MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's exit from the royal family was "harder than they would ever have imagined" after "trying to find a compromise", their pal has revealed.
Omid Scobie says the couple had Megxit "mapped out in their heads" but hoped to find a "half in, half out way" before stepping down as senior royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their second child Lillibet Diana in June after moving to the US with son Archie last year.
Scobie, the preferred reporter of the Sussexes – who co-authored their biography Finding Freedom – said their exit from royal life was more difficult for the couple than they had contemplated.
"The hardest part for them was taking those initial steps away from their royal roles," Scobie told PEOPLE.
"That was harder than they ever would have imagined… They had it all mapped out in their heads. They tried to find a way to compromise and find the half in, half out way."
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog below for the latest updates...
- Joseph Gamp
CAMILLA ‘WON’T FORGIVE MEGHAN MARKLE FOR HURTING PRINCE CHARLES’ DURING MEGXIT, INSIDER CLAIMS
CAMILLA "won't forgive Meghan Markle for hurting Prince Charles" during Megxit, an insider has claimed.
Prince Harry claimed his dad stopped taking his calls after Megxit and that he was financially cut off by the Royal Family last year.
And now, a royal insider has told the Telegraph that not only has the couple's decision to quit the UK for the US damaged the relationship between Harry and Prince Charles, but it has sparked a rift between Camilla and Meghan Markle too.
"I don’t think the Duchess will ever forgive Meghan for what she’s done to the Prince of Wales," they said.
- Joseph Gamp
PRINCE HARRY 'NOT FINANCIALLY CUT OFF'
In a sweary podcast chat, Prince Harry described royal life as a mixture of The Truman Show film and being in a zoo.
The royal also revealed he wanted to quit royal duty when he was in his twenties, saying: “I didn’t want this job.”
The Duke opened up about his mental health struggles in a brutally frank, and profanity-laden, chat with US podcast host Dax Shepard.
But it later emerged that Prince Harry got a “substantial” sum from the bank of dad after Megxit — despite his claims he was “cut off financially”. Charles’s annual report, released by Clarence House in June, shows he gave the Sussexes and Cambridges a share of £4.45million.
Palace sources refused to reveal the exact amount given to Harry — which covered the first four months of their “transition period”. And the report said he will get no more handouts from his father.
- Joseph Gamp
MAPPED: HARRY'S JET TRIP FROM COLARADO TO CALIFORNIA
- Joseph Gamp
WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN MEGHAN AND HER BFF JESSICA MULRONEY?
Meghan is thought to have first distanced herself from Jessica last year, after lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter accused the Canadian of "white privilege".
While Mulroney has denied being a racist, Meghan stayed silent as single mum Sasha said messages from Mulroney left her "paralysed with fear". Meghan was reported to have "cut ties" with Jessica over the spat, although this has never been confirmed.
The Mail's source added: "It’s quite sad. When Jessica stood on the steps of St George’s Chapel on Meghan’s wedding day in front of millions of TV viewers, she really looked like she was on top of the world.
"Who would have thought she would find herself in the position she’s in now?
"Of course, all friendships change over time, but it does seem telling that the only one of Meghan’s close friends not to wish her a public happy birthday online was Jess. You have to wonder what is really going on behind closed doors?"
- Joseph Gamp
WHAT WERE THE RACE ALLEGATIONS MADE BY MEGHAN AND HARRY?
Harry, 36, and Meghan, 40, told Oprah Winfrey earlier this year in a bombshell interview that an unnamed royal had raised concerns over their son Archie’s skin colour.
An updated chapter of their biography by Omid Scobie this week also accuses the royals of “failing to own” their part in the fallout.
Harry’s talks with brother William and dad Charles were leaked this year to US TV host Gayle King, a pal of the Sussexes.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
- Joseph Gamp
MULRONEY VS MARKLE (CONTINUED…)
To add further fuel to the fire, Jessica posted a cryptic Instagram caption just days before Meghan's birthday on August 4, then swiftly deleted it.
"I’ve spoken about mental illness for years," she wrote. "It can be lonely having the world, friends distance from you and not even ask how you are. But thankfully, you find the things that truly matter."
Back in June, Jessica wrote a similar post about "lost friends".
Commenting on the post, a source said: "Those final words about not even asking how you are is like a reference to that interview Meghan gave to ITV anchor Tom Bradby, when she complained that no one in the Royal Family had asked how she was or 'if I'm OK'."
It read: "Life changes. You lose love. You lose friends. You lose pieces of yourself that you never imagined would be gone. And then, without even realizing it, these pieces come back. New love enters. Better friends come along."
She also posted, then deleted, this cryptic message about 'friends distancing themselves' just days before her birthdayCredit: INSTAGRAM - Joseph Gamp
ROYALS ROCKED
The Royal Family was rocked last month by Harry’s revelation he was writing a tell-all memoir to be released next year — the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
A legal warning to publishers Penguin Random House is now being considered. Our source went on: “The royals’ legal team are speaking to firms with expertise in libel and privacy.
"If someone were named in the book and accused of something directly that could be a libel and also infringe their rights to a private family life.
“It would be ironic if Harry and Meghan were accused of breaching privacy given their pronouncements on the subject. The legal team could also contact publishers of the book to ask for advance warning of its contents and a right to reply.
"There are concerns that the American public are falling for what Harry and Meghan say.”
- Joseph Gamp
ONLY 66% OF SUSSEX INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS APPEAR TO BE PEOPLE…THE REST ARE BOTS
Figures obtained by The Sun also reveal just 66 per cent of the Sussexes’ 10.1million Instagram followers are thought to be people.
Some three million are likely bots that “mass follow” big-name accounts, according to data from analysts Hypeauditor.
William and Kate now have 13 million followers.
The Queen’s @theroyalfamily account gained 1.3million in the last year.
Royal author Angela Levin said of Harry and Meghan: “They tell people to be compassionate yet neither are compassionate towards their own families.
- Joseph Gamp
MEGHAN MARKLE’S BEST PAL JESSICA MULRONEY REIGNITES RIFT RUMOURS BY NOT WISHING HER A HAPPY 40TH & DELETING CRYPTIC POST
EVERYONE from Adele to Oprah was involved in marking Meghan Markle's recent 40th birthday celebrations.
But there was one notable absence who failed to comment on the occasion – Jessica Mulroney, the woman once considered her best friend.
The move has reignited rumours about a rift between the two women, especially given Jessica, 41, regularly updates her 416,000 Instagram followers on everything from her daily workouts to what her kids are eating for dinner.
A source close to Jessica told the Mail on Sunday: "Jess would post about the opening of an envelope, so the fact she’s the only one of Meghan’s close friends not to wish her a public happy birthday is definitely strange.
"It is something which has certainly raised eyebrows. Yes, Jessica was always protective of her friendship with Meghan. But it was always something that was there, front and centre. You could tell how important it was to Jessica."
Meghan Markle's best pal Jessica Mulroney was a notable absence from the stars wishing her a Happy 40th BirthdayCredit: Getty – Contributor
- Joseph Gamp
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TEAMS UP WITH MONTY DON FOR GARDENERS’ WORLD ROYAL SPECIAL
THE Duchess of Cornwall is teaming up with Monty Don for A Gardeners’ World Royal special.
The Duchess, 74, will appear on this week’s show as Monty, 66, shows her round Longmeadow. The pair will chat about her long standing love of gardening and what she most enjoys growing as they explore the Jewel Garden.
At one point, the Duchess discusses how important gardens and gardening can be for our wellbeing, especially over the course of the past 18 months and numerous lockdowns.
She says: “I think gardens got people through Covid, they realised how special a garden was and what they could do with it,they could become inventive, even if they hadn’t before they could start growing vegetables.
“It was a sort of spiritual experience for them, they discovered a sort of affinity with the soil – you can go into a garden and you can completely lose yourself, you don’t have to think about anything else. You’re surrounded by nature, you’ve got birds singing, you’ve got bees buzzing about – there is something very healing about gardens.”
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
MEGHAN MARKLE’S BELOVED DOG SHE LEFT BEHIND IN CANADA ‘DOESN’T LIKE HARRY’
Pals of the couple claim Meg left her beloved dog, Bogart, behind in Canada because apparently he and Harry didn’t get on.
Insiders say Meghan was in bits after choosing to her “first baby” behind back in 2017.
A close friend told The Sun the pooch will stay in the doghouse to avoid a family fallout.
- Joseph Gamp
QUEEN ORDERS SENIOR PALACE AIDES TO PLAN LEGAL FIGHTBACK AFTER PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S HURTFUL ATTACKS
Sun Exclusive by Michael Hamilton
THE Queen has ordered senior Palace aides to plan a legal fightback amid hurtful attacks by Harry and Meghan — declaring: “Enough is enough.”
The monarchy’s legal team is consulting libel experts after a barrage of criticism from the US-based couple.
Last night a well-placed source revealed the Queen, 95, has become “exasperated with repeated attacks”.
They said: “The feeling, coming right from the top, is that enough is enough. There is a limit to how much will be accepted and the Queen and Royal Family can only be pushed so far.
“They are getting lawyered up. Harry and Meghan will be made aware and know repeated attacks will not be tolerated.”
- Joseph Gamp
FIRM RELATIONS
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship with the Queen is “as strong as ever” a pal of the couple has said.
Finding Freedom co-author Omid Scobie told a US show that the Sussexes have “nothing but love” for the Monarch. The Sussexes’ biography co-writer was asked: “What’s the latest on that relationship with the Queen?”
Scobie replied from London: “I’m so glad you asked that because of course we did release some details from the book, this week. I spoke to sources close to the couple, who spoke about their disappointment in the institution of the monarchy, and the sort of lack of accountability taken after some of the revelations that they made in the Oprah Winfrey interview.
“Particularly when they came to the racism claims. But when it comes to that relationship with the Queen, it is as strong as ever – they have nothing but love for her.”
He added: “Of course we saw them name their daughter after the Queen’s very nickname, so that really gives us an insight into that close relationship and you know it’s great to be able to put that right today.”
- Joseph Gamp
QUEEN HAS ‘LET IT BE KNOWN’ SHE WANTS PRINCE ANDREW TO KEEP MILITARY COLONEL ROLE (CONTINUED…)
Her support comes despite there being “little prospect of him returning to public duties”, the Times adds.
Andrew – described as the Queen’s “favourite son” – took on the honorary role from the Duke of Edinburgh in 2017.
A senior military source said: “The Queen has let it be known to the regiment that she wants the Duke of York to remain as colonel. His position is not tenable or viable. How can you have a colonel who can’t perform the role?
“For the brief time he was in post, he was a good colonel, but the feeling across the regiment is that it’s not appropriate to retain him. You can’t have a colonel who can’t do public duties.”
The unnamed source claimed that senior defence chiefs “all agree that he should go”.
Credit: PA:Press Association - Joseph Gamp
QUEEN HAS ‘LET IT BE KNOWN’ SHE WANTS PRINCE ANDREW TO KEEP MILITARY COLONEL ROLE DESPITE DUKE STEPPING BACK FROM ROYALS
THE Queen has “let it be known” she wants Prince Andrew to keep his military colonel role although the duke has stepped back from the Royals.
She is reportedly keen for the Duke of York to remain as colonel of the Grenadier Guards despite sex abuse accusations being filed against him, which he’s denied.
The decision was reported by The Sunday Times, which quoted a military source slamming it as “a very difficult, unsatisfactory situation.
“The feeling across the regiment is that it’s not appropriate to retain him.”
Her support comes despite there being “little prospect of him returning to public duties”, the Times adds.
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
EX BOSS OF MEGHAN MARKLE SHOE LINE GETS 4 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR FALSE EXPENSE CLAIMS
THE former boss of a designer shoe brand worn by Meghan Markle was jailed yesterday after falsely claiming £500,000 in expenses.
Dad-of-two Roy Luwolt, 38, blew the money on high living, a court heard.
He claimed for trips to Paris, Milan, Tuscany, New York, Tokyo and the Middle East, where he stayed in luxury hotels.
He was chauffeurdriven as he splashed out on nightlife and shopping.
Luwolt, who earned £150,000 a year as managing director of Malone Souliers, also claimed for five posh holidays abroad.
Bills were paid by the company credit card of Luwolt, who paid himself expenses, the judge said.
Luwolt, of Marylebone, central London, was fired in 2018 over the scam. He admitted fraud and was jailed for four years and three months at Southwark crown court.
- Milica Cosic
KATE MIDDLETON TO MISS OUT ON TRADITIONAL ROYAL HONOUR ON HER 40TH BIRTHDAY
It is yet unclear what celebrations Kate has in mind for her landmark birthday, or if she will keep it low-key like Meghan.
While this year The Duchess of Cambridge had her birthday in the middle of lockdown on January 9, meaning she had to do something quiet, next year she will be missing out on one particular honour.
This is that The Duchess will not hear the traditional chimes of Westminister Abbey when she celebrates her 40th birthday. This is due to changes rung in to cut costs.
It is normal for the senior royals to hear the bells ringing at the Abbey on their birthdays, with Camilla Parker Bowles included among them.
But the bells have not rung at the Abbey since April 2020 due to the pandemic.
- Milica Cosic
PRINCESS EUGENIE URGED TO 'STAY RIGHT OUT OF' MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY'S ROYAL RIFT
It's believed that Princess Eugenie could act as a peacemaker between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royals, but royal commentator Charles Rae has warned he's is not sure if there is anything she could do to repair the rift.
Charles said to the Express: "Best of luck to her. I mean, that’s a hell of a mountain she’s got to climb.
"Eugenie gets on well with other members of the Royal Family.
"I mean what could she possibly say to the Queen and other members of the Royal Family that would smooth that path.
"This rift is not going to go away.
"If I were poor old Eugenie I’d stay right out of it and just not try and do anything.
"I’m not actually sure if there’s anything she could do."
- Milica Cosic
INSIDER CLAIM MEGHAN MARKLE 'DIDN'T LISTEN' TO CAMILLA'S ADVICE
Meghan and Harry's royal exit is still making headlines as "Finding Freedom", the unauthorised biography by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand makes more shocking claims about the row.
It is reported that Meghan felt isolated within The Firm from very early on, and Camilla Parker Bowles tried to offer some advice to the Duchess of Sussex.
A source said: “She doesn’t want to see anyone struggling, and she is fond of Meghan."
A friend of the Duchess of Sussex also said:
“Much like Meghan, Camilla had experienced a lot of negative press and hostility from courtiers due to her relationship with Charles when he was still married to Diana.
“She was very sensitive to Meghan and provided her with support, advising her to ride out the storm and that it would all pass—but ultimately Meghan didn’t listen.”
- Milica Cosic
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TEAMS UP WITH MONTY DON FOR GARDENERS’ WORLD ROYAL SPECIAL
THE Duchess of Cornwall is teaming up with Monty Don for A Gardeners' World Royal special.
The Duchess, 74, will appear on this week's show as Monty, 66, shows her round Longmeadow. The pair will chat about her long standing love of gardening and what she most enjoys growing as they explore the Jewel Garden.
At one point, the Duchess discusses how important gardens and gardening can be for our wellbeing, especially over the course of the past 18 months and numerous lockdowns.
She says: "I think gardens got people through Covid, they realised how special a garden was and what they could do with it,they could become inventive, even if they hadn’t before they could start growing vegetables.
"It was a sort of spiritual experience for them, they discovered a sort of affinity with the soil – you can go into a garden and you can completely lose yourself, you don’t have to think about anything else. You’re surrounded by nature, you’ve got birds singing, you’ve got bees buzzing about – there is something very healing about gardens."
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
SUSSEXES ‘ARE SO RESENTFUL THEY WANT TO BRING QUEEN AND ROYAL FAMILY DOWN’, BLAST EXPERTS
Author Angela Levin blasted the couple as being “so resentful they want to bring Her Majesty and the Royal Family down”, making sure they are the “victims”.
The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, are said to be less than impressed with the way the Firm dealt with their explosive allegations during their Oprah Winfrey interview.
The Palace said it would investigate claims of racism and conversations regarding the colour of son Archie’s skin within the family.
But Harry and Meghan believe the monarch, 95, did not take “full ownership” of the issues raised and “little” has been done since, according to People.
Author Angela Levin described the latest savage aim at the Queen’s “recollections may vary” comment as “absolutely outrageous”.
She told Talk Radio: “I think it is beyond disgusting actually.”
- Milica Cosic
MEGHAN MARKLE & PRINCE HARRY TAKE SAVAGE SWIPE AT QUEEN’S ‘RECOLLECTIONS MAY VARY’ COMMENT AFTER OPRAH BOMBSHELL
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly not impressed with the way the Palace dealt with their explosive allegations on Oprah.
They believe Her Majesty did not take “full ownership” of the issues raised and “little” has been done since, according to People.
Meghan, 40, and Harry, 36, reeled off a whole host of bombshell claims in the tell-all interview in March.
They said there were conversations with Harry and a “family” member about their unborn son Archie and what colour his skin would be – and “what that would mean or look like”.
- Milica Cosic
PRINCE HARRY WANTS ‘ACCOUNTABILITY FROM WILLIAM AND CHARLES’ BEFORE HE CAN MEND RIFT AND MOVE ON, SAYS PAL
Omid Scobie – Harry and Meghan’s spokesman – said “little progress” has been made in rebuilding relationships after the Oprah interview fallout.
Prince William, Kate, Charles and the Queen were all left hurt after the Sussexes made a string of bombshell allegations including that Charles had “cut them off financially”.
Scobie told PEOPLE magazine today that “without any accountability for some of the things that have affected them the most”, Harry and Meghan won’t be able to “move on” and build better relationships with their family.
But royal sources insisted progress has been made with “efforts on all sides”.
- Milica Cosic
EXPLAINED: HOW DOES HBO’S THE PRINCE PORTRAY THE ROYAL FAMILY?
The animated series is set from the prospective of 8-year-old Prince George, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's eldest child, and the future heir to the British throne.
Created by Gary Janetti, the show is based off of his meme page of the young Prince and pokes fun at the royals and mocks most of the family members.
In the show, Prince George is portrayed as a sassy and effete royal commentator.
The show has however been highly criticised.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
PRINCE GEORGE BEGS MEGHAN MARKLE TO 'STOP NOW' IN CUTTING HBO CARTOON THE PRINCE
A new teaser clip for HBO cartoon The Prince has earthed. This time, the video sees Prince George tell Meghan to "stop now".
In the video, Harry says: "Hello all, sorry we're late. Our flight was delayed – you know, JetBlue."
Catty George snaps back: "We don't know. Gross."
Meghan tells the family: "It was Mint though," before turning to Harry and saying: "Tell them we were in Mint."
Kate Middleton replies back instead, sarcastically saying: "They gave you a mint. How lovely for you. I have some gum in my purse if you'd like?"
But Meghan tells her: "No, we were in mind. It's like their business class. It's really nice. They give you these cookies and…"
Quickly George then cuts in and says: "Meghan, I'm begging you to stop now."
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