Meghan and Kate have not spoken in four years, and a near-miss in London has fuelled reports of tension. Meghan had lunch with activist Malala Yousafzai at Claridge's hotel while Kate was travelling on the London Underground nearby, according to Woman's Day. A royal insider says the lunch irked Kate, who has dined at Claridge's with Prince William. Another source claims Meghan sees Kate's Tube ride with Princess Charlotte as a calculated move linked to security concerns for Meghan's children. Other reports say Kate is furious over Harry and Meghan's walkabout in Nottingham.
London's Metropolitan Police has confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 containing a number of claims about Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle. The force said the letter concerned alleged offending outside the United Kingdom, and it was not shared with other law enforcement agencies. A spokesperson said the force is reviewing how it handled the matter. The claims follow reports that child sexual abuse material was found at Mr Markle's former home in the Philippines, which he has denied as "sick lies". Authorities in the Philippines are investigating the allegations.
Prince William has made his late-night television debut on The Graham Norton Show, revealing he once wanted to be a policeman and a DJ. He appeared alongside Robert Irwin, Cate Blanchett and Hannah Waddingham in a episode filmed in the UK to promote his Earthshot Prize. Irwin joked that he could have wrangled crocodiles instead. The episode aired on the BBC, and the prince said his DJ name, DJ Xara, was not a success. Viewers praised his charm in a clip shared on Instagram.
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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she was told in 2018 of disturbing allegations against her estranged father. She said this was why she kept her children away from him. Thomas Markle denies possessing child sexual abuse material, calling the accusations sick lies. His son, Thomas Markle Jr, says he found such images at their father's former home in the Philippines and reported them to police there and to the FBI in the US. Meghan said she hoped justice would be fully served.
This week's ABC news quiz covers a range of stories, including talk of a possible reconciliation between Prince Harry and his family, weather radars producing confusing displays, and further examples of artificial intelligence making errors. It also touches on a city that takes pride in rising very early each morning. Readers are invited to test their knowledge of the week's events. The quiz is presented as a light-hearted way to review the news, with a link offered to earlier quizzes for those who want more practice.
Sources say a power shift towards Prince William within the Palace may affect Prince Harry's plans to return to the royal fold. Harry told GQ he wants to reconcile with his father and brother. An unnamed insider said King Charles appears to be preparing William to take the throne sooner rather than later. The source also said Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have distanced themselves from the Sussexes, and that Beatrice may be in the strongest position of the three.
Prince Harry has said he wants to heal his rift with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, in an interview with GQ's One More Question podcast. He said reconciliation was the most important thing and that some people did not want the situation to work out. A Sussex spokesman later said the remark was not aimed at William or any family member. The comments came as King Charles, Queen Camilla, William and Kate attended a State Banquet for the Sultan of Oman, from which Harry and Meghan were absent.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has worn a range of tiaras to royal events over recent years. Her most frequently worn piece is Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara, which she has worn at many state banquets and diplomatic receptions. She has also worn the Strathmore Rose, Lotus Flower and Cartier Halo tiaras. Royal etiquette now limits tiara wearing to weddings, state banquets and official receptions.
Queen Mary has opened up about the loneliness she felt after moving from Australia to Denmark. Speaking to Danish children's newspaper Børneavisen, the 54-year-old said not knowing the language made her feel left out in social settings. She said losing her mother, Henrietta Etta, in 1997 left her feeling most alone. An insider told Woman's Day that Mary still misses Australia and her family, and that trips home help her recharge. Mary chairs the Mary Foundation, which works to tackle social isolation among young people.
Prince Harry has said he wants to reconcile with his family, in a sit-down interview with GQ magazine. Speaking with writer Zach Baron, he said family breakdowns are common and that reconciling was the most important thing. His spokesperson said the remark was not aimed at his brother, Prince William, or any other relative. Harry also said he hoped his strained relationship with the British press would improve, and that his children were enjoying school in the UK after the family moved back in August.
Angela Kelly, the late Queen's former dresser and longtime confidante, is reportedly preparing a fictional drama about life inside the royal household. According to Woman's Day, a source says Prince Harry is anxious about what she might reveal about him and Meghan. Kelly reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement, and the production is said to avoid restricted terms by presenting itself as fiction. It is reported to revisit the 2018 dispute over the duchess wearing an emerald tiara, in which the Queen reportedly said Meghan could not have whatever she wanted.
Denmark's Crown Prince Christian turned 21 and declined the government-funded stipend he is entitled to claim. He has completed military training and was promoted to second lieutenant, and his living costs are covered by his family. His sister, Princess Isabella, also turned down a military wage after joining the required service. Commentators say the Danish royal family's modest, relaxed approach to raising its children has kept the public supportive. Christian has acted as regent when his father, King Frederik X, was away and will continue to do so as needed.
Friends and family are growing concerned about explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has not been seen in public for almost two years. The Telegraph reported concerns that he was being unlawfully deprived of his liberty. Cheshire Police say they have reviewed the claims and are satisfied he is living in an appropriate setting with suitable care. His wife, Louise, has not offered formal or public comment on the allegations. His stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to challenge his mother's lasting power of attorney and locate him.
James Middleton has announced the death of his black cocker spaniel, Zulu, in an Instagram post over the weekend. The 39-year-old wrote that the dog would have turned 16 this month, describing the age as a wonderful one and reflecting on how deeply pets become part of family life. According to sources close to the Middleton family, relatives are rallying around him, with his sister Kate described as central to his support network. Insiders say she is often the first person he calls when he needs cheering up.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her daughter Princess Charlotte were spotted on a London Underground Elizabeth line train through central London on Saturday. A source told HELLO! magazine they spoke with members of the public and were relaxed and smiling. Security staff were nearby but kept a low profile. The pair got off at Tottenham Court Road station, with Catherine holding Charlotte's hand. In 2023, Catherine and Prince William took a similar train ride ahead of King Charles' coronation, visiting the Dog + Duck pub in Soho.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been awarded £302,000, about $572,000, in compensation from the Crown Estate. He was forced to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge, his long-time home on the Windsor Estate near Windsor Castle. The Crown Estate said he was entitled to the payment because he left less than 25 years into his 75-year lease, which was signed in 2003. King Charles III asked his brother to leave the 30-room home earlier this year, amid scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Zara Tindall has spoken about her demanding childhood and how she plans to raise her own children differently. On the Talk Horse podcast, the British equestrian said she and her brother were treated as ordinary members of the Pony Club, where they were expected to care for their horses. She described her father as quite critical, saying he rarely gave praise, so she spent years striving for his approval. Tindall said she is trying not to be as hard on her daughters, Mia and Lena, though Mia does not always take her advice well.
Prince Harry says the key to his marriage with Meghan Markle is the joy he gets from family and work. He revealed he limits time away from his wife and children to 10 days. The Duke of Sussex also discussed his mental health struggles and the grief of losing his mother, Princess Diana. He recently shared that his children are happy in their new school in the UK.
