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Royal Family RECAP: Meghan Markle's 'Disney princess' dream in tatters over 1 realisation

The Disney princess fantasy around royal life did not last very long for Meghan Markle, a royal commentator claims.

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By Jon King, News Reporter, Jasmine Carey, Royal Reporter, Lauren Welch, Royal Reporter based in London

meghan markle

Meghan Markle saw royal life through the lens of Disney, some say (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle believed royal life would be like a Disney fairy tale, but the dream was swiftly shattered, royal experts claim.

Five News royal correspondent Simon Vigar and commentator Samara Gill joined The Sun's royal editor Matt Wilkinson for the latest instalment of the publication's podcast, Royal Exclusive. The trio discussed their views of how well Diana, Princess of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle took to royal life.

Samara agreed Meghan didn't have the same level of patience as other women who married into the Royal Family. She said while Catherine grew up knowing about the royals, Meghan had a Disneyland kind of understanding, pointing to hers and Harry's wedding.

THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.

THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.

THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.

Meghan Markle insider sets record straight on new Netflix doc about ‘seven years of woe’

An insider has shut down rumours of Meghan Markle's alleged Netflix plans regarding a major “crybaby” documentary about her “seven years of woe”.

The Duchess of Sussex has released several projects on Netflix, including her latest cooking show, With Love, Meghan, which ran for two seasons and featured a Christmas special.

Meghan Markle (Image: GETTY)

Everything we know about Princess Kate's trip to Italy

Princess Catherine will travel overseas this week with a solo visit to Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. The visit will be the 44-year-old's first overseas trip since 2023, and her first since her cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

Travelling on behalf of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Catherine will be studying the "Reggio Emilia Approach," an educational philosophy focusing on community-based, early-years education that emphasizes nature, creativity, and the role of the child.

Princess Catherine (Image: GETTY)

Eugenie's third child to have 'very different' experience - 'Fergie to keep distance'

Princess Eugenie's third child may not have the same family experience as her two elder children, a royal expert has suggested.

The 36-year-old announced the news of her third pregnancy earlier this month, with the royal already a mother to five-year-old August and two-year-old Ernest.

Princess Eugenie (Image: GETTY)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's creepy 5-word comment about his pants to BA staff exposed

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor allegedly shoved a "bottle of water down his trousers" to warm it up in front of an air hostess after complaining the drink was too cold, biographer Andrew Lownie claims in the updated paperback edition of his book on the former Duke and Duchess of York.

His Sunday Times bestseller Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, published in August 2025, is credited with accelerating the downfall of the former Prince and his ex-wife by detailing numerous scandals involving money and sex.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Image: GETTY)

Princess Eugenie faced with ‘make or break’ battle amid Andrew and Fergie scandal

Princess Eugenie reportedly wants to focus on her growing family, leaving her parents’ scandal behind, a royal expert has claimed. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson’s daughter recently announced her third pregnancy via Buckingham Palace.

The Palace released a statement earlier this month saying Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are “very pleased” with the news and that the King is “delighted”.

Princess Eugenie (Image: GETTY)

Eye-watering amount Andrew cost taxpayers during 10 years as trade envoy

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor cost taxpayers almost £15 million during his 10 years as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, it has been reported.

The allegations come amid continued investigations into his links with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with claims that the royal misused public funds and shared sensitive information during his official role.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle's mysterious radio silence as she fails to mark special occasion

Meghan Markle stayed silent on Instagram yesterday as she avoided publicly marking Mother’s Day in the US.

The Duchess of Sussex, who usually marks special occasions on her private Instagram account, was radio silent on Sunday as thousands celebrated the special day.

Meghan Markle (Image: GETTY)

Good afternoon

Good afternoon. Royal reporter Lauren Welch here and I will be bringing you live updates this evening.

You can contact me at lauren.welch@reachplc.com.

Express readers deliver verdict on whether King Charles has done a good job so far

Express readers have had their say on how good a job King Charles is doing after three years on the throne. The monarch was crowned on May 6, 2023, eight months after officially becoming King on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Charles assumed the throne at the age 73 after spending 70 years as the heir apparent, the longest in history, giving him ample time to prepare for the role.

A poll of Express readers found that 76% think the King has done a good job so far, with 21% disagreeing and 3% saying they don't know. They praised his handling of the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his successful charm of President Donald Trump during the US state visit in April.

King Charles

King Charles seems to be a popular King (Image: Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle's rumoured new plan would have been 'nightmare' for Queen Elizabeth

Meghan Markle’s reported new plan with Prince Harry would have been a "nightmare” for Queen Elizabeth. The Duchess of Sussex visited Down Under with the Duke of Sussex last month for four days.

Among those engagements was Meghan's feature on the YouTube programme Get Down With Sean and Marley. Best friends Sean and Marley gave Meghan some gifts during her appearance. Among them was a skimpy Speedo, with the phrase "Aussie Bum" on the back. Meghan remarked playfully, "That's going to be for my husband. I just have a feeling. For the love of my life." She continued, "We might renew our vows with him wearing these." Sources claim Meghan is considering filming the vow renewal as part of a new reality-style TV show, for an intimate look at the Sussex family.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle made a comment about vow renewal (Image: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images)

Princess Eugenie's announcement with husband sparks 'very different' family dynamic

Princess Eugenie's pregnancy announcement is set to bring a "very different" dynamic to the Royal Family, according to a royal editor.

The youngest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson's two daughters revealed last week that she is expecting her third child with her husband Jack Brooksbank.

A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news." It further confirmed that Jack and Eugenie's two children, August, five, and Ernest, two, are "also very excited to have another sibling join the family".

According to Hello! Magazine's royal editor Emily Nash, Eugenie's new arrival may not encounter the same family environment as her elder siblings, following a particularly turbulent few months.

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie is pregnant with her third child (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Princess Kate's 'work is hugely valuable' - but experts warn 'she can't do it alone'

Princess Catherine’s latest early years initiative has been praised by education and child development professionals, with many welcoming the Princess of Wales’ growing focus on emotional wellbeing and early intervention. Earlier this week, the future Queen launched “Foundations for Life”, a new guide developed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to support practitioners working with young children and families.

The resource focuses on social and emotional development from birth to the age of five, offering research-backed guidance designed to support emotional regulation, communication skills and secure relationships during the earliest years of life. The launch forms part of Catherine’s long-running early years campaign, which began in 2021.

Next week, the royal is also expected to travel to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy for a two-day solo working visit exploring internationally recognised approaches to child development and emotional learning.

Princess Catherine

Princess Catherine is in Italy later this week (Image: Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William issues statement with telling message ahead of major event

Prince William has hailed two “inspiring” brothers who have undertaken an all-Ireland marathon challenge by sending an emotional letter of support. Jordan and Cian Adams have been diagnosed with a rare gene which causes early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which means they are likely to develop the condition in their 40s.

Their mother, Geraldine, died from FTD at the age of 52, and Jordan said she would be “incredibly proud” of the letter. Jordan, 30, is running 33 marathons in 33 days to raise funds and awareness of dementia, with support from his physio brother Cian, 25.

The Prince of Wales wrote that he is “incredibly impressed with your inspiring journey and ambitious challenge”. The siblings' father, Glenn, read the letter to them on Sunday morning.

Prince William

Prince William sent a letter to the brothers (Image: Owen Humphreys - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry blasted as ‘spoiled brat’ over Royal Family regrets - ‘what did he expect?’

Prince Harry has been slammed as a "spoiled brat" amid reports he is upset his children are missing out on aspects of royal life. The Duke of Sussex feels Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four, "are missing out on the extensive family network that their cousins are enjoying", a source said. "Archie and Lili are having a lovely time in California, but Harry is very sad that they are missing out on life with the rest of their family," they added.

Danica De Giorgio, host of Sky News Australia, labelled the prince a "spoiled brat" for his complaints, questioning why he hadn't considered the impact on his children before "uprooting his family" and moving to the US. "Prince Harry is reportedly very sad that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are missing out on life with the rest of their family and the extensive network that their cousins are enjoying while his children aren't," she said.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry quit royal life 6 years ago (Image: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images)

Major Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor update as ex-prince to give evidence in court

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to appear in court in July, as he is expected to give evidence at a trial against a man who is alleged to have threatened the former prince near his home on the Sandringham Estate. Alex Jenkinson, 39, of no fixed address, is charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress.

One relates to an alleged incident last Wednesday in King's Lynn, Norfolk, where the defendant is accused of threatening the former Duke of York. Mr Jenkinson is also accused of threatening another man, Stephen Terry, the day before. He denies both charges.

The King's younger brother is due to give evidence via video link against Mr Jenkinson at the trial, scheduled for July 29 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Andrew

Andrew is expected to give evidence (Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Chaos erupts near Buckingham Palace after King Charles's horse breaks loose

A loose horse wreaked havoc in London last week during a major military event near Buckingham Palace. On Friday, the annual Major General’s Inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment took place.

It is thought to be one of the “most demanding tests” of the regiment ahead of their ceremonial duties. A video, which has now gone viral online, showed a loose horse briefly causing chaos as the cavalry made their way back down The Mall toward Buckingham Palace.

The grey horse was seen trotting up the ranks as they made their way to the Palace, disrupting other horses with riders on its way.

Meghan Markle 'problem' is Harry's biggest 'stumbling block' yet in devastating blow

King Charles's newest and most trusted aide is reportedly attempting to heal the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry in a bid to spare the monarch "further pain". Mark Dolan was joined on his breakfast show by Charlotte Griffiths, Editor at Large of the Mail On Sunday.

According to reports, former diplomat Theo Rycroft, who became deputy private secretary to the King in February, sees it as his misssion to resolve the Harry and William's dilemma for the monarch's sake. It comes amid claims King Charles may meet with his youngest son, the Duke of Sussex, when he flies to the UK in preparation of the Invictus Games.

Mr Rycroft reportedly intends to persuade the Prince of Wales to reunite with Harry. A source told the publication: "Theo believes that Harry and William need to be forced to shake hands and allow Charles to repair his relationship with Harry.

"I would be very surprised if Harry doesn't see Charles when he is in the UK. Theo would not be one of the many aides at the palace wishing to block a meeting."

Harry and William

Harry and William have been estranged for some time (Image: Genya Savilov / AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle's mysterious radio silence as she fails to mark special occasion

Meghan Markle stayed silent on Instagram yesterday as she avoided publicly marking Mother’s Day in the US. The Duchess of Sussex, who usually marks special occasions on her private Instagram account, was radio silent on Sunday as thousands celebrated the special day.

While it is believed Meghan would have marked Mother’s Day privately with her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, it was surprising that the 44-year-old duchess did not post. This is especially the case as this time last year she did publicly mark Mother’s Day with a photograph of her carrying both her children.

This photograph was taken at the family’s Montecito mansion, with a sweet caption accompanying the snap.

Meghan Markle

Meghan did not post on Instagram yesterday (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry to ‘double down’ after Andrew incident

Prince Harry is preparing to "double down" in his fight for taxpayer-funded UK security after his uncle was threatened near his home by a "balaclava-clad" armed man. The prince's ongoing battle to secure comprehensive protection for his family when they visit the UK has been emboldened by the alleged incident involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on the Sandringham estate, reports suggest.

Alex Jenkinson, 39, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence to the former Duke of York on May 6. Andrew was threatened by the "balaclava-clad" man while out walking his dogs near Marsh Farm, where he has lived since being evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, according to The Telegraph.

Royal journalist Tom Sykes said: "It's reasonable to assume [Harry] will be seriously concerned, and will now double down on his position that he simply cannot bring his wife, Meghan Markle and their children back to the United Kingdom without a comprehensive security package in place."

Prince Harry

Prince Harry is reportedly set to keep fighting for security (Image: Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s bizarre new hobby he loves in new life in exile

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has found a new hobby to occupy himself in exile, a royal author has claimed. The former Duke of York has been banished into humiliation and moved from his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, to Marsh Farm in Norfolk.

Andrew’s recent fall from grace came after disturbing details of his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein emerged after the US released millions of files about him earlier this year. Andrew was also stripped of all his royal titles and honours, following a dramatic decision by his own brother, the King, last year, in a bid to distance the Royal Family from the scandal.

Now, a royal author has shared a rare glimpse into the former prince’s new solitary life in exile.

Royal author Andrew Lowrie said Andrew has “lost any sort of purpose in life”.

He told the Palace Confidential podcast that Andrew is well into technology and has now apparently been playing video games to pass the time.

The author said: “He’s always been a couch potato, always watching videos or films and now he just seems to like to play video games.”

Andrew

Andrew reportedly likes playing video games (Image: Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle could star in huge film as Hollywood comeback edges closer

Meghan Markle could star in a huge movie as the chance of a Hollywood comeback edges nearer. The Duchess of Sussex, who was an actress before marrying Prince Harry in 2018, could return to the big screens soon, it has been revealed.

This is because the series Suits, which Meghan used to star on, could return to screens with a spin-off movie. It is believed that this could see actors and actresses from the series reunite.

As Meghan played paralegal Rachel Zane in the hit show, she could therefore be back playing that iconic role.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle could return to TV screens (Image: Getty Images)

Prince William ‘to keep up 1 beloved habit after becoming King’ - despite security concern

Prince William is expected to continue a beloved pastime after becoming King, despite the higher level of security that will surround him. The royal has been a passionate fan of Premier League side Aston Villa since his schooldays, and is often seen in the stands at Villa Park.

Only this week, William was seen punching the air with joy as he watched the Birmingham-based team's 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Thursday, as his side secured a place in the Europa League final. Villa coach Unai Emery also confirmed that Wills went to the dressing room after the final whistle to congratulate the players.

Prince William

Prince William is a big fan of Aston Villa (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

The name Princess Kate goes by behind closed doors revealed by former royal butler

Princess Catherine has been a member of the Royal Family for some time now, having married Prince William back in 2011. However, it seems that there is still some uncertainty as to what Catherine likes to be called.

While she is best-known now for being The Princess of Wales, the princess is often heard being called her first name Catherine while on royal duty. Over the years, some people have also referred to her as Kate, which some royal fans think is disrespectful.

However, it is believed that behind closed doors, Catherine has no problem with being called Kate, and even introduced herself as that to a former royal staff member.

Princess Catherine

Princess Catherine reportedly does not mind being called Kate (Image: Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry sparks palace outrage with list of ‘Meghan demands’ ahead of UK return

Prince Harry has allegedly left members of the Royal Family “outraged” after sending in a list of “demands” on behalf of his wife, Meghan Markle, ahead of his major trip back to the UK this summer, it has been claimed. The Duke of Sussex is expected to return to his home country in July to attend a one-year countdown event for the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 and the WellChild awards. It has not been confirmed whether his wife will join him.

The Sussexes have not visited the UK as a family since 2022, when they all came back for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Harry and Meghan made another trip to the UK that year, a few months later, to attend the late Queen's funeral.

Now, ahead of the Sussexes’ trip to the UK, reports claimed the couple have already “started to ruffle feathers” within the Palace, largely due to the Duke’s “string of demands”.

Disgraced Andrew found out about Princess Eugenie's baby 'via Fergie'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor only found out about his daughter, Princess Eugenie’s third pregnancy, through his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, a source has claimed. The former Duke of York has been hauled up in his new home in Norfolk after being stripped of his titles and kicked out of Royal Lodge due to his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

According to sources, Eugenie, who recently announced her third pregnancy with husband Jack Brooksbank, “has not been in touch” with her father since his recent fall from grace. She told her mother, Fergie, first, but allegedly did not break the news to her father.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Andrew found out that he was to be a grandpa again via Sarah.”

Andrew and Eugenie

Andrew found out via Sarah (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Good Morning

Good Morning. Royal reporter Jasmine Carey here and I will be bringing you royal updates today.

You can contact me at jasmine.carey@reachplc.com.

'Culture shock'

Simon Vigar said: "I think that informed a lot of her choices. We even know that from the wedding, where there are allegations of her treating very senior palace staff like personal assistants."

She added that there was a cultural issue from the outset which could not be fixed quickly.

To which Simon replied: "Yes, it was a culture shock... She was used to Hollywood and we know the palace is not Hollywood... It was not as glamorous as the Disney fairy tale would let you believe."

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