £795 and a matching floral pink and black pencil skirt, also priced at £795 by the same designer.
Princess Charlotte's incredible hidden talent - and Princess Diana would approve
Princess Charlotte just loves to dance - and it’s a passion that links the young royal with her late grandmother.
Charlotte, nine, has a wide range of hobbies, with mum Princess Kate revealing that she loves everything from gymnastics and piano playing, to tennis and horse riding.
But there is one talent that she reportedly adores: ballet.
It’s been reported that Charlotte had been taking weekly private ballet lessons at a dance school in south London. Her proud mum Kate, 42, is also known to have taken her daughter to watch The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House in central London.
Princess Anne inherited Queen Mother's most valuable brooch worth eye-watering amount
Princess Anne is well known for her frequent use of stunning and sentimental brooches throughout her royal career but there is one that is every bit as exquisite as it is expensive.
The Princess Royal is also known for her no-nonsense and practical approach to everyday life as well as her royal duties and it looks like she's adopted that stance when it comes to jewellery too.
Anne's most valuable brooch is a tiara she was given by her grandmother, the late Queen Mother, on her wedding day in 1973.
The exquisite piece, known as the Aquamarine Pineflower tiara, was created by Cartier and originally featured a central aquamarine and diamond element.
Tony Blair's scathing two-word assessment of Princess Anne unearthed in his biography
Tony Blair's autobiography reveals fresh details about his life and tellingly his relationship with the Royal Family, especially with the late Princess of Wales, Diana.
The then-Labour prime minister had brief conversations with Princess Diana but dedicates more than 20 pages to her in the memoir.
One of the more famous mentions come in the aftermath of her tragic death where the former leader dubbed Diana "the people's princess" which has since stuck.
He also reveals details about his relationship with other royals, including the Queen and her only daughter Princess Anne.
Princess Kate became 'tense' after realising she was in constant competition with Meghan
The Princess of Wales reportedly became "tense" after realising that she was in constant competition with Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry discussed his sister-in-law in his memoir Spare - and shared how he believed she felt towards his wife, as reported by the Mirror.
He wrote that the 42-year-old found it difficult to be constantly compared to Meghan, who officially joined the Royal Family in 2018.
The royal reflected on a past appearance at the Royal Foundation Forum, writing: "Days later, controversy. Something about Meg showing support for #metoo, and Kate not showing support - via their outfits? I think that was the gist, though who can say? It wasn't real.
"But I think that it had Kate on edge, while putting her and everyone else on notice that she was now going to be compared to, and forced to compete with, Meg."
Good morning from London
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