Julia Mullaney | Showbiz Cheat Sheet Senior Writer

Meghan Markle Is ‘Under Pressure’ to Make a Major Decision As She Continues to ‘Fight Back’ Against the Royal Family

Julia Mullaney — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 01:01:43 +0000

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have not had the easiest transition out of the royal family. While the two felt it was important to tell their story, they received harsh backlash for interviews, the Netflix documentary, and even Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” But with all of that divulging — and criticism — came a lot of money and probably some relief for the couple. Now, as their reputation isn’t what they hoped it would be by now, Meghan is facing a big decision in her “fight” against the royals.

Meghan Markle | Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images

Meghan Markle is ‘under pressure’ to write a memoir

If Meghan wrote a memoir, would you read it? It’s been a question on royal fans’ minds since Harry first announced that he would be writing one. Rumors have swirled for quite a while that Meghan could eventually write a book of her own, and her recent words in a CBS interview have people thinking more than ever that she could write one. While speaking to Jane Paul for CBS Sunday Morning, Meghan revealed that she haven’t “really scraped the surface” on what happened to her in the royal family — words that led everyone to wonder if she ever will.

Now, a source close to the duchess claims she is “under pressure” to write a memoir of her own. The Independent reports that a source told Closer Magazine that Harry and Meghan “are now being forced to figure out a strategy to fight back, and one option on the table is to go all-out with a big tell-all from Meghan where she completely lays out her side of the story.” Meghan has not specified whether or not a tell-all is on the table; it’s purely alleged sources and general public whispers that have suggested it.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not return to the United Kingdom

Meghan has seemingly made little effort to patch things up with the royals since she and Harry stepped down in 2020, and they have not done anything, either (though it’s possible conversations have happened behind the scenes that the public doesn’t know about). At this point, it doesn’t look like Meghan will ever return to the UK given the Sussexes’ security situation.

Harry has said that the security setup in the UK is not enough to protect his family and that he will not bring them over there until he has more adequate protection. At this point, unless that happens, it appears Meghan will not be taking any steps to improve their relationship with the other royals.

Prince William Is ‘Sick’ of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Making Kate Middleton ‘Anxious,’ Insiders Claim

Julia Mullaney — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 21:31:40 +0000

Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, have not had a strong relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in years. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their royal roles back in 2020, but rumors about tensions between the couples started a while before that.

Since leaving, Harry and Meghan have told their side of the story, which has only added stress. And with Kate having gone through cancer treatment in 2024, William is reportedly “sick and tired” of the anxiety that the feud has caused his wife.

Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton | Paul Grover/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton aren’t close with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

When the two couples first met, it seemed like there was potential. Of course, Meghan and Kate had lived very different lives up until that point, but they both carried themselves as ambitious, strong women navigating the royal scene. However, when William and Harry had a falling out between 2018 and 2019, things between Meghan and Kate went south as well.

These days, tensions have only built between William and his brother — to the point where insiders say the brothers don’t speak. Now, a source close to William and Kate claims that Kate is “anxious” any time Harry and Meghan take their next move, and William is over it.

“William was sick and tired of seeing how triggered and anxious Kate would become every time Meghan and Harry would do or say something that negatively impacted them — no matter how subtle — and as soon as he suggested it, Kate agreed it was vital for them all,” a source told Heatworld, according to Marie Claire, referring to William suggesting that he and Kate stop mentioning Harry and Meghan in conversation altogether.

William and Kate are currently vacationing with their family at Balmoral, and the two have allegedly created a “self-imposed ban” on any discussions around the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are enjoying time away from the spotlight

Kate has been out of the spotlight for most of this year for health reasons, but now, the two are enjoying some time away with the family as they do every year at Balormal. It’s essentially a recess for the royals; they don’t make any major appearances during these last few weeks of summer as they reconnect with each other and enjoy some family time.

William and Kate have vowed to put their family first, and they have stuck to that by giving their three children (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis) the most normal lives possible. The three children are William and Kate’s priority in addition to Kate’s health, and they seemingly are putting Harry and Meghan out of their minds.

Meghan Markle’s Former Staffer Says They Would Never Work For Her Again ‘If Given the Chance’

Julia Mullaney — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:03:05 +0000

Meghan Markle’s time in the royal family was short-lived, but the Duchess of Sussex certainly made headlines. Many people admired Meghan for her ambitious attitude and successful career, but stories about the duchess swirled to the point where people started to question her personality. And while in the royal family, complaints surfaced that Meghan was harsh to her staffers — there were even bullying accusations. Now, one former staffer has come forward and revealed something very “telling” about working for the duchess.

Meghan Markle | Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images

Meghan Markle’s former staffer says employees would never work for her again

It’s hard to know exactly what went on behind the scenes at Harry and Meghan’s office during their time in the royal family. Some accusations have surfaced that Meghan was a bit of a demanding boss, but that could also be blamed on the differences in work-life balance between the United States, where Meghan was born and raised, and the United Kingdom.

Recently, though a former staffer revealed what they felt was “telling” about employees who worked for the Duchess of Sussex. “What may be most telling is that the entire time I worked there, I don’t think I heard a single current or former employee on their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance,” a previous staffer told Daily Mail, according to The Independent.

The staffer added that the employees that were hired to work for Meghan were ones with strong experience. “These aren’t employees they had just found off the streets,” they said. “Many of them are people who had previously excelled working for demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments.”

Ultimately, Meghan’s royal office dissolved when she and Harry stepped down, but ever since, her former employees have been slowly speaking out about their experiences.

When Meghan and Harry left the family, they spoke more openly about their experiences as royals. Harry came out with a memoir, the couple sat down with Oprah, and they even collaborated on a Netflix documentary. But recently, Meghan suggested that she still has more to tell.

While speaking with Jane Pauley of CBS Sunday Morning, Meghan revealed that she had hardly “scraped the surface” of what she went through as a royal. The statement suggested that Meghan could eventually talk more about what happened to her, though it seems that there are two sides to every story. Harry did not comment when Meghan made that reveal. As of now, it’s hard to say what Meghan’s current staff members feel toward the duchess, but it’s possible people who work for her today are more used to her work ethic.

Kate Middleton’s ‘Huge Move’ Proves She’s ‘Very Comfortable’ With the Royal Family

Julia Mullaney — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 19:02:10 +0000

Kate Middleton has been a member of the royal family since she married Prince William in 2011, but the Princess of Wales has known the royals since she and William started dating way back in 2002. William and Kate have been together for more than two decades, and as Kate has grown, she’s adapted tremendously to her royal role.

This year has been a tough one for the princess, who announced back in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment. But a “huge move” shows just how close Kate has become to the royal family.

Kate Middleton | Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

Kate Middleton’s ‘huge move’ shows she is ‘comfortable’ with the royals

Kate disappeared from the spotlight back in December 2023, just after her Christmas Day appearance. The princess was absent for three months, which prompted many people to question her whereabouts and wonder if she was alright. Ultimately, Kate released a video announcement in March 2024 revealing that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Since then, she has made very few public appearances, only attending King Charles’ Trooping the Colour ceremony and Wimbledon.

As Kate continues her recovery, she is now taking some time away to enjoy Balmoral with her family — and it’s a “huge move” for the future queen. “This is a huge move,” said royal commentator Angela Levin, according to The Independent. “Not only because she is obviously not well yet, but it shows she feels very comfortable with the royal family.”

Levin continued, “She is very happy with the king and the queen and she knows they will understand if she has to rest. She can say what she likes and be warmed. I think it’s wonderful she can do that. The children will be delighted also.”

Kate Middleton won’t return to her royal duties yet

Kate and her husband, Prince William, have always put their family and health first. Kate’s cancer diagnosis proves that as much as she values her royal role, she understands what is more important. William and Kate are trying to raise a family all while preparing to be the future king and queen, and Kate knows that right now, she has the ability to take any time that she needs away from the spotlight.

Initially, there were rumors that Kate would return to royal duties after summer ended, but now, it’s hard to say. There has been no word of the princess taking on a greater number of royal events once the fall starts, but time will tell.

1 Royal Was Dubbed the ‘Balcony Enforcer’ as Family Reveals ‘Strict’ Rules for Balcony Appearances

Julia Mullaney — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 11:59:00 +0000

The royal family’s balcony appearances are few and far between, but when they do gather outside of Buckingham Palace, thousands of people gather as well just to see them. It’s made for some of the family’s most iconic photos — especially when the young kids join, too, because their actions are always a bit unpredictable (we’re looking at you, Prince Louis).

Recently, though, one royal family member revealed that another one has been dubbed the “balcony enforcer” for ensuring strict rules are followed while the family makes those important public appearances.

King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince Louis has a meltdown | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Anne has been dubbed the ‘balcony enforcer’

Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, once recalled that his mother took things quite seriously while the royals were on the balcony. She was referred to as the “balcony enforcer” and would often reaffirm rules before the kids would take the biggest stage of their lives: appearing on the Buckingham Palace Balcony.

“You then get a clip round the ear and say right, ‘behave yourself, you know, we’re going out on the balcony,'” Phillips said during a documentary made for his mom’s 70th birthday, according to Express. “Don’t pick your nose and you know, don’t yawn.”

Zara Tindall agreed with the rules and also seemingly thought it was a way of strengthening her bond with the other kids, primarily her cousins Prince William and Prince Harry.

Princess Anne has continued to leave a lasting mark on the royal children; she has taken Princess Charlotte under her wing and is already teaching her the ropes of how to politely be a royal.

Princess Anne has always stepped up for the royal family

Anne is a royal who flies under the radar because she doesn’t have the same notoriety as her brother, King Charles, or her nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry. While she will never take the throne, Anne has constantly proven that she is one of the real ones when it comes to supporting the royal family.

In 2023, Anne made more official royal appearances than any other working member — including Charles and William. And earlier this year, when Charles and Kate Middleton were both taking time away from the spotlight for health reasons, Anne continued to step up and step in, making sure she completed as many royal engagements as possible. As the queen’s oldest daughter, the Princess Royal has solidified herself as a key member of the royal family — even if it once meant being a little strict on the royal balcony.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Have Put a ‘Self-Imposed Ban’ on Saying Prince Harry’s Name, Insiders Claim

Julia Mullaney — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:45:00 +0000

Prince William and Kate Middleton have not had a good relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a number of years. The Prince and Princess of Wales last met in public with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex back in 2022 when they all attended events around Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, including their now-famous royal walkabout.

However, things have not improved in recent years, and it’s been rumored that Harry and William don’t speak at all. Now, with Harry and Meghan not attending the family’s annual summer trip to Balmoral, insiders claim William and Kate have put a “self-imposed ban” on Prince Harry’s name.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly banned Prince Harry’s name

Of course, we can’t always believe what we hear, but it comes as no secret that Harry and Meghan have fallen out of favor with most of the royals. The tension started before the Sussexes even left the royal family, but it has not improved much since; many say it’s only become worse.

As William and Kate head to Balmoral for their summer holiday with King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, rumors are swirling that the Wales couple refuses to even say Harry’s name. Express reports that a source told Heat Magazine about the alleged ban, saying William and Kate think it’s a boundary they’ve set for themselves.

“Kate and William have put a self-imposed ban on anything Meghan and Harry-related, as they take time out to enjoy some much-needed respite and family time this summer,” the source claimed. “Kate’s still very much focusing on her healing, and they decided to create a firm boundary to protect her from all the stress and upset Harry and Meghan create, which understandably has a negative impact on her physical health, as well as mental health.”

William and Kate take time to enjoy the summer every year with their children; Harry and Meghan’s children have never attended a summer trip to Balmoral.

Prince William and Prince Harry might never reconcile

It’s impossible to say, but Harry and William certainly haven’t seemed like two brothers who want to fix their broken relationship. Growing up, the two had a strong bond, but as they got older and made their own decisions, that bond disintegrated. Over the last five years, tensions between William and Harry have seemingly only become worse.

Harry and Meghan have spilled a number of key details about their time in the royal family, including that bombshell 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, as well as a Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” Although the Sussexes have made plenty of money from telling their story, it came with the price of fully losing ties to their relatives (though Harry and Charles reportedly do still talk).

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are Dealt Another Major Blow as Key Staffer Steps Down After Just 3 Months

Julia Mullaney — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:58:21 +0000

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been building a life for themselves in the United States since leaving the royal family in 2020. Although the two have had a chance to live a much freer lifestyle, it has come with its own set of trials and tribulations, including popularity issues. Some of the couple’s business ventures have not worked out, and they have continued to struggle with staffing as well. Now, Harry and Meghan have been dealt another major blow as Harry’s chief of staff steps down after only about three months on the job.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Matt Dunham/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry’s chief of staff is stepping down

Harry and Meghan came under fire while in the royal family due to staff turnover being so high. There were rumors that Meghan Markle allegedly faced bullying accusations from former staffers, though nothing much came of the stories. When Harry and Meghan transitioned to life outside of the royal family, they started a number of deals and business ventures. This year, Invictus Games CEO Dominic Reid stepped down after 10 years, and while it wasn’t suspicious on its own, the timing was — it came on the heels of controversy over Harry receiving the Pat Tillman award at the ESPYs.

Not long after, it’s been announced that Harry’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who only started the job in the spring, is resigning. Kettler’s hiring was reportedly facing a trial period, and it seems that after the period ended, both Harry and Kettler mutually agreed to discontinue working together. It doesn’t bode well for Harry, given that he and Meghan have been working hard to improve their reputation since stepping down from their royal roles but have continued to face controversy through the years.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still aren’t on good terms with the royals

Harry and Meghan’s relationship with royal family members has not improved much since the two left more than four years ago. They reportedly don’t speak often to King Charles or Prince William, and there have been rumors that Charles is unhappy he hasn’t seen his grandchildren in so long.

Harry and Meghan have taken on a number of interviews, documentaries, and even a memoir in order to tell their side of the story regarding the royal family, and while some people have championed them for it, others have criticized them for painting their family in such a bad light. It’s unclear at this point if Harry and Meghan will ever have a strong relationship with the royals again, but the two will not be at Balmoral this summer with the others.

Meghan Markle Just Debunked One of Her Own Claims About Royal Life

Julia Mullaney — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 11:50:00 +0000

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle famously left the royal family back in 2020 after they felt they weren’t being well-protected from the media and the public’s scrutiny — and it was damaging to their mental health. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since settled down into a quieter life in Montecito, California, but they still take on a number of public appearances and have been shaping their own businesses and brands.

But Meghan once said something about royal fashion that suggested she wasn’t allowed to wear her preferred colors, yet it seems that her outfits since leaving the family go directly against her claims.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Karwai Tang/WireImage

Meghan Markle often wears neutral colors

During her time in the royal family, Meghan was often spotted wearing neutral colors like beige, white, and navy. Of course, this was the complete opposite of Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for her love of pastels. But during an interview long after leaving the family, Meghan made it seem like she only wore neutrals because she couldn’t outshine any of the other senior royals.

“When I was in the UK I rarely wore color,” Meghan said in her Netflix documentary with Harry. “I wore a lot of muted tones. I also wore it so I could just blend in. I’m not trying to stand out here. I don’t want to embarrass the family.”

Meghan continued, “To my understanding, you can’t ever wear the same color as Her Majesty if there’s a group event. But then you also shouldn’t be wearing the same color as one of the other more senior members of the family.”

While this does make some sense, Meghan is suggesting that her fashion sense was stifled and that she only dressed a certain way because she was so scared of what the royals would think — but her outfits today paint a different picture. Despite having left the family years ago, Meghan almost always wears neutrals to events. You’ll rarely, if ever, see the duchess in a bright outfit. She wore white to the ESPYs, beige during her recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, and has almost exclusively worn neutrals or dark colors for appearances with Harry during the Invictus Games.

Fashion experts expected Meghan Markle to wear brighter colors outside royal life

Meghan faced many challenges during her time as a royal, and the impact they had on her emotional and mental health should very much be believed. However, the statement about muted fashion in the family, specifically, doesn’t add up given that Meghan continues to choose muted colors. It seems that it is just a fashion preference rather than because she was scared.

“It’s a little unexpected,” style expert Miranda Holder said in an interview with Express, referring to Meghan’s fashion choices since leaving royal life. “Following her statement, I think we all expected the duchess to be stepping out in a rainbow of vivid hues and making the most of her newfound freedom on the wardrobe front, but it’s quite the opposite.”

Meghan Markle’s Jewelry Collection From Princess Diana Is Worth a Shocking Amount of Money

Julia Mullaney — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 12:37:00 +0000

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married since 2018. When the two wed, Meghan received a number of jewels from the late Princess Diana, Harry’s mother who tragically died in 1997. Since then, Meghan has been spotted wearing Diana’s jewelry and subtly using it as a way to honor her late mother-in-law.

Meghan has often seen wearing high-end designer jewels from Diana, but you might be surprised at how much the Duchess of Sussex’s jewelry collection is actually worth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day | Ben Stansall/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Meghan Markle inherited more than $500,000 worth of jewels from Princess Diana

Meghan and Harry were married in a widely-televised ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor more than six years ago. As time passed, Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family dwindled, and they eventually stepped back from their royal roles altogether. Still, Meghan received a lot of jewelry from Diana when she and Harry wed, which she continues to wear to public appearances as a way of regularly honoring Harry’s mom.

But it might surprise people to know that Meghan’s jewelry collection from Diana is worth a staggering $507,000, according to Express. “Another particularly sentimental piece is Princess Diana’s gold cuff bangle, which Meghan first wore during her royal tour of Australia with Prince Harry in 2018. Featuring two large cabochon sapphires that appear to be 5 carats each, it’s likely to be worth around £25,000,” jewelry expert Maxwell Stone told Express. That amount translates to $31,700 US. Harry also sourced some of the diamonds for Meghan’s engagement ring from his mother’s collection, although the main diamond came from Botswana, a place where Harry and Meghan took their first trip together. Meghan has been spotted in all kinds of pieces from Diana, also including a pricey diamond tennis bracelet.

Prince Harry has always said his mother would have loved Meghan Markle

Although Meghan did not meet Diana, Harry has always been confident that the two would have had a great relationship. Diana and Harry were super close, and it’s always sweet to see Meghan wearing Diana’s jewelry.

It’s not uncommon for royals to inherit jewels that have been passed down from previous generations. On Meghan and Harry’s wedding day, Meghan wore a sparkly tiara that came from the jewelry collection of Princess Mary (later Queen Mary, who was married to King George V) back in 1893. Kate Middleton, who is married to Prince William, has also been spotted wearing plenty of Diana’s jewelry as well as pieces from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection.

King Charles Is Once Again ‘Furious’ With Prince Harry and ‘Refusing to Take Calls From His Son’ for a New Reason, Insiders Claim

Julia Mullaney — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:04:08 +0000

King Charles and Prince Harry have had a rocky relationship for years. The father and son were fairly close when Harry was growing up, but after he met and married Meghan Markle, things between him and Charles shifted for a number of reasons. The Duke of Sussex now lives in California with his wife and two children, and he has hardly seen his father in recent years except for a handful of visits to the United Kingdom.

Now, rumor has it that Charles is “furious” with Harry for one big reason that has everything to do with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

King Charles and Prince Harry | Niall Carson-Pool/Getty Images

King Charles is reportedly upset with Prince Harry over Charles’ grandchildren

When Harry and Meghan moved to the United States in 2020, they took their son, Prince Archie, with them. In 2021, Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child: A daughter, Princess Lilibet. Archie and Lili have only returned to the UK on brief occasions, and they have not had much of a chance to forge a strong bond with their grandfather Charles. Now, rumor has it that Charles is getting upset at Harry over his inability to see his grandchildren.

“Charles believes Harry should let bygones be bygones for the sake of Archie and Lilibet,” royal author Tom Quinn told Mirror, “but he senses that access to the children is being used as a bargaining chip and that, in Charles’ view, is unforgivable.”

Quinn continued, “Despite Harry’s attacks on the Royal Family, his father has avoided responding by attacking his son publicly, but privately, King Charles is furious. So much so that he is now refusing to take calls from his son.”

It remains unclear if those rumors are true. Harry returned to the UK once in May 2024 after visiting his father in February; he did not see him during the May UK trip.

Prince Harry refuses to bring his family to the UK unless they have better security

After Harry and Meghan gave up their royal titles, the UK denied them the right to taxpayer-funded security. Harry went to court over the matter and lost but is filing an appeal. It seems that his father could step in and ensure he has proper security but hasn’t, and Harry has said more than once that he will not bring his family over to the UK until he knows they are protected.

Apparently, the security issue is widening the royal rift as Charles refuses to step in, but it’s also only causing Harry and Meghan’s kids to grow further apart from Harry’s family. At this point, it’s unclear if it will ever be remedied.