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“You are not alone”: Prince Harry pens emotional letter to bereaved children

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry has penned a letter to children whose parents have died as a result of being in the military, telling him they share a bond in losing a parent and experiencing grief.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former royal wrote of how he learnt to cope with grief and encouraged the children to “lean into your friends” in his letter, which was shared by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers on Remembrance Sunday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As many of us observe and reflect on Remembrance Sunday, I wanted to write to you and let you know you are all in my thoughts and heart today,” he began.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-319fa701-7fff-1059-e37f-7ace750a752b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“We share a bond even without ever meeting one another, because we share in having lost a parent. I know first-hand the pain and grief that comes with loss and want you to know that you are not alone.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/prince-harry-nov-letter.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Prince Harry penned a letter to children supported by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers for Remembrance Sunday. Image: Scotty’s Little Soldiers</em></p> <p dir="ltr">"While difficult feelings will come up today as we pay tribute to heroes like your mum or dad, I hope you can find comfort and strength in knowing that their love for you lives and shines on. Whenever you need a reminder of this, I encourage you to lean into your friends at Scotty’s Little Soldiers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the ways I've learned to cope has been through community and talking about my grief, and I couldn't be more grateful and relieved that you have amazing people walking beside you throughout your journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We all know some days are harder than others, but together those days are made easier."</p> <p dir="ltr">Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports children who have lost a parent in the military, was founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott, whose husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 and left behind two young children.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7881f497-7fff-4422-2c10-4168c81f7623"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">On Sunday, 55 children and their parents took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade wearing black and yellow scarves.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A proud moment for Scotty’s 💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemembranceSunday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RemembranceSunday</a> <a href="https://t.co/CsD7wL9BQP">pic.twitter.com/CsD7wL9BQP</a></p> <p>— Scotty's L Soldiers (@CorporalScotty) <a href="https://twitter.com/CorporalScotty/status/1591767075567333378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In his letter, Prince Harry acknowledged that taking part in the parade would be “hard but equally important to do” to raise awareness for others.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today you will bring new awareness to young people, just like you, who will benefit from this community of support,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I salute you for serving others in need, in the most honourable memory of your parent.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex has long supported the charity, which was one of the organisations chosen by Harry and Meghan Markle to benefit from donations they received as gifts for their 2018 wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2017, he met with children who’d lost a military parent at a special party on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.</p> <p dir="ltr">This year, he and Meghan attended a service on Remembrance Day to pay their respects to those who died in war across the US and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-78e8d8b1-7fff-62de-8d2f-a91f99007698"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Health

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Here’s the best way to soothe a crying baby, according to science

<p dir="ltr">A crying baby who can’t get to sleep can be a frustrating and frequent occurrence for parents and caregivers - but here’s the best way to go about calming them down, according to science.</p> <p dir="ltr">A team of scientists tested multiple methods for soothing a baby to help them sleep and found a winner: holding and walking with them for five minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kumi Kuroda and her colleagues at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan have been studying the transport response, an innate reaction seen in animals with young that are immature and can’t look after themselves, including mice, dogs, monkeys and humans.</p> <p dir="ltr">After observing that when animals picked up their young and walked with them, the infants become more docile and their heart rates slow down, Kuroda and her team wanted to compare the effect of this transport response against other motions, such as rocking or holding.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team then compared four methods of soothing 21 infants: being held as their mothers walked, being held by their sitting mother, lying in a still crib, or lying in a rocking cot.</p> <p dir="ltr">They found that when babies were being carried by mothers who were walking, their heart rates slowed within 30 seconds, with a similar effect seen when infants were in rocking cots.</p> <p dir="ltr">Surprisingly, the effect wasn’t seen among babies who were in a still cot or held by mothers who were sitting down, suggesting that holding a baby isn’t enough to soothe them.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-807deed6-7fff-f6e3-3ebf-d5ab4b532e5f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">They found that the effect was even more apparent when babies were held and walked with for at least five minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/baby-crying-method.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Kumi Kuroda and her team at the RIKEN Brain Center have proposed a new method for soothing crying infants and helping them fall (and stay) asleep. Image: Current Biology Ohmura et al (Supplied)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">All of the babies in the study stopped crying, with nearly all falling asleep. But, more than a third became alert again within 20 seconds of being put to bed and every baby showed changes in heart rate when they were detached from their mums.</p> <p dir="ltr">Interestingly, the team found that babies that were asleep for a longer period before being laid down were less likely to wake up during the process of being put to bed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kuroda, herself a mother of four, said she was surprised by the results.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought baby awoke during a laydown is related to how they’re put on the bed, such as their posture, or the gentleness of the movement,” Kuroda says. </p> <p dir="ltr">“But our experiment did not support these general assumptions.” </p> <p dir="ltr">As a result of their study, the team has proposed a method of soothing a baby to help promote sleep and stop them from crying.</p> <p dir="ltr">After holding and walking your crying infant for five minutes, the team recommends sitting and holding them for another five to eight minutes before putting them to bed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though it goes against common approaches such as waiting for a baby to cry until they fall asleep by themselves, the team’s new method aims to be an immediate solution for a crying infant.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team also note that their new method would also need to be investigated further to determine whether it had any long-term improvements for infants and their sleep.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Many parents suffer from babies’ nighttime crying,” Kuroda adds. </p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s such a big issue, especially for inexperienced parents, that can lead to parental stress and even to infant maltreatment in a small number of cases.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For many, we intuitively parent and listen to other people’s advice on parenting without testing the methods with rigorous science. But we need science to understand a baby’s behaviours, because they’re much more complex and diverse than we thought.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2d9f374c-7fff-1719-f199-7b68bff57193"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Their findings were publishing in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.041" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Lifestyle

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“You feel free”: Meghan Markle opens up on life in her new home

<p dir="ltr">After leaving royal life for the celebrity haven of Montecito, California, two years ago, Meghan Markle has revealed that her new home has brought with it freedom, tranquillity and peace of mind.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, bought <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/take-a-peek-inside-harry-and-meghan-s-20-million-mansion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom home</a> for a hefty $US 14.65 million ($SG 20.2 million) in 2020, becoming neighbours with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview for <em><a href="https://www.thecut.com/article/meghan-markle-profile-interview.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Cut</a></em>, the 41-year-old Suits star detailed how her California home is “healing” and allows her to “feel free”, feelings that pushed her and Harry to snap it up when they could.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We did everything we could to get this house,” she told writer Allison P. Davis. “Because you walk in and go … Joy. And exhale. And calm. It’s healing. You feel free.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple bought the home - which comes complete with rose gardens, a tennis court, a tea house, and a two-bedroom guesthouse - shortly after leaving the royal family.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 1700 square-metre home is reportedly the first both Harry and Meghan have owned, with the pair now embarking on renovations including the fixing of pipes.</p> <p dir="ltr">With Harry and Meghan working on various projects through their company Archewell, they share a home office which includes two plush club chairs side-by-side in front of a desk.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the sitting room, cozy chairs and rosewater candles are included along with a grand piano, gifted to the couple by actor and director Tyler Perry as a housewarming present after they spent the pandemic living in his multimillion-dollar mansion in Beverly Hills.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, the couple initially resisted viewing the home when they were looking to establish themselves in the area, with Meghan revealing that it wasn’t within their means initially.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We didn’t have jobs, so we just were not going to come and see this house. It wasn’t possible,” Meghan said.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they did finally take a tour of the house, she said they had only seen the grounds when they told the realtor they had to have it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the first things my husband saw when we walked around the house was those two palm trees,” Meghan recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He goes, ‘My love, it’s us’.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-66ba1c23-7fff-aa38-75e8-817e357bbc8d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @CampbellAddy (The Cut / Twitter)</em></p>

Property

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Why Harry didn't end up wearing military outfit to Queen’s funeral

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry’s uniform has been the subject of heated discussion following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former working royal first made headlines after he was spotted in a suit during royal events where Prince Andrew was wearing his military uniform.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite his father, King Charles III, giving Prince Harry permission to wear his dress uniform at Queen Elizabeth II’s vigil over the weekend, the 38-year-old arrived at Westminster Hall in his morning suit during <a href="https://www.oversixty.asia/lifestyle/family-pets/final-farewell-for-longest-reigning-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monday morning’s service</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The prince added his medals to his black suit jacket which he wore while walking in the procession to and from Westminster Abbey during the funeral.</p> <p dir="ltr">But he wasn’t the only one not in uniform, after Prince Andrew was also prohibited from wearing official military dress during the service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The changes to uniform permissions came after the palace announced that only working members of the royal family who hold a rank could wear military uniforms at the funeral, with both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew being excluded from that category after leaving royal life.</p> <p dir="ltr">A source told<em> Page Six </em>last week that Prince Harry was just “prepared to wear whatever his grandmother made plans for”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s focused on honouring her and that’s it,” they said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, the prince said what he wore wasn’t reflective of his military service.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother. His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”</p> <p dir="ltr">During the funeral, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seated in the second row behind King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan was spotted wearing a touching tribute to her grandmother-in-law, donning pearl earrings the Queen gave her in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">After the service, the couple walked behind the Queen’s coffin, with Prince Harry joining male family members for a procession through London streets ahead of her burial at Windsor Castle.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Lifestyle

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“Very sad”: Prince Harry arrives 90 minutes too late

<p dir="ltr">In the wake of the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, it has emerged that Prince Harry missed seeing his grandmother one last time by mere hours.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 96-year-old monarch died peacefully in her Balmoral home after key royals such as Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, rushed to Scotland to be by her side.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince Anne was already by her mother’s side, having attended an engagement in Balmoral earlier in the week.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, flight data obtained by the <em>Daily Mail </em>has shown that the Duke of Sussex was still airborne when the Queen passed at 6.30pm UK time, landing 15 minutes later and officially leaving the airport at 7pm.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-78174c62-7fff-9daa-d7da-d615a5846ad9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">He reportedly arrived at the Balmoral estate at 7.52pm, appearing visibly upset as he was photographed while inside a black car.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prince Harry seen with head in hands after the death of the Queen announced <a href="https://t.co/CoObKSwrUJ">https://t.co/CoObKSwrUJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hbpy86Ibn9">pic.twitter.com/Hbpy86Ibn9</a></p> <p>— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1567952832569004034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Royal commentator and former British Royal Family Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter told <em>Today</em> that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would have arrived pretty quickly at the estate, given that they live “just down the road” at Birkhall.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The rest of the family would have headed towards Northolt Airport, just outside of London, boarded a plane to Aberdeen Airport, then an hour's drive from there," Arbiter said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was quite interesting and I find extraordinary that Prince Harry wasn't on the same aircraft, and making his own way there, and probably arrived, if indeed he has arrived, after the death of his grandmother, which, is very sad in the circumstances," he continued, minutes before it was confirmed Harry did not make it to Scotland in time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b5d3b39-7fff-e8b0-25b3-907e36dfea25"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Royal commentator Chris Ship tweeted: “Very sad for Prince Harry that - despite being in the UK - he didn’t get to see his grandmother, The Queen, before she passed away.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very sad for Prince Harry that - despite being in the UK - he didn’t get to see his grandmother, The Queen, before she passed away.<br />They were very close and he spoke to her often despite his decision to leave the Royal Family.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QueenElizabeth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QueenElizabeth</a> <a href="https://t.co/bGMavZ7vQQ">pic.twitter.com/bGMavZ7vQQ</a></p> <p>— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1567958419214143489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“They were very close and he spoke to her often despite his decision to leave the Royal Family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite reportedly being just west of London when the Queen went under medical supervision, it is unclear why Harry didn’t travel with the other Royal family members, who landed in Aberdeen at 4pm, per the<em> Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former royal was in London with his wife Meghan Markle - who is understood to have stayed there while he travelled to Scotland - for the WellChild Awards, where Harry was due to give a speech.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, they cancelled their appearance due to the news of the Queen’s ill health.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Sussexes have since paid tribute to the Queen, with their Archewell website turning black and the message, “In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022” appearing in the centre.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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It’s a boy! Doctor leaps into action to deliver baby mid-flight

<p dir="ltr">A pregnant woman has unexpectedly given birth mid-flight, prompting a fellow passenger and doctor to set up a temporary maternity unit to help deliver the baby.</p><p dir="ltr">The Ghanian woman, who gave her name as GG, was on board a flight from Ghana to the US on January 29 when she prematurely gave birth. </p><p dir="ltr">After a Ghanian doctor delivered her baby, converting the plane’s business class area into a temporary maternity ward. </p><p dir="ltr">The woman was then met with “shock and applause” from those around her.</p><p dir="ltr">However, she was expecting to give birth later in February, an eye witness told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60219964" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">Journalist Nancy Adobea Anane, who was also on the flight, told BBC News Pidgin that an on-board announcement for medical assistance initially prompted confusion among passengers.</p><p dir="ltr">“Most of them heard the call for assistance from medical personnel but didn’t know what was going on,” she said.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-650fd780-7fff-5aa7-2acd-d96975929135"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“I became anxious for the safety of the baby and mother, and the possibility of a detour for an emergency landing.”</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/doctor-baby.jpg" alt="" width="976" height="549" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Dr Stephen Ansah-Addo (left) helped deliver the baby on route to the US. Image: Nancy Adobea Anane (BBC)</em></p><p dir="ltr">Dr Stephen Ansah-Addo, who practises in the US, heard the request for help and set about delivering the baby.</p><p dir="ltr">“Myself, a nurse and the flight attendants … took [the mother] slowly through the process and she delivered a beautiful baby boy,” Dr Ansah-Addo said.</p><p dir="ltr">Ms Anane recalled that the birth was quite quick, with the baby boy entering the world within 45 minutes of the birth process starting.</p><p dir="ltr">“Her delivery was quick, like 30 to 45 minutes,” she said, which was then followed by “screaming and the familiar cry of the baby”.</p><p dir="ltr">Paramedics met the new mother and baby once the plane landed in Washington, where they received further care.</p><p dir="ltr">With the chances of going into labour naturally higher after 37 weeks of pregnancy according to the UK’s National Health Service, some airlines prohibit pregnant women from flying after this point.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dc3b6e6f-7fff-952e-2c6f-b4a19f56c2e2"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nancy Adobea Anane (BBC)</em></p>

Health

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TIME names Prince Harry and Meghan two of the 100 most influential people of 2021

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been named two of the world’s 100 most influential people by<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6096108/prince-harry-meghan/" target="_blank">TIME Magazine</a><span> </span>as part of its annual TIME100 list. The couple were profiled by José Andrés, a chef and the founder of World Central Kitchen, for the issue. Andrés has worked closely with the couple’s charity,<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://archewell.com/" target="_blank">Archewell</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrés describes Harry and Meghan as “giving voice to the voiceless” through their work with the Foundation. He also describes the couple as being “blessed by birth and talent” while also being “burned by fame”. He adds, “In a world where everyone has an opinion about people they don’t know, the duke and duchess have compassion for the people they don’t know. They don’t just opine. They run toward the struggle.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 371.6452742123687px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844126/https___prodstatic9net.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0a186fd1984b42dcb57ed029be1cc2ed" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Andrés goes on to describe some of the work the couple have engaged in, including “offering mental-health support to Black women and girls in the U.S., and feeding those affected by natural disasters in India and the Caribbean.” The Archewell Foundation describes its mission as one that “puts compassion into action, uplifting and uniting communities locally and globally, online and offline”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Foundation includes a foundation that has worked with groups like The Aspen Institute, the Center for Humane Technology, Global Citizen, and Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, and production arm. Archewell Productions has a creative partnership with Netflix and is currently working on two projects:<span> </span><em>Heart of Invictus,<span> </span></em>a docuseries that will follow competitors on their journeys to the now-delayed 2020 Invictus Games, set to be held in 2022, and<span> </span><em>Pearl,<span> </span></em>an “animated series that centers on the heroic adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by influential women from history”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2Ekj3NmtX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2Ekj3NmtX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Archewell by Harry and Meghan (@archewell_hm)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The release of the couple’s TIME Magazine cover coincides with Prince Harry’s 37th birthday, and comes just two weeks after the 24th anniversary of his mother, Princess Diana’s, tragic death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other influential people included in TIME’s 2021 list include Apple CEO Tim Cook, US President Joe Biden, former US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, tennis sensation Naomi Osaka, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p> <p dir="ltr">Harry and Meghan have both been named some of the most influential people on the internet before, but this is their first time on the overall list. Prince William, his wife Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth have also been named some of the world's most influential people in the past, as well as Pippa Middleton and several members of other royal families around the world such as Queen Rania of Jordan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Pari Dukovic/Time Magazine</em></p>

Lifestyle

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Australia expresses ‘serious concerns’ about invasive searches of women at Doha airport

<p>The Australian government has registered “serious concerns” with Qatar about an incident in which female passengers, including Australians, were taken off a flight bound for Australia and subjected to an invasive search.</p> <p>The incident happened at Hamad international airport in Doha earlier this month after a fetus was discovered in an airport bathroom.</p> <p>The story was broken by the Seven Network, which reported that “women at the airport, including thirteen Australians, were removed from flights, detained and forced to undergo an inspection in an ambulance on the tarmac.”</p> <p>According to the report, Qatari authorities forced the women to remove their underwear.</p> <p>A foreign affairs spokesperson said on Sunday: “The Australian government is aware of concerning reports regarding the treatment of female passengers, including Australian citizens, at Doha (Hamad) airport in Qatar.</p> <p>"We have formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities and have been assured that detailed and transparent information on the event will be provided soon.”</p> <p>The matter is being handled by Foreign Minister Marise Payne.</p> <p><em>Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316">Michelle Grattan</a>, University of Canberra. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/search/result?sg=efb3c23d-f61a-4045-8f10-bd77510f30c4&amp;sp=1&amp;sr=1&amp;url=%2Faustralia-expresses-serious-concerns-about-invasive-searches-of-women-at-doha-airport-148784">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

Travel

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Prince William and Prince Harry’s “devastating breakdown” revealed in new book

<p>The rift between Prince William and Prince Harry is the most “profound” among the recent generation of the royal family, royal author Robert Lacey said.</p> <p>The biographer, who serves as a historical consultant for the Netflix series <em>The Crown</em>, is set to release the book <em>Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – the Friendships and Feuds </em>in October.</p> <p>“Raised to be the closest of brothers, the last 18 months has seen a devastating breakdown of their once unbreakable bond,” the book’s synopsis reads.</p> <p>In the book, Lacey explains “what happened when two sons were raised for vastly different futures and showing how the seeds of damage were sown as their parents’ marriage unravelled”.</p> <p>Lacey said he had been “astonished” by the information he had uncovered for the book.</p> <p>“I have been astonished and sometimes moved to tears by the fresh details and insights I have discovered in researching this story of family conflict,” he said in a press release.</p> <p>“These two brothers — once inseparable and now separated by much more than mere distance — have been acting out the contradictions that go back into their childhoods and even before that: into their parents’ ill-fated marriage.</p> <p>“We have seen conflicts between heir and spare in every recent generation of the royal family — but nothing so profound as this.”</p> <p>In the 2019 documentary <em>Harry &amp; Meghan: An African Journey</em>, the Duke of Sussex shared a glimpse into his relationship with his older brother.</p> <p>“Part of this role and part of this job, this family, being under the pressure that it’s under, inevitably stuff happens,” he said. “But look, we’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers. We’re certainly on different paths at the moment but I’ll always be there for him and I know he’ll always be there for me.”</p> <p>Another book on royals, <em>Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family</em>, will be released in August. The biography, authored by journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durnad, promises to go “beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan’s life together, dispelling the many rumours and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond”.</p>

Entertainment

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Archie reaches massive milestone

<p><span>Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son has just started talking and already has his first four words down pat.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3UZH5CFWBt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3UZH5CFWBt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Archie Mountbatten-Windsor (@archiewindsor)</a> on Oct 7, 2019 at 6:27am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><br /><span>A royal insider told Us Weekly, "He’s saying a few words, like 'Dada,' 'Mama,' 'book,' and 'dog.'"</span><br /><br /><span>The source also let us in on a few of the tiny royal's preferred pastimes: "He loves playing hide-and-seek and using building blocks." Again: very cute!</span><br /><br /><span>It is no wonder Arch already knows, "Mama" and "Dada", but "book" and "dog" make a lot of sense for baby Archie, too.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBG3_NDHG8_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBG3_NDHG8_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Ya hace un mes 🤧💕 . . . . . #meghanmarkle #princeharry #sussexsquad #duchessmeghan #archie #dukeanduchessofsussex #duchessofsussex#meghan #dukeofsussex#babyarchie #babysussex#style#royalbaby #outfit#archieharrison #lfl#royalwedding#sussexes #harryandmeghan#princessdiana</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/marklespics/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> ᴍᴇɢʜᴀɴ, ᴅᴜᴄʜᴇss ᴏғ sᴜᴄᴄᴇss ♡</a> (@marklespics) on Jun 6, 2020 at 1:41pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>It is no surprise the toddler is already on his way to becoming a wiz at words, judging from Meghan reading her son Duck! Rabbit! during quarantine.</span><br /><br /><span>“Dog” appears to be a word already in Archie’s vocabulary as he adores his family pets, Guy the beagle and a black Labrador whose name has not been made public.</span></p>

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Prince Harry wants to “return” to role after resigning as senior royal

<p>Prince Harry is reportedly interested in returning to a role he had to relinquish after stepping down as a senior member of the British royal family.</p> <p>The Duke of Sussex wanted to return to his role as the Captain General Royal Marines, a former soldier and friend has claimed.</p> <p>“He simply said he misses his role with the Marines and would like one day to return to the appointment,” the unnamed former Invictus Games soldier told <em><a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/prince-harry-misses-role-ceremonial-22128440">The Mirror</a></em>.</p> <p>The conversation took place shortly after lockdown began, the outlet reported.</p> <p>Another military source said Harry’s departure was a “shock” to his colleagues.</p> <p>“Harry was a breath of fresh air, the lads could relate to him and he was a very popular figure who took a keen interest in his job,” the source said.</p> <p>Harry, who took over the ceremonial head role from Prince Philip in December 2017, left the appointment on March 31, his final day as a working member of the royal family.</p> <p>He also lost his positions as Honorary Air Commandant Royal Air Force Honington and Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving, while retaining his rank of Major and honorary ranks of Lieutenant Commander and Squadron Leader.</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new roles would be reviewed in 12 months’ time.</p> <p>The Sussexes’ website stated: “During this 12-month period of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they are in the gift of the Sovereign. No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed.”</p> <p>Harry’s military service began in 2005. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for training before being commissioned into the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment.</p> <p>He also completed two tours in Afghanistan, for which he was awarded an Operational Service Medal.</p> <p>Harry and Meghan are now residing in California in the US.</p>

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Woman slams sister for naming her baby after “most iconic villain in history”

<p>A sibling has raised concerns over her pregnant sister after she revealed the name she was planning to give her child.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/geqtwg/aita_for_calling_my_sister_an_idiot_when_she_said/">Reddit post</a>, the woman explained that her 19-year-old sister, who was four years younger than she was, became pregnant unexpectedly with her boyfriend of three months.</p> <p>The sister announced the baby name on Facebook with a calligraphy banner that read “Anakin Skywalker” – after the <em>Star Wars </em>character – followed by their last name. “First name Anakin, middle name Skywalker,” the woman said.</p> <p>The woman initially thought the post was “a joke”, but later learned in a phone call with her sister that it was “exactly what we’ve decided to call him”.</p> <p>She told her sister that her future child would struggle fitting into the name, given how popular the <em>Star Wars </em>villain was around the world.</p> <p>“I said dude, you know this kid is going to be abysmally bullied, right? You’re giving him a name that is fully entrenched in pop culture,” she wrote.</p> <p>The sister responded: “It’s not about <em>Star Wars</em> at all, just really love the name Anakin Skywalker, it has good sonics. I’m sure people won’t care if he’s called Anakin.”</p> <p>The woman laughed and told her sister she was “an idiot”, prompting the expecting mother to hung up on her.</p> <p>The older sibling was later called by their parents. “While dad thought it was an absolute riot, mom told me off for not being ‘gentle with my sister during a difficult time’,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I just can’t believe my nephew is going to be fully named after the most iconic villain in history.”</p> <p>People in the comment section agreed with the woman, saying the name would make the child a target for jokes and bullying.</p> <p>“His resume will get thrown out quite often since it is going to be seen as a joke,” one commented.</p> <p>“He will have very hard time whenever he has to use his name. The police will think his ID is fake, no one will take his resume [seriously], the government will think it is fake/a joke, etc. The kid will have a lifetime of headaches ahead of him.”</p> <p>Another added: “Good grief, I have a room devoted to <em>Star Wars</em> memorabilia and I would never even consider naming my kid Anakin freaking Skywalker.</p> <p>“There is zero chance of this kid making his way through life unscarred by this ridiculous choice. At least now when the kid complains to you about it in the future you’ll be able to say you tried to prevent this travesty.”</p> <p>One attempted to find a middle ground: “I think using Anakin is, like, borderline okay. It’s actually a nice-sounding name. Middle name Skywalker is just absurd.”</p>

Lifestyle

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Unearthed snaps of baby Prince Harry with Princess Diana reveals adorable detail

<p>Prince Harry has been a super fan of the children’s show Thomas The Tank Engine since he was a tot still in nappies and now is starring in an on-camera introduction to a very special episode of Thomas The Tank Engine, a new royal TV special called Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine.</p> <p>The classic show has been a must-watch for children all around the world for decades, including the Duke of Sussex who has pictures of him as just a young boy sporting memorabilia while alongside his mother, Princess Diana. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.1284046692607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835867/sg-21.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/695130b9b9d0459bb23d50e0f0d0d612" /></p> <p>Prince Harry’s latest project, which is him appearing in a 22-minute episode to mark Thomas &amp; Friends' 75th anniversary, definitely holds a special place for the royal.</p> <p>The episode even features a cameo from The Queen and Prince Charles set back in the time frame of when our future King was just a boy. </p> <p>The story follow Thomas as he transports Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway yard, to Buckingham Palace in London.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.1284046692607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835868/sg-20.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/40aa882884c7439aba99adddd712a474" /></p> <p>He has been invited by The Queen to be honoured with an award for his distinguished service to the railway. </p> <p>Her Majesty’s son, a young Prince Charles, has asked that Thomas be the engine to transport him on his journey.</p> <p>In a statement, Prince Harry said it was an honour to be involved in the project.</p> <p>"Thomas the Tank Engine has been a comforting, familiar face to so many families over the last 75 years – entertaining, educating and inspiring children on important issues through exciting stories and characters," he said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jK59rnYqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jK59rnYqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by T&amp;F Fan Club (@thomasthetankenginefanclub)</a> on Apr 28, 2020 at 8:22pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I certainly have fond memories of growing up with Thomas &amp; Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures. I am very proud to have been asked to take part in this special episode. I wish Thomas &amp; Friends a very happy anniversary."</p> <p>Harry's on-camera introduction was recorded earlier this year, in January, with the Duke donating his fee to charity.</p>

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Prince William and Prince Harry: Heartbreaking news for the royal brothers

<p>A former British soldier who served with Prince Harry and Prince William has died from coronavirus.</p> <p>Ryan Cartwright, 36, passed away as he was planning a return to the army, friends told <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11493819/princes-regiment-hero-dies-of-coronavirus/">The Sun</a></em>. He was working as a lorry driver at the time of his death.</p> <p>The father-of-one had served for four years in the Blues and Royals, the cavalry regiment William and Harry joined in 2006.</p> <p>Cartwright is survived by his partner Amy Potts and their daughter.</p> <p>Former comrade Sam Hopes wrote on a Facebook tribute: “He only messaged me a few months ago telling me he was getting back in. I’m shocked. RIP Ryan.”</p> <p>The Blues and Royals cavalry regiment was formed in 1969.</p> <p>Cartwright saw active service in peacekeeping role in Bosnia in 2002. Prince Harry joined the Blues and Royals in January 2006 amid his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and was later promoted to lieutenant in 2008. Prince William joined the cavalry in December 2006.</p>

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Why rereading Harry Potter might be the next best thing after your friendships

<p>Humans are innately social creatures. But as we stay home to limit the spread of COVID-19, video calls only go so far to satisfy our need for connection.</p> <p>The good news is the relationships we have with fictional characters from books, TV shows, movies, and video games – called parasocial relationships – serve many of the same functions as our friendships with real people, without the infection risks.</p> <p><strong>Time spent in fictional worlds</strong></p> <p>Some of us already spend vast swathes of time with our heads in fictional worlds.</p> <p>Psychologist and novelist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22yoaiLYb7M&amp;t=122s">Jennifer Lynn Barnes</a> estimated that across the globe, people have collectively spent 235,000 years engaging with Harry Potter books and movies alone. And that was a conservative estimate, based on a reading speed of three hours per book and no rereading of books or rewatching of movies.</p> <p>This human predilection for becoming attached to fictional characters is lifelong, or at least from the time toddlers begin to engage in pretend play. About half of all children create an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-Companions-Children-Create-Them-ebook/dp/B000TTVQAU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=marjorie+taylor%27s+imaginary+friend&amp;qid=1586910704&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr0">imaginary friend</a> (think comic strip <a href="https://calvinandhobbes.fandom.com/wiki/Hobbes">Calvin’s tiger pal Hobbes</a>).</p> <p>Preschool children often form attachments to media characters and believe these <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-28765-005">parasocial friendships</a> are reciprocal — asserting that the character (even an animated one) can hear what they say and know what they feel.</p> <p>Older children and adults, of course, know that book and TV characters do not actually exist. But our knowledge of that reality doesn’t stop us from feeling these <a href="https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/abs/10.1521/soco.2008.26.2.156">relationships are real</a>, or that they <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333748971_Parasocial_Interactions_and_Relationships_with_Media_Characters_-_An_Inventory_of_60_Years_of_Research">could be reciprocal</a>.</p> <p>When we finish a beloved book or television series and continue to think about what the characters will do next, or what they could have done differently, we are having a parasocial interaction. Often, we entertain these thoughts and feelings to cope with the sadness — even grief — that we feel at the end of a book or series.</p> <p>The still lively <a href="https://twitter.com/reddit/status/1128051192288796672">Game of Thrones discussion threads</a> or social media reaction to the <a href="https://www.popsugar.com.au/celebrity/Offspring-Season-5-Preview-34780442">death of Patrick</a> on Offspring a few years back show many people experience this.</p> <p>Some people sustain these relationships by writing new adventures in the form of <a href="https://www.fanfiction.net/book/Harry-Potter/">fan fiction</a> for their favourite characters after a popular series has ended. Not surprisingly, Harry Potter is one of the most popular fanfic topics. And steamy blockbuster <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hayleycuccinello/2017/02/10/fifty-shades-of-green-how-fanfiction-went-from-dirty-little-secret-to-money-machine/#58583ef3264c">Fifty Shades of Grey</a> began as fan fiction for the Twilight series.</p> <p><strong>As good as the real thing?</strong></p> <p>So, imaginary friendships are common even among adults. But are they good for us? Or are they a sign we’re losing our grip on reality?</p> <p>The evidence so far shows these imaginary friendships are a sign of well-being, not dysfunction, and that they can be good for us in many of the same ways that real friendships are good for us. Young children with imaginary friends show more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19630910">creativity</a> in their storytelling, and higher levels of <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1131670?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents">empathy</a> compared to children without imaginary friends. Older children who create whole imaginary worlds (called <a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdev.13162">paracosms</a>) are more creative in dealing with social situations, and may be better problem-solvers when faced with a stressful event.</p> <p>As adults, we can turn to parasocial relationships with fictional characters to feel less <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103108002412">lonely</a> and boost our mood when we’re <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2008.00197.x">feeling low</a>.</p> <p>As a bonus, reading <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6156/377">fiction</a>, watching high-quality <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-44293-001">television shows</a>, and playing pro-social <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21171755">video games</a> have all been shown to boost empathy and may decrease <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jasp.12279">prejudice</a>.</p> <p><strong>Get by with a little help</strong></p> <p>We need our fictional friends more than ever right now as we endure weeks in isolation. When we do venture outside for a walk or to go the supermarket and someone avoids us, it feels like <a href="https://www.newswise.com/coronavirus/why-social-distancing-is-so-difficult-how-research-explains-our-behavior/?article_id=728360">social rejection</a>, even though we know physical distancing is recommended. Engaging with familiar TV or book characters is one way to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550612454889">rejuvenate</a> our sense of connection.</p> <p>Plus, parasocial relationships are enjoyable and, as American literature professor Patricia Meyer Spacks noted in <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/are-rereadings-better-readings">On Rereading</a>, revisiting fictional friends might tell us more about ourselves than the book.</p> <p>So cuddle up on the couch in your comfiest clothes and devote some time to your fictional friendships. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/apr/08/rereading-favourite-books-pleasure">Reread an old favourite</a> – even one from your childhood. Revisiting a familiar fictional world creates a sense of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08824096.2017.1383236">nostalgia</a>, which is another way to feel less <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-20034-013">lonely</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23163710">bored</a>.</p> <p>Take turns reading the Harry Potter series aloud with your family or housemates, or watch a TV series together and bond over which characters you love the most. (I recommend <a href="https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/3189">Gilmore Girls</a> for all mothers marooned with teenage daughters.)</p> <p>Fostering fictional friendships together can strengthen <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.160288">real-life</a> relationships. So as we stay home and save lives, we can be cementing the familial and parasocial relationships that will shape us – and our children – for life.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/136236/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elaine-reese-1027041">Elaine Reese</a>, Professor of Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/missing-your-friends-rereading-harry-potter-might-be-the-next-best-thing-136236">original article</a>.</em></p>

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April fools? Harry and Meghan’s last day in office announced

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives as working members of Britain’s royal family will end on March 31, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed Wednesday.</p> <p>Harry and Meghan’s office at Buckingham Palace will be closed starting April 1, with the pair set to be represented through their UK charity team going forward.</p> <p><span>The two will continue on as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and retain their titles: The Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and the Baron and Baroness Kilkeel. They will no longer represent Her Majesty or receive public funds for royal engagements.</span></p> <p>The terms of Harry and Meghan’s separation from the royal family is due for review in one year, <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/prince-harry-meghan-confirm-day-working-members-britains-69072813">the spokesperson said</a>.</p> <p>“As there is no precedent for this new model of working and eventual financial independence, the Royal Family and the Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties.”</p> <p>Harry and Meghan’s use of the word royal, as featured in their Sussex Royal branding, is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/queen-steps-in-and-orders-prince-harry-and-meghan-to-drop-royal-sussex-brand">under review</a>. Any changes will be announced alongside the launch of the couple’s foundation, the spokesperson said.</p> <p>The nonprofit is said to retain the couple’s charitable goals to focus on causes including “the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health, collectively”.</p> <p>The couple is set to reside in Canada but “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/19/harry-and-meghan-to-split-from-royal-family-on-31-march">will be in the United Kingdom regularly</a>”, sources said.</p> <p>They are expected to have their last official appearance as working royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9 with the Queen and other senior members of the monarchy.</p>

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The hotel that offers free stays for couples who make babies

<p><span>This Valentine’s Day, a Canadian hotel is raising the game with a special offer.</span></p> <p><span>Hotel Zed is bringing back its Nooner Valentine’s Day promotion for the fifth year in a row, inviting couples to book a four-hour room for CA$59. </span></p> <p><span>However, there’s a new twist this year: If a pair welcomes a baby into their lives nine months after the Nooner stay, they will win a free stay at any Hotel Zed of their choice for the next 18 years.</span></p> <p><span>“I don’t think we’re going to convince someone who’s not thinking about having a baby to have a baby. But if you’re serious about expanding your family, why wouldn’t you try?” Hotel Zed CEO Mandy Farmer told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hotel-zed-valentines-special-offer/index.html"><em>CNN</em></a>. </span></p> <p><span>“If you succeed, you’ll win a way to celebrate your baby’s conception for the next 18 years.”</span></p> <p><span>Farmer told <a href="https://www.insider.com/canadian-hotel-zed-offers-free-stays-for-couples-who-can-make-babies-during-a-valentines-day-promo-2020-1"><em>Insider</em></a> the prize might give the lucky winners “a new annual tradition”. “Definitely beats a stale box of chocolate or another flower bouquet!”</span></p> <p><span>Conception is not the only way couples can win the prize. The promotion is open to everyone regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, and therefore applies to pairs who welcome their baby through adoption or surrogacy.</span></p> <p><span>Couples are required to submit documentation with dates to receive the <a href="https://www.hotelzed.com/specials/valentine-s-day-nooner-baby-maker/">Nooner Baby Maker prize</a>.</span></p>

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Prince Philip slams Harry and Meghan’s resignation plan

<p>Prince Philip has accused Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of lacking respect over their decision to step back as senior royals.</p> <p>According to <em>The Sun</em>, the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly responded after hearing the couple’s announcement: “What the hell are they playing at?”</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Wednesday that they plan to become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America.</p> <p>A source told <em>The Sun </em>that Prince Philip was “deeply hurt” by the decision.</p> <p>“He has left the Queen in absolutely no doubt about how he feels. Philip has accused Harry and Meghan of lacking respect and he is weary of their behaviour,” the source said.</p> <p>“They did not spend Christmas with the family – which he and the Queen accepted – and now this. His primary concern is the impact this is having on the Queen.</p> <p>“A lot of Philip’s anger comes from seeing Her Majesty upset.”</p> <p>A source said Prince Philip’s previous response to Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson could indicate what his response to Meghan and Harry’s resignation would be like.</p> <p>“He won’t be happy about the idea that Meg and Harry need a break from royal duties. This is a man who has dragged himself off his sick bed and even though nearly 100 years old is committed to serving the monarchy.</p> <p>“He was very unforgiving of Diana and Fergie appearing, in his eyes, to damage the reputation of the Royal Family.”</p> <p>Prince Philip retired from his royal duties in August 2017 at the age of 96.</p> <p>Currently, 95 per cent of the Sussexes’ income comes from the private income generation for the Prince of Wales by the Duchy of Cornwall.</p> <p>The <em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74968X1525087&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Fedition%2Fnews%2Fcharles-threatens-to-halt-harry-and-meghans-cash-k3b58zq6l&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.townandcountrymag.com%2Fsociety%2Ftradition%2Fa30456673%2Fmeghan-markle-prince-harry-new-roles-tax-immigration-impact%2F%3Fpre%3Dsociety%252Ftradition%252F%26prefix%3Da%26id%3D30456673%26del%3D%26variantId%3D%26post%3D%252Fmeghan-markle-prince-harry-new-roles-tax-immigration-impact">Times</a></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74968X1525087&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Fedition%2Fnews%2Fcharles-threatens-to-halt-harry-and-meghans-cash-k3b58zq6l&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.townandcountrymag.com%2Fsociety%2Ftradition%2Fa30456673%2Fmeghan-markle-prince-harry-new-roles-tax-immigration-impact%2F%3Fpre%3Dsociety%252Ftradition%252F%26prefix%3Da%26id%3D30456673%26del%3D%26variantId%3D%26post%3D%252Fmeghan-markle-prince-harry-new-roles-tax-immigration-impact"> </a>reported that Prince Charles “has made it clear that any agreement over money depends on the details of their future role and will not be settled until that has been decided”.</p>

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Prince William expresses pain over Prince Harry's royal withdrawal

<p>Prince William has told a close friend he can’t wrap “his arm around” his only brother, Prince Harry, anymore after he and his wife, Duchess Meghan, announced they would be stepping down as senior royals.</p> <p>The Duke of Cambridge revealed his pain and “sadness” over the tense relationship that had developed with his younger brother and the split of the Royal Family.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7PF1AgDZh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7PF1AgDZh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Just Jared (@justjared)</a> on Jan 12, 2020 at 2:08pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Just days after Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced to the world they would be stepping down as senior royals and would be spending majority of their time overseas, Prince William admitted his grief over the breakdown of his relationship with Harry.</p> <p>The news reportedly left Buckingham Palace in shock, as the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William, 37, were given a little over 10 minutes notice before the decision was released to the world.</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/12/prince-william-harry-and-i-are-now-separate-entities" target="_blank">The Sunday Times </a>reports the Duke of Cambridge said he hoped that one day everyone will “play on the team” again.</p> <p>He said: “I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that anymore; we’re separate entities. I’m sad about that.</p> <p>“All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we’re all singing from the same page.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MiuoZndbl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MiuoZndbl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Meghan &amp; Harry News (@meghan_harry_news)</a> on Jan 11, 2020 at 2:22pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Queen has reportedly ordered Prince Charles, William and Harry to a historical summit at Sandringham on Monday to discuss the future of the Royal Family.</p> <p>The Queen’s former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said: “This is a landmark meeting which is ­absolutely unprecedented.”</p> <p>A Palace source also confirmed they will also discuss the “next steps” for the monarchy.</p> <p>An announcement is due to be released within the next few days.</p> <p>They said: “The family will gather on Monday at Sandringham to talk things through.</p> <p>“Attendees will be Her Majesty, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex.</p> <p>“Following a series of meetings and consultations across the last few days, there are a range of possibilities for the family to review which take into account the thinking the Sussexes outlined earlier in the week.</p> <p>“Making a change to the working lives and the role in the monarchy for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will require both complex and thoughtful discussions.</p> <p>“Next steps will be agreed at the meeting and the request for this to be resolved at pace is still Her Majesty’s wish.</p> <p>“The aim remains to have it resolved in days not weeks. There are a range of possibilities to review.”</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they will work to become “financially independent” as they “carve out a progressive new role” but will still continue to support the Queen.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EaGS_Jpb9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EaGS_Jpb9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>They reportedly told close friends they want to spend some of the next two months working out of Canada after a six-week trial holiday over Christmas and New Year was deemed highly successful.</p> <p>The Duchess of Sussex, 38, flew to Britain on Monday after the couple spent six weeks away over Christmas.</p> <p>However, she quickly returned to Vancouver Island, Canada and it is believed Prince Harry may re-join with his wife as early as next week.</p>

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Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan share unseen wedding photo

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have marked the two-year anniversary of the announcement of their engagement with a previously unseen portrait from their wedding day.</p> <p>The royal couple shared the snap on their SussexRoyal Instagram account with the caption: “On this day, two years ago: 27th of November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the news of their engagement, later becoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex!</p> <p>“They have since celebrated their wedding anniversary and welcomed their son, Archie, into the world.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5X7Wmtl8lX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5X7Wmtl8lX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">On this day, two years ago: 27th of November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the news of their engagement, later becoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex! They have since celebrated their wedding anniversary and welcomed their son, Archie, into the world ❤️ • Photo © PA / Chris Allerton © SussexRoyal</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Nov 27, 2019 at 7:26am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The pair also included a photo from the day their engagement was made public, in which they could be seen together at the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.</p> <p>Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s spokesperson announced that they will not be spending Christmas with the royal family this year.</p> <p>“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland. This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”</p>

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