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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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“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>

Lifestyle

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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>

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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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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>

Travel

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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>

Entertainment

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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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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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Prince Harry joins Archie and Duchess Meghan for special playgroup

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prince Harry has reportedly joined in on a fulfilling activity for the first time ever by watching little Archie at a playgroup. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tiny to had a few interesting interactions with a bunch of other babies at a local playgroup while his mother, Duchess Meghan and dad, Prince Harry, watched on the sidelines. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is reportedly the first time the Duke has had the opportunity to see his son in this setting - and the best part is, the 35-year-old was not the only bloke in the room. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There were a couple of other dads there — he wasn't the only dad there!" an insider told </span><a href="https://people.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Archie apparently struck up a special friendship with two other toddlers in the playgroup who share one of his striking features: his bright red hair. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Gingers stick together!" Prince Harry reportedly joked upon seeing his son mingling with his fellow redheads. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Duchess of Sussex mentioned her son was attending the playgroup last month during an appearance at the WellChild awards and revealed the tiny tot “loves it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to reports, Archie is now crawling and has just begun the teething process. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Duchess says her son had “two tiny ones right there,” while pointing to her lower lip. </span></p>

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What Princess Diana kept from Prince Charles when she was pregnant with Harry

<p>A royal biographer has revealed an important detail of Princess Diana’s second pregnancy that she kept from her husband. </p> <p>Andrew Morton says Princess Diana told him she knew she was having a son, but kept it a secret from Prince Charles. </p> <p>“I knew Harry was going to be a boy because I saw on the scan,” he claimed she recalled to which she added: "Charles always wanted a girl".</p> <p>The royal couple welcomed Prince William in 1982, less than a year after getting married. </p> <p>Princess Diana fell pregnant again with Harry around two years later.</p> <p>Morton says the royal told him her husband “wanted two children, and he wanted a girl.”</p> <p>Morton said in his autobiography,<span> </span><em>Diana: Her True Story - in Her Own Words</em><span> </span>that the late royal told him that although she was extremely excited when Prince Harry was born in 1984, Charles was “less enthusiastic.”</p> <p>It is rumoured after their second child was born, he had reportedly said “Oh God, it’s a boy,” then commented on the hair of Prince Harry where he said “and he’s even got red hair.”</p> <p>Prince Charles had apparently made it extremely clear he was unhappy with having another son instead of a daughter, telling Princess Di’s mother, Frances Kydd: "We were so disappointed — we thought it would be a girl" at Harry’s christening. </p> <p>According to Morton, in Diana’s own words, her mother had snapped at him. </p> <p>She allegedly told her son-in-law "You should realise how lucky you are to have a child that's normal". </p> <p>Princess Diana and Prince Charles divorced in 1996. </p> <p>In 1997, Princess Di tragically passed away in a car accident. </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Prince Harry as a young child.</p>

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“She takes it very personally”: Donald Trump’s take on Duchess Meghan

<p><span>US president Donald Trump said he “can understand” Duchess Meghan’s struggle with media scrutiny.</span></p> <p><span>In an interview aired on London-based radio station LBC, Trump was asked by host and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage if he felt “sorry” for the Duchess of Sussex who is “saying that the press is being really unfair”.</span></p> <p><span>“I’ve been watching her interviews and I’ve seen it and she’s taken it very personally,” Trump said.</span></p> <p><span>“I guess she had to be a little bit different than that, but she takes it very, very personally and I can understand it.”</span></p> <p><span>The president said he did not “know her” but had met with her husband Prince Harry during a state visit to the UK in June.</span></p> <p><span>"I will say I met Harry, he’s great, I met him when I was over … that was what, 5 months ago now, how time flies,” Trump said.</span></p> <p><span>“But I got to meet Harry and he really was a fine young man.”</span></p> <p><span>In a documentary that aired last week, Duchess Meghan said living in the public eye as a new mother is a “<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/you-knew-exactly-what-you-were-doing-talk-show-host-bashes-duchess-meghan">struggle</a>”.</span></p> <p><span>“When I first met my now-husband, my friends were really happy because I was so happy, but my British friends said to me, ‘I’m sure he’s great, but you shouldn’t do it, because the British tabloids will destroy your life’,” the Duchess said in the film.</span></p> <p><span>This week, 72 female MPs released an open letter condemning the “distasteful and misleading nature of stories” about the Duchess in the British tabloids.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Women MPs from all political parties have put aside our differences to stand in solidarity with the Duchess of Sussex today and are sending her this open letter. <a href="https://t.co/ytLHG5qPf4">pic.twitter.com/ytLHG5qPf4</a></p> — Holly Lynch MP (@HollyLynch5) <a href="https://twitter.com/HollyLynch5/status/1189175248035483648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <p><span>The letter – which was directed to the Duchess – read, “As women MPs of political persuasions, we wanted to express our solidarity with you in taking a stand against the often distasteful and misleading nature of the stories printed in our national newspapers concerning you, your character and your family.”</span></p>

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Prince Harry and Meghan considering moving to Canada with baby Archie

<p><span>Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are reportedly considering moving to Canada with their son Archie.</span></p> <p><span>“Meghan and Harry have considered moving to Canada, as it’s part of the Commonwealth,” a source told <em><a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-considering-moving-to-canada/">Us Weekly</a></em>.</span></p> <p><span>The Duchess had previously lived in Canada for several years while filming the TV show <em>Suits</em>.</span></p> <p><em><span><a href="https://www.etonline.com/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-arent-moving-to-canada-but-want-to-have-extended-trips-in-more">ET</a> </span></em><span>reported the royal couple is “looking very seriously at spending extended periods of time in Commonwealth countries in their role as Commonwealth Ambassadors”. Locations including Australia, Africa, Canada and the Caribbean are being considered for the royals’ upcoming travels, a source said.</span></p> <p><span>However, a source told <em>ET </em>in April that any extended overseas stay would not occur until 2020.</span></p> <p><span>“While details would naturally be formalized over time, with Harry and Meghan’s role as President and Vice President, respectively, of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, any relocation for an extended period of time would be an opportunity for them to work in their already established humanitarian roles,” the source said.</span></p> <p><span>Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are residing at Frogmore Cottage. </span></p> <p>A source previously told <em>Us</em> that the Duchess enjoys life in Windsor. “She really likes living in Windsor,” the source said. “It’s much less complicated to have friends visit and feels less claustrophobic than Kensington Palace.”</p>

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Safari Style: See all of Duchess Meghan’s outfits from royal tour with Prince Harry and baby Archie

<p>Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s royal tour in South Africa has already reached well past its halfway mark and it is clear she didn’t leave her beloved style game back at Frogmore cottage. </p> <p>This trip is the first one the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken with their four-month-old son, Archie. </p> <p>However, seeing the adorable bub isn’t the only thing that has made headlines all across the world. </p> <p>For her first solo outing of her and Prince Harry’s tour, the royal opted for a plain black jumpsuit which she had previously worn while filming the<span> </span>Forces for Change<span> </span>video published to the @Sussexroyal Instagram account. To glam up the look, she added gold statement earrings and black Manolo Blahnik pumps. </p> <p>One of the most memorable outfits from the Duchess has got to be the daring blue printed frock she wore while toting around her gorgeous son Archie in front of the cameras, for the first time ever. </p> <p>While meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter at their legacy foundation in Cape Town, the royal looked fresh and at ease in an ultra-chic blue-printed Club Monaco silk dress with a dainty tie waist and navy blue pumps. </p> <p>Another look sported by the 37-year-old mother was one many Aussies and Kiwi’s might remember, as she first showed it off while travelling through the South Pacific for a royal tour. </p> <p>It was a favourite among many - a striped maxi dress by Martin Grant, accessorised with black porcelain earrings, which were designed and created by local South African jeweller Nina Bosch. </p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have just one more day left, where they will visit a township near Johannesburg and meet young people and entrepreneurs who are working to tackle the rising unemployment challenge in South Africa. </p> <p>The couple will also take the opportunity to meet with Mrs Graça Machel, widow of the late former President Nelson Mandela. </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see all of Duchess Meghan’s gorgeous looks while on tour in South Africa.</p>

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“I lost my mother”: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan hit back

<p>The Duke of Sussex has issued a statement condemning a “ruthless” media campaign against his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. </p> <p>Prince Harry has expressed his “deepest fear” is his wife suffering the same fate as his mother did, the late Princess Diana, who died in 1997. </p> <p>In a personally released statement, the 35-year-old royal said they were being forced to take action against the “bullying”. </p> <p>"I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces,” he said. </p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be taking legal action against British tabloid the<span> </span><em>Daily Mail<span> </span></em>over publishing a private letter by the Duchess, which the couple allege was done so illegally. </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/B21AGRDH7qi/?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/B21AGRDH7qi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Oh hi baby Archie! 👋🏼 Gorgeous smiles from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s four month old son as he makes his royal tour debut! They are visiting Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town. What a cutie! . . . . . . . #archieharrisonmountbattenwindsor#archie#dukeanddutchessofsussex#harryandmeghan#meghanmarkle#duchessmeghan#princeharry#archbishopdesmondtutu#capetown#southafrica#desmondtutuhivfoundation#royal#royalvisitsouthafrica#britishroyalfamily#sussexroyaltour</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/emilynashhello/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Emily Nash</a> (@emilynashhello) on Sep 25, 2019 at 1:52am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He also said what was published had been edited to hide “lies” reported about her. </p> <p>Prince Harry condemned claims that have been thrown at the couple over the last months, admitting the process had been a “painful” experience for both of them. </p> <p>“Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences — a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son,” Harry said on the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://sussexofficial.uk/" target="_blank">Royal Family’s official website.</a></p> <p>“There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face — as so many of you can relate to — I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been.”</p> <p>The Duke referenced the coverage of his mother Princess Di by saying his “deepest fear is history repeating itself”.</p> <p>“There comes a point when the only thing to do is to stand up to this behaviour, because it destroys people and destroys lives. Put simply, it is bullying, which scares and silences people. We all know this isn’t acceptable, at any level. We won’t and can’t believe in a world where there is no accountability for this,” he wrote.</p> <p>“Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person.</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/B2-qwYgAmMa/?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/B2-qwYgAmMa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ♡Meghan Markle Fan♡ (@hrhmeghanmarkleforever)</a> on Sep 28, 2019 at 7:58pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess are suing<span> </span><em>Associated Newspapers<span> </span></em>which is the parent company of<span> </span><em>Mail on Sunday. </em></p> <p>The lawsuit has been issued over the misuse of private information, breach of the UK’s Data Protection Act 2018 and infringement of copyright. </p> <p>Duchess Meghan wrote a heartfelt and emotional letter to her father, Thomas Markle Senior, which he released to<span> </span><em>Mail on Sunday<span> </span></em>three months after the royal wedding in August 2018. </p> <p>Prince Harry wrote: “this particular legal action hinges on one incident in a long and disturbing pattern of behaviour by British tabloid media”.</p> <p>“The contents of a private letter were published unlawfully in an intentionally destructive manner to manipulate you, the reader, and further the divisive agenda of the media group in question,” he said.</p> <p><em>Mail on Sunday<span> </span></em>released their own statement, denying the royal’s claims. </p> <p>“The<span> </span><em>Mail on Sunday</em><span> </span>stands by the story it published and will be defending this case vigorously. Specifically, we categorically deny that the Duchess’s letter was edited in any way that changed its meaning,” a spokesperson said.</p> <p>Prince Harry also went on to point out in his statement that the coverage which is seemingly positive of his wife exposes the “double standards” of the press pack that “vilified her almost daily,” over the course of a year. </p> <p>“They have been able to create lie after lie at her expense simply because she has not been visible while on maternity leave. She is the same woman she was a year ago on our wedding day, just as she is the same woman you’ve seen on this Africa tour,” he said.</p> <p>“For these select media this is a game, and one that we have been unwilling to play from the start. I have been a silent witness to her private suffering for too long. To stand back and do nothing would be contrary to everything we believe in.”</p> <p>The legal proceedings are being privately funded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and any potential proceeds received in award damages will be donated to an anti-bullying charity.</p>

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