Meghan Markle news – Prince William wants to 'heal rift' with Harry but 'worries' Sussexes could pull 'stunt' at Jubilee

PRINCE WILLIAM wants to 'heal the rift' with Harry but he 'worries' that the Sussexes 'will pull a stunt to try to get the limelight' at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

The Sussexes said last Friday they would be at the Jubilee with children Archie, three, and Lilibet, 11 months.

They will be invited to some events and are guaranteed global coverage but will not be on the Palace balcony with the Queen for Trooping of the Colour.

A source said: “William wants to talk to Harry to try to heal the rift between them but he’s fearful it will find its way on to Netflix, Oprah or into Harry’s upcoming book.”

Royal biographer Tom Bower said: “William will worry that Harry and Meghan will pull a stunt to try to get the limelight.

“Kate and William would be foolish not to be suspicious and would be unwise not to be cautious.” 

Read our Meghan Markle live blog below for the latest news & updates…

  • Louis Allwood

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s £135m deal with Netflix ‘at risk'

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s £135million Netflix deal is at risk after they pitched boring ideas, it is claimed. 

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are under a lot of pressure to come up with a hit for the streaming service, an industry source said.

    They are yet to release anything and Meghan’s animated series Pearl, created through Archwell Productions, was dumped last week.

    It comes after The Sun revealed that palace minders are on guard to stop the couple’s film crews from shooting inside royal events at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

    An industry source told the Mail on Sunday: “Harry and Meghan's slate of projects could be in jeopardy as they have announced plans to make shows that are educational and inspiring, rather than sexy and sensational.

    “The pressure will be on them to come up with a hit.”

  • Louis Allwood

    Prince spotted baring his chest

    PRINCE Harry was seen baring his chest on the polo field for the first time since the Queen banned him from the Jubilee balcony celebrations.

    The Duke of Sussex flashed his torso as he played the sport yesterday in Santa Barbara, California.

    Harry showed off his pecks on the polo pitch ahead of his game on Archie’s third birthday yesterday.

  • Louis Allwood

    'Real fear of tension'

    Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, announced on Friday they will be attending with their children — minutes after the Queen barred them from the Palace balcony for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

    A well-placed source said: “While the family are delighted Harry and Meghan are coming, there is a real fear of tension, especially over any Netflix crew. There are concerns tension could explode if the Netflix team comes to the UK and tries to exploit their opportunities.

    “The worry is they will push it and try to gain access to areas of Jubilee celebration events where they can film Harry and Meghan and their children.

    “Even if they accept that their Netflix crew can’t go into Buckingham Palace to film, they could cause problems – and at the very least cause a major distraction.

    “Senior courtiers believe that Netflix will see it as one big opportunity to exploit their mega-millions agreement with the couple.

    “So a team of Palace aides will be on standby to keep a very close eye on the crew, and act as minders if needs be.”

  • Louis Allwood

    Harry & Meghan’s Netflix crew will be stopped if they try to film inside royal events

    PALACE “minders” will stop any Harry and Meghan Netflix crew if they try to film inside royal events at the Platinum Jubilee.

    Despite a ban from the Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour, the couple may still appear another day.

    A team has been tasked to stop any moves by filmmakers to “exploit” the streaming giant’s £112million deal with the couple at the Queen’s four-day celebrations.

    Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, announced on Friday they will be attending with their children — minutes after the Queen barred them from the Palace balcony for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

    However, insiders believe the pair could still appear in front of the public at the Palace — after the Sunday finale.

  • Louis Allwood

    Special Platinum Jubilee T-shirt on sale next week!

    A SPECIAL Platinum Jubilee T-shirt goes on sale next week.

    It has been designed by artist Charlie Macksey, author of the best-selling illustrated book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse.

    The shirt show the boy and the mole with a heart-shaped Union Jack and the words: “Thank you, Ma’am”.

    The shirt will be on sale from the Royal Collection Trust website and its shops in London, Windsor and Edinburgh.

  • Louis Allwood

    Harry and Meg could still appear next to the Royals

    DESPITE The Queen's decision to ban Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony, the royal couple could still appear alongside other royals.

    Yesterday, it was revealed that the Queen is limiting the balcony appearance for her Platinum Jubilee event to working royals only – which means Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew won't make an appearance.

    However, according to the Mirror, royal sources have now said the couple could make an appearance.

    Sources have even gone as far to say that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may possibly even as part of a second balcony appearance.

    A Palace source said: "Other family members will be invited to events. We've always made that clear and they are likely to be public events."

  • Louis Allwood

    Harry ‘annoyed’ Netflix bosses

    PRINCE Harry "annoyed" Netflix bosses by giving details of his private chat with the Queen to a rival network, sources have claimed.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a £112 million deal with the streaming site – but are yet to release anything for viewers to watch.

    And now it's claimed Prince Harry has left Netflix fuming after he gave their competitors exclusive insights – despite the streaming giant being there with cameras.

    There was "a real sense of annoyance" when Harry spoke to NBC and revealed details of his chat with the Queen, according to insiders.

    Harry's own camera crew were shadowing the royal at the time of the interview in which he revealed he wants to "protect" his great-grandmother.

    They were filming for Heart Of Invictus, a documentary about his event for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans. 

  • Louis Allwood

    EXCLUSIVE: Meghan REMOVES reference to Netflix series from website

    MEGHAN Markle has quietly REMOVED all references to her Netflix series Pearl after it was dropped from the streaming platform.

    The show, created by the Duchess of Sussex through Archewell Productions, was in the development stage when it was dramatically dumped by Netflix.

    Pearl – which followed the story of a 12-year-old girl exploring famous women in history – was set to be the streaming service's first animated series.

    And now Meghan has wiped all references to her abandoned show from the Archewell website.

    Under the subsection Archewell Productions, there was previously a description of the upcoming show – along with a lengthy quote from Meghan herself.

    The production U-turn follows the news that Meghan and Harry, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, will come to the UK for the Queen's Jubilee.

  • Louis Allwood

    Harry’s charity took thousands in furlough cash from taxpayer

    It has been revealed in an investigation that Prince Harry’s orphan charity took thousands of pounds in furlough money from the taxpayer.

    The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in 2006, to help orphaned children across Africa.

    Company accounts show a multi-million-pound income, but over the past two years, the charity has claimed almost £20,000 in taxpayer cash.

    According to the Daily Mail, newly released accounts disclose that Sentebale claimed £5,000 from the Government’s Job Retention scheme last year, on top of £14,000 in 2020.

    The claim was made even though the charity boasted an income of £3.1 million in the 12 months to last August.

    The charity has increased its income by £736,000 from the previous year.

  • Milica Cosic

    Thank you for reading my coverage this evening. Louis Allwood will be back with you tomorrow morning.

  • Louis Allwood

    Meghan is 'anxious to prover herself'

    MEGHAN Markle is 'anxious to prove herself' and the Sussexes need to publish something 'concrete' in order to show 'that they can be successful', a Royal expert claims.

    More pressure could have fallen on Meghan's shoulders following the news that Pearl, created by the Duchess of Sussex through Archewell Productions, was dramatically dumped by Netflix.

    Speaking to Express.co.uk, Pauline MacLaran, said: "Certainly on the UK side people have become rather disaffected with them.

    "There does seem to have been all this anticipation [for the podcast] and nothing produced yet, although Meghan's Archetypes series is supposed to be out soon.

    "But I think they definitely need something out in a more concrete way, to sort of prove themselves in a way. That they can be successful.

    "I can't really speak for the American mood on this, because I hear different things, because they seem to be more popular there.

    "Although again they don't seem to be classed as A-list celebrities. So the jury is out there."

  • Milica Cosic

    Archie's 'why phase’ 

    Like many three-year-olds, Archie is said to be going through a “why phase”, with dad Harry sharing how is son is eager to question everything around him. 

    The Duke told NBC last month: “And suddenly as a parent, especially now, Archie is at the age he is at, asking all the questions.

    “Why this? Why that? Why that? And instead of just trying to move it on, I give him the most honest answer I can,' he said. 'And then it goes on and on and on until he's satisfied.

    "And then that's it. It's done. Otherwise it ends up with – because the world is round and that it is the way life is.”

  • Milica Cosic

    Inside Archie’s LA life with A-lister playdates

    FROM jet-setting around the world to playdates with the rich and famous, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor lives a glam LA life.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son turned three last week – and is likely to celebrate the birthday at his parents' £11million mansion.

    From nursery to the toddler's latest “why phase”, here’s everything we know about Archie's LA life as he turned three-years-old:

    • Archie doesn't have far to go for an A List playdate in Montecito, with parents Meghan and Harry surrounded by celeb pals in the area.
      Among the family's famous friends are Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, who welcomed their daughter Daisy Dove in August 2020.
    • He may only be three but Archie has already racked up a number of stamps on his passport – he was even taken by Meghan and Harry to Ibiza in August 2019
    • It was recently revealed Archie had started attending nursery, with dad Harry using the school day to take time out for his own mental health.
      But while many celebs in the Montecito area send their kids to the All Saints by the Sea Episcopal School, the Sussexes reportedly chose a less traditional classroom for their son.
    • Speaking at the Invictus Games last month, Prince Harry revealed he has already started discussing what Archie wants to be when he grows up – an astronaut "or Kwazii from Octonauts" cartoon
    • As well as unwinding in front of Octonauts, Harry and Meghan have told how they get their kids out and about as much as possible.
      Archie now has seven acres of land to roam around in, with up to 15 nearby trails in the area for family walks.

    Harry 'in danger of becoming just another foreign prince'

    A royal author has claimed that Prince Harry could become "just another foreign prince" if he further cuts ties with the Royal Family.

    Royal author of the newly-released biography 'The Queen: 70 Chapters in the Life of Elizabeth II', and photographer Ian Lloyd told Express.co.uk: "It's a shame because he has got the Invictus Games and quite a lot going for him.

    "But I think he is in danger of evaporating.

    "He and Meghan haven't had the great launch in America we were expecting, they promised a lot and so far nothing much has happened.

    "And I think they will soon realise that with Netflix and other deals it is just people ultimately wanting to trade on their royal status."

    Lloyd continued to say: "Why Harry is a big name in America? It is because his mother was Diana and his grandmother Elizabeth II.

    "If he does distance himself from the Royal Family that brand will eventually be damaged, he will be just another foreign prince.

    "He needs to be working in close ties with the Royal Family to heal the divisions to strengthen his own brand."

    Netflix sacks off Meghan's animated series

    Netflix, the streaming giant, has sacked off Meghan Markle's up-and-coming animated series Pearl.

    The show, created by the Duchess of Sussex through Archewell Productions, was in the development stage when it was dramatically dumped by Netflix.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they hoped to create content that “informs but also gives hope” when they revealed the megabucks partnership in September last year.

    Archewell was set up by the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry in Autumn 2020 to create scripted series, docuseries, documentaries, features and children’s programming.

    Meghan and Harry also inked a deal to produce and host podcasts with music streaming service Spotify worth a reported £18 million in December 2020.

    So far the couple have only released one podcast as part of that contract.

    A Netflix spokesman said: "Archewell Productions remains a valued partner and we are continuing to work together on a number of projects."

    • Milica Cosic

      Harry ‘annoyed’ Netflix bosses by giving details of private chat to rival network

      PRINCE Harry "annoyed" Netflix bosses by giving details of his private chat with the Queen to a rival network, sources have claimed.

      The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a £112 million deal with the streaming site – but are yet to release anything for viewers to watch.

      And now it's claimed Prince Harry has left Netflix fuming after he gave their competitors exclusive insights – despite the streaming giant being there with cameras.

      There was "a real sense of annoyance" when Harry spoke to NBC and revealed details of his chat with the Queen, according to insiders.

      And sources now claim that Netflix bosses felt snubbed that they weren't the first to reveal the comments about the Windsor visit – despite their multi-million dollar deal with Harry.

      An insider told the Mail on Sunday: "Netflix would have loved the first comments about the visit to the Queen for the documentary.

      "There was a real sense of annoyance that they were made to another broadcaster."

      One industry expert said: "Netflix is paying them millions and they're giving all their best interviews to other networks.

      "Do they expect Netflix to be happy about that?"

    • Milica Cosic

      Meghan & Harry’s £135m deal with Netflix ‘at risk'

      PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle’s £135million Netflix deal is at risk after they pitched boring ideas, it is claimed. 

      The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are under a lot of pressure to come up with a hit for the streaming service, an industry source said. 

      An industry source told the Mail on Sunday: “Harry and Meghan's slate of projects could be in jeopardy as they have announced plans to make shows that are educational and inspiring, rather than sexy and sensational.

      “The pressure will be on them to come up with a hit.”

      Netflix bosses are also understood to be annoyed that they are giving their best interviews to other broadcasters.

    • Milica Cosic

      Exact date Harry & Meghan will reunite with William & Kate

      Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed on Friday their attendance at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations next month.

      The royal couple are expected to rub shoulders with Kate Middleton and Prince William at the thanksgiving event at St Paul's Cathedral on June 3.

      The Fab Four were last seen together publicly in March 2020, at Westminster Abbey.

    • Milica Cosic

      Charles played a HUGE part in allowing Harry & Meg back for Jubilee celebrations

      Sources say Harry and Meghan may yet get a balcony appearance if an impromptu gathering is held after the official Jubilee Pageant finale on Sunday, June 5.

      We can also reveal that Prince Charles, 73, had words of encouragement with his youngest son – and told him he and Meghan should be at the celebrations.

      A source said: “The Queen will have thought very carefully about the line-up and the announcement.

      “The celebrations are to mark her 70 years of service, so it seemed right that the balcony appearance is restricted to those currently serving the Queen.

      “And while the timing of Harry and Meghan’s statement raised eyebrows, it also came after some discussions between Charles and his son.

      “The Prince of Wales told Harry, in an encouraging way, he felt they should be there to honour The Queen.”

    • Milica Cosic

      Harry & Meghan’s Netflix crew's ban on filming at Platinum Jubilee

      PALACE “minders” will stop any Harry and Meghan Netflix crew if they try to film inside royal events at the Platinum Jubilee.

      Despite a ban from the Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour, the couple may still appear another day.

      A team has been tasked to stop any moves by filmmakers to “exploit” the streaming giant’s £112million deal with the couple at the Queen’s four-day celebrations.

      A well-placed source said: “While the family are delighted Harry and Meghan are coming, there is a real fear of tension, especially over any Netflix crew. There are concerns tension could explode if the Netflix team comes to the UK and tries to exploit their opportunities.

      “The worry is they will push it and try to gain access to areas of Jubilee celebration events where they can film Harry and Meghan and their children.

      “Even if they accept that their Netflix crew can’t go into Buckingham Palace to film, they could cause problems – and at the very least cause a major distraction.

      “Senior courtiers believe that Netflix will see it as one big opportunity to exploit their mega-millions agreement with the couple.

      “So a team of Palace aides will be on standby to keep a very close eye on the crew, and act as minders if needs be.”

    • Milica Cosic

      Kate criticised over silence on Meghan

      Kate Middleton has been criticised byMeghan Markle fans after she did not comment publicly on Meghan's mental health claims in the Royal Family.

      On Friday, Kate was unveiled as the royal patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. The Duchess said: "It is crucial, therefore, that all those who might be struggling are given the right support at the right time.”

      But some royal fans criticised the Duchess of Cambridge for failing to publicly address comments made by Meghan about her pregnancy experience as she told Oprah Winfrey last year that she experienced suicidal thoughts before Archie was born in 2019.

      The Duchess of Sussex told Oprah: "I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help, that I've never felt this way before, that I needed to go somewhere.

      “And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldn't be good for the institution.”

      Responding to the Duchess of Cambridge’s Twitter announcement, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu wrote: "Agreed Duchess Kate so when Meghan Markle was suicidal/needed mental health support during her pregnancy why didn't she receive ANY from Royal Family?"

      Another person wrote: "Right. It's alright unless it's your family, in which case, protect the image at all costs."

      And a third replied to the announcement with a picture of Meghan while pregnant, with the comment: "Where was your support back then?"

    • Milica Cosic

      Afternoon, Milica Cosic logging on. I'll be bringing you the latest news and updates until 10pm this evening.

    • Louis Allwood

      Who else will be on the balcony?

      THE QUEEN'S Jubilee is fast approaching – with the celebration set to feature the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony gathering.

      While banning Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and her son Prince Andrew from featuring, Her Majesty HAS made some expectations for the balcony lineup.

      Yesterday the trio were snubbed from the Buckingham Palace balcony because they're not "working royals."

      The Queen banned the Sussexes and Andrew for the traditional Trooping the Colour RAF flypast at her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

      It has instead been revealed that just "working royals" – including Charles and William – will join the line-up for the monumental weekend.

      However, there are some non-working royals who WILL feature on the Palace balcony on June 2.

      The Queen has made an exception for Princess Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who is not a working royal.

      He will join his wife, the Queen's only daughter, on the balcony for the momentous occasion.

      Her Majesty's two youngest grandchildren, Lady Louise and James, will also join the royal family for the spectacle – despite not being working royals.

    • Louis Allwood

      Unseen footage of the Queen

      VIEWERS will be treated to UNSEEN footage of the Queen sharing touching and intimate moments with her family in a new BBC documentary set to air soon.

      Her Majesty will narrate part of the programme, explaining the significance of the events.

      The programme ‘Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen’ will show a young Princess Elizabeth beaming in a red gingham dress as she shows the camera her engagement ring.

      Taken while on the first extended visit of Prince Philip to Balmoral in 1946, the clip shows a private moment before the couple’s engagement became public.

      The special 75-minute programme, produced to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will be shown on BBC One on May 29.

    • Louis Allwood

      Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s £135m deal with Netflix ‘at risk'

      Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s £135million Netflix deal is at risk after they pitched boring ideas, it is claimed. 

      The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are under a lot of pressure to come up with a hit for the streaming service, an industry source said.

      They are yet to release anything and Meghan’s animated series Pearl, created through Archwell Productions, was dumped last week.

      It comes after The Sun revealed that palace minders are on guard to stop the couple’s film crews from shooting inside royal events at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

      An industry source told the Mail on Sunday: “Harry and Meghan's slate of projects could be in jeopardy as they have announced plans to make shows that are educational and inspiring, rather than sexy and sensational.

      “The pressure will be on them to come up with a hit.”

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