PRINCE Harry has broken his silence on his secret meeting with The Queen saying ‘it was great to see’ his 96-year-old grandmother during a quick stop-off at Windsor Castle.
The Duke of Sussex also met his father Prince Charles, reportedly for just 15 minutes before arriving in Holland for the Invictus Games.
Harry said Her Majesty ‘had plenty of messages for Team UK’ ahead of the Invictus Games.
He added he had passed these onto the team, telling the BBC: “So, it was great to see her and I’m sure she would love to be here if she could.”
The news comes as the couple could make a shock return for the Queen’s Jubilee but according to reports they ‘can’t play any formal roles’.
The Sussexes will however be “invited to join the Royal Family on the balcony” at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, sources have claimed.
The pair have been invited to attend the Queen’s celebration of 70 years on the throne during a four-day party.
But if they do show up, they can’t play any formal roles, sources told the Telegraph.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates…
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Andrew’s money woes are very different to the rest of ours
Despite struggling financially, Andrew is staying put in his £1m-per-room property with indoor pool.
Prince Andrew paid £12million out of court to settle the case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre after being accused of rape and other sexual offences.
It’s thought most of the cash was put up by Prince Charles, 73, and his mother, the Queen, 95.
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The Queen will only confirm Jubilee events on the day
It’s been reported the monarch’s mobility is reducing and she struggles to get around unaided.
Buckingham Palace insist she intends to attend as many events as possible.
The 96-year-old celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this year, marking 70 years on the throne; the longest for any monarch in British history.
Reducing the number of events she will attend is one of the ways, the Queen is managing her reduced mobility as she reportedly doesn’t want to be seen in public in a wheelchair.
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Harry is keen to mend bridges with William
A Royal expert claimed Harry wants to use a mediator to help with his ‘very, very difficult’ relationship with William
It was reported much of the Royal family were hurt by Harry and Meghan leaving the UK for the US, but mainly due to their interview with Oprah Winfrey last March.
Vanity Fair’s Katie Nicholl revealed Prince Harry has “made it very clear he would like to sort things out with his brother.”
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she said: “Their relationship is at a bit of a crossroads.”
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The Queen had a great Easter, I’ll have you know
The reigning monarch spent her first Easter without Prince Philip in excellent company.
The Queen caught COVID from Prince Charles earlier this year and though thought to have recovered, her mobility is not what it used to be as can be expected at 96-years-old.
Choosing not to make a public appearance this Easter, many wondered what the Queen would be doing to celebrate.
Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrates 70 years on the throne this year, spent her Easter weekend with her granddaughter Princess Beatrice and her family, including the Queen’s great-granddaughter Sienna.
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Harry says there will always be a need for the Invictus Games
Prince Harry said there will always be a need for the Invictus Games for sick and injured military personnel and veterans.
He explained more nations are being invited to participate to offer them a chance to ‘heal’.
Speaking to the BBC he said: “With the state of the world right now, there is always going to be a need for it.”
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William and Kate were warned against having more children
Before having Prince Louis, the Cambridges were advised to use their platform to encourage smaller families.
According to the Mirror, while on tour in Poland and Germany in 2017, the couple were handed a toy.
George and Charlotte were four and two respectively at the time which led Kate to joke to Will: “We’ll just have to have more babies.”
Having Kids, an organisation contacted the couple via open letter “respectfully” asking the Cambridges to “consider forgoing having a third child.”
The executive director president, Anne Green Carter Dillard, said “the example the British Royal Family sets is extremely influential,” adding that they have the power to “make a sustainable small family.”
Kate gave birth to Prince Louis in 2018.
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Camilla and Charles celebrated Easter privately in their Scottish home
Despite taking on some of the Queen’s responsibilities, the couple chose to spend the celebration at home in private.
On Maundy Thursday, Camilla and Charles attended mass at St George’s Chapel in place of the Queen.
Easter Sunday, though, was a day for the two of them alone in their Scottish home, Birkhall.
Charles inherited the Birkhall from his grandmother, the Queen Mother, when she died in 2002.
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Even the Invictus Games can’t distract from Prince Andrew shame
Many have taken to social media to praise Meghan and Harry but the difference in treatment of Prince Andrew continues to be mentioned.
The Royal family continue to receive criticism for the treatment of Harry and Meghan, particularly when compared to that of Prince Andrew.
Keep asking people to explain the grave transgression #MeghanMarkle is guilty of to warrant such hatred. Never had an answer beyond “wanted to reduce royal involvement” “spoke publicly about poor treatment”. Meanwhile, the man who settled a sex case has the Queens arm.
— Charlotte (@Charlot16482069) April 11, 2022
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Harry and Meghan to join Queen at last Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour has marked the reigning monarch’s official birthday for over 260 years.
In recent years, the balcony at Buckingham Palace would contain the Queen, Prince Philip, their four children and their partners, their children and their partners and the monarch’s great-grandchildren.
It’s reported that Prince Charles would change this when he ascends the throne. It’s thought that he would only have those in line to the throne i.e. the Cambridges and their children.
The Queen, who turns 96 on Thursday, is therefore keen to have Meghan and Harry attend as it may well be the last one they can.
The monarch’s mobility has also caused her to reduce official responsibilities she can carry out, so this may be her last Trooping the Colour.
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Harry says ‘we cannot steal your future’ and vows to ‘make world a better place’
Prince Harry told child reporters “we cannot steal your future” as he vowed to make the world a better place in a kids’ TV interview on Sunday.
The Duke of Sussex, 37, told Netherlands’ Kindercorrespondent he will “never ever, ever rest” until he has “at least tried” to build a fairer world for his kids.
Speaking on day two of the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, Harry said he wanted his daughter Lilibet, ten months, and son Archie, two, to grow up “in a fairer world, a safer world, a more equal world”.
He told his interviewers, aged 11 and 12, “it’s not going to be easy” but “we cannot steal your future” as he knelt down for the chat.
Asked what he wished for most for his children, the duke said: “It’s not going to be easy but I will never, ever, ever rest until I have as a parent at least tried to make the world a better place for them because it is our responsibility that the world is the way it is now.
“I don’t think that we should be bringing children into the world unless we’re going to make that commitment to make it better for them. We cannot steal your future.”
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Harry & Meghan Markle hire Barack Obama’s former bodyguard
Meghan is being protected by ex-US President Barack Obama’s former bodyguard.
She was shielded by Christopher Sanchez over the weekend while at the Invictus Games.
It comes as Harry and Meghan sue the Government after his armed bodyguards were removed when the couple quit royal duty to live in the US.
The prince insists he “does not feel safe” enough to bring his family to the UK.
Ex-Secret Service agent Sanchez spent a total of five years protecting presidents — half of the time George W Bush, then the same period for Obama.
He has spent 21 years in national security and shielding the rich and famous, and is now a leading light at two high-profile US firms.
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Harry knocked ‘sideways emotionally’ by Meghan’s kiss
According to a body language expert, Prince Harry displayed a deeply sad expression and appeared to be tearful after Meghan Markle introduced him on stage during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games and kissed him.
The Duchess of Sussex she could not “love and respect him more”.
The pair then exchanged an intimate kiss in front of the adoring public – a move described as “groundbreaking” – as don’t normally display their affection in public settings.
Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror: “As Meghan and Harry do the hand-over of the mic they also perform a kiss that would have been a given in the political world but which is groundbreaking in royal terms.
“It is affectionate but swift, with both smiling proudly as they perform it.”
Harry appeared to be knocked “sideways emotionally” by the kiss, continued Ms James.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘invited to join Royal Family on the balcony’
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry could be “invited to join the Royal Family on the balcony” at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, sources have claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may join the royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF flypast after receiving an invite, it was reported.
The pair have been invited to attend the Queen’s celebration of 70 years on the throne during a four-day party in seven weeks’ time.
But if they do show up, they can’t play any formal roles, sources told the Telegraph.
If they decide to join the royals, Meghan and Harry will appear at family events – which include the balcony appearance and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
But because they’ve revoked their status as working royals, they wouldn’t be able to play central roles in the celebrations, it’s understood.
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Harry & Meghan Markle ‘exploited the Queen for NETFLIX’
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have “exploited the Queen for Netflix”, a royal expert has claimed.
Biographer Tom Bower reckons the couple’s secret meeting with Her Majesty on their way to the Netherlands was simply to please the producers of their imminent documentary.
Bower told MailOnline: “I have no doubt it was all done for their Netflix documentary.
“The Queen’s advisers failed to protect her from being exploited by the Royal Family’s worst traducers, while the Sussexes exploited an old, unwell woman to boost their credibility and coffers.”
Harry and Meghan last year signed a mega Netflix deal said to be worth £112million.
Their first project was announced as an Invictus Games documentary with an Oscar-winning production team.
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Queen’s meeting with Harry & Meghan could lead to Jubilee appearance
According to a royal expert, the Queen’s meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor last week could pave the way for them to attend the Platinum Jubilee festivities in June.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-large of Majesty magazine, said: “The Queen is all about forgiveness – look at Fergie and Andrew – and she would certainly be happy to have Harry and Meghan around her for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“Their meeting at Windsor on Thursday shows the olive branch has been offered to them and she will be hoping they accept it.
“She wants to present a united family on an occasion like the Jubilee, because an occasion like that certainly won’t happen again.”
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Golf buggies arrive at Windsor
TWO more golf buggies have been delivered to Windsor Castle for The Queen, sparking health concerns.
It comes after the Queen got one to help her move around the grounds.
Aides have been taking the monarch, 95, for spins in her private grounds — with her corgis next to her.
The 43mph electric cart, dubbed the Queen Mobile, has been teed up to transport her around at her Berkshire home after months of medical woes.
This follows news that the public must assume the Queen will not attend future events until confirmed by the Palace on the day, it is claimed.
Her Majesty‘s presence at public engagements will be a bonus but not guaranteed under alleged new Palace plans following several health scares, including a brush with Covid.
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‘Just when you thought Harry had done the right thing – in stepped Meghan’
This is a comment piece.
JUST when you thought Harry had done the right thing by flying in to see the Queen and his father, in stepped Meghan.
She immediately undid any goodwill their flying visit to Britain may have earned with a cheap jibe about their “service” during the Invictus Games.
It was an obvious shot at the expense of the Royal Family’s post-Megxit comment about dedication and duty.
For all the talk of olive branches, it is clear Meghan, at least, cannot let it go. Conflict, of course, is grist to the Sussexes’ PR mill. Netflix is not paying over £100million for scenes of happy families.
The more Meghan and Harry prick palace egos — even as they appear to be seeking to build bridges — the greater the drama for its documentary.
Read the article in full here.
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Camilla had ’empathy with Diana’
A journalist and royal biographer is expected to reveal the struggles which Camilla faced when “adjusting to royal life and Charles’ schedule”.
Tina Brown is writing ‘The Palace Papers’, which is due for released later this month.
Speaking on the latest episode of Royally US, about the book, hosts Christina Garibaldi and Christine Ross discussed how Camilla began to feel “empathy” for Diana, Princess of Wales.
Ms Garibaldi said: “She [Tina Brown] talks about how Camilla actually had a hard time adjusting to royal life and Charles’ schedule”
Quoting Tina Brown, she said: Punctuality had never been Camilla’s strong suit but Charles expected her to be ready for engagements at his own regimented pace”.
“When she [Camilla] asked him where they were going he would snap ‘haven’t you read the brief?”.
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Margaret’s rare £40k bow brooch is a ‘precious treasure’
Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret did not wear loads of brooches, but instead wore amazing pieces of jewellery, like the Poltimore Tiara she bought for her own 1960 wedding.
Charlotte White, head of design at 77 Diamonds spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about Margaret’s mysterious brooch – an Art Deco sapphire and diamond bow brooch.
She said: “Princess Margaret was known for her glamour and great love of jewellery.
“In 2006, four years after her death, the Princess’s jewels went up for auction at Christie’s.
“Among her precious treasures was this early Art Deco bow brooch, with its openwork sapphire and diamond wheel design and calibré-cut sapphire accents set on platinum and gold.”
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Andrew ‘won’t leave’ £1million a year Royal Lodge
PRINCE Andrew won’t leave his Royal Lodge home after giving up his titles and settling his rape lawsuit for £7 million.
The Duke of York lives in the 31 bedroom Georgian mansion despite having not apparent means of paying its £1 million a year upkeep.
Despite speculation at the beginning of the year he would be forced to leave the Royal Lodge, he is now “very unlikely” to move, a royal source told the Mail on Sunday.
Andrew has spent £7.5million refurbishing the property, including the addition of an indoor swimming pool.
Royal Lodge, which would be worth at least £30million on the open market, is three miles from Windsor Castle and was the Queen Mother’s old home.
Prince Andrew’s representatives have been approached for comment.
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Queen ‘hid behind bushes’ to surprise staff during lockdown
It has been revealed that The Queen surprised members of staff who were isolating with her during the first lockdown by hosting “Bubble Olympics”.
Angela Kelly, the Queen’s dressmaker and loyal confidante, revealed in her new book that the Monarch gave out prizes during the games and also hid behind the bushes of the grounds to watch the games.
Ms Kelly said: “I had asked The Queen a few days before if she would mind hosting the prize-giving, to which she very kindly agreed.
“On the day, she came out very quietly and discreetly, and it was amazing to see the looks of surprise and delight when The Queen’s Range Rover pulled up by the golf course and Her Majesty stepped out.
“Little did the staff know that The Queen had actually arrived earlier and had been watching, hidden behind the bushes.
“The astonishment on their faces was so lovely to watch, and as The Queen drove away in her Range Rover afterwards, everyone was speechless.
“An amazing day that will be cherished by all those who were there.”
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Senior royals step up
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton stepped up on sunday as they lead the Royals in for the Easter Sunday service.
The couple beamed alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince George at St George’s Chapel in Windsor for the traditional Easter Mattins Service.
Adorable Charlotte, six, was a mini me of her mum in a sky blue dress.
Sadly the Queen, 95, was not in attendance after Buckingham Palace previously said she was “not expected” to join other royals.
She was instead expected to mark the day at a small chapel in Windsor Castle.
Royal biographer Angela Levin told Sky News: “I don’t know how difficult it is to get in and out of the Chapel at Windsor Palace but she does have her own very small chapel within Windsor Castle and I suspect she will go there.
“I can’t imagine that she will miss saying her prayers and feeling that it actually is Easter Sunday.”
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Fears Harry & Meghan could ‘overshadow’ Queen’s Jubilee
ROYALS fear the Harry and Meghan show could “hijack and overshadow” the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee if the couple return this summer.
The pair flew to the Netherlands for the event after Harry “instigated” clear-the-air talks at Windsor Castle last week.
Senior sources believe the hush-hush visit — revealed by The Sun — was a bid by them to pave the way for “places front and centre” at the Jubilee events in June.
And there are fears within the Royal Family that Netflix could apply pressure to film the Sussexes at the Queen’s celebration — although royal insiders point out the couple have always promised to “uphold the values of Her Majesty” in their new role.
A source said: “Charles wants the Platinum Jubilee to focus only on the Queen.
“Many are disappointed that Andrew overshadowed Prince Philip’s thanksgiving service and don’t want the Meghan and Harry circus to hijack the Jubilee.
“This is the Queen’s show and should be about her and her 70 years of service rather than Meghan’s fashion, the kids and Harry.
“They don’t want it to become the Harry and Meghan show. Charles and all the family are agreed on that.”
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Queen ‘locked herself away alone’ after Philip’s funeral
THE Queen locked herself away and spoke to nobody after Prince Philip’s funeral, her closest aide revealed.
Her Majesty returned to her private apartment in Windsor Castle, closed her sitting room door and was left alone, Angela Kelly said.
She wrote: “I helped her off with her coat and hat and no words were spoken.
“The Queen then walked to her sitting room, closed the door behind her, and she was alone with her own thoughts.”
Details of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral are revealed in Angela’s book The Other Side of the Coin, published next month and serialised in Hello! magazine today.
