Meghan and Harry latest – Never-before-seen pic of Meg PARTYING in UK surfaces, plus coffee investment 'angers Queen'
MEGHAN Markle is now one of the most recognised stars worldwide but just four years ago was pictured “climbing the ladder” at a high society party in 2016.
The then-Suits actress partied with Lizzie Cundy and Phones4U WAG Claire Caudwell at Claire’s pad in Mayfair in a never-before-seen snap.
Meghan can be seen in a silk, one-shoulder dress, wearing her trademark brunette locks down.
At the party, Lizzie and Claire reportedly attempted to find the American actress a “famous British man” to date after the breakdown of her marriage to TV producer Trevor Engelson.
It comes as Meghan reportedly “angered the Palace” after getting Oprah Winfrey to flog her new coffee investment on Instagram.
Palace insiders told The Mirror that there were "more than a few raised eyebrows" as it emerged that the Duchess of Sussex had invested in the oat-milk latte start-up Clevr Blends.
Follow our Meghan and Harry live blog below for the very latest news on the couple and the Royal Family
- Catriona Graffius
ZARA TINDALL'S MARRIAGE TO MIKE 'STRONGER THAN EVER' AS COUPLE PREPARE FOR THIRD BABY, EXPERTS SAY
Zara Tindall's marriage to rugby star Mike is "stronger than ever" as they await the birth of their third child, royal experts have claimed.
Mike, 41, was greeted with cheers from rugby players as he announced his wife Zara, 39, was expecting a 'third Tindall' during the podcast he co-hosts, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby on Wednesday last week.
Now, insiders have told The Telegraph that the relaxed announcement was a reflection of the Tindall's "relatable" relationship.
The royal experts said: "Whatever they do is pretty effortless – there’s no masterplan, like, let’s become a great advert for the Royal family. They are just themselves."
- Catriona Graffius
MEGHAN 'ANGERS PALACE' BY GETTING OPRAH TO FLOG COFFEE INVESTMENT, INSIDERS CLAIM
Meghan Markle has reportedly "angered the Palace" by getting Oprah Winfrey to flog her coffee investment on Instagram, insiders have claimed.
Palace insiders told The Mirror that there were "more than a few raised eyebrows" as it emerged that the Duchess of Sussex had invested in the oat-milk latte start-up Clevr Blends.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the Royal Family in January, the couple announced their plans to become "financially independent" while still "continuing to uphold the values of Her Majesty."
The Duchess has reportedly started "building a portfolio of startup investments" – and sent her A-list pal Oprah Winfrey a package of coffee samples to try earlier this week.
The TV host, 66, took to Instagram to thank a mystery neighbour named as “M” for gifting her a basket full of latte mixes today.
- Catriona Graffius
PRINCE ANDREW 'DELAYED FAMILY HOLIDAY TO PARTY WITH JEFFREY EPSTEIN ON PAEDOPHILE'S ISLAND WHILE SEX ACCUSER WAS THERE'
Prince Andrew delayed a family holiday to party with Jeffrey Epstein on the paedophile's island while his sex accuser was there, it has been claimed.
Fresh reports claim the Duke of York pushed back a trip to the Bahamas with daughters Beatrice and Eugenie – then aged 12 and 11 – in the week following Easter Sunday 2001.
Instead, it's claimed, he followed Epstein to Little St James, the tycoon's private island 1,000 miles to the south-east.
Accompanied by his senior police Personal Protection Officer (PPO), he enjoyed a weekend of partying – while accuser Miss Roberts was also there, the Daily Mail reports.
Prince Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN 'WANTS TO KEEP ARCHIE WELL AWAY FROM LONDON', EXPERT CLAIMS
They may have relocated to California for a more private life – but if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry return to the UK, an expert has claimed they'll do their best to avoid London.
Appearing on Talk Radio last month, royal expert Angela Levin said: "I don't think Meghan would dare come back to London.
"She would have to bring Archie and they want to keep him well away from London."
What's more, the expert claimed that the couple are trying to avoid spending Christmas with the Royal Family.
She added: "It is just Harry and Meghan are making all sorts of excuses not to come and share Christmas with the Queen.
"I think that Meghan feels that if she comes to London the atmosphere will be so terrible that she wouldn't be able to take it."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN 'CHANNELS DIANA' WITH WARM GREETINGS
She may be one of the most famous women in the world – but that doesn’t stop Meghan Markle greeting royals fans with a hug.
Last year, the Duchess of Sussex was pictured embracing attendees of her Smart Works clothing range and even got round an awkward encounter at the One Young World summit with a hug.
Leading etiquette expert William Hanson told Fabulous Digital: "As an American, Meghan would be more used to greeting strangers and acquaintances with a hug – standard practice in the US.
"Brits prefer a handshake, reserving hugs and social kisses for close friends and family.”
Grant Harrold, the former butler to Prince Charles, told MailOnline that Meghan’s down-to-earth body language is “showing that the British royal family is a modern 21st-century family" and that she is determined to "carry on Diana's tradition” of hugging.
In comparison, body language Judi James said: “As a future Queen Kate has always followed royal etiquette to the letter and this would include using the handshake as the norm.”
- Lydia Hawken
THE QUEEN WAS TORN BETWEEN 'LOVE AND DUTY' OVER MEGXIT
Speaking to Sky News, royal author Robert Lacey admitted that Her Majesty was torn between her love for her grandson and her duty as the monarch – but ultimately valued Prince Harry's happiness.
He said: "We know that she loves Prince Harry as a grandmother.
"We know that early March this year she deliberately invited Harry for a private lunch right in the middle of all the trouble.
"She did this to talk to him and tell him anytime he wanted to come back he would be very welcome."
However, The Queen did make clear that the couple COULDN'T use their Sussex Royal branding to make money in the future.
Robert added: "She has a job to do, she has a Royal Family with standards to uphold.
"At that stage, she did not feel the commercial plans that the Sussexes were putting forward were dignified or royal."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN 'EXCITED TO HOST FIRST CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA'
This time last year, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were figuring out the logistics of Megxit when they spent the festive season in Canada with baby Archie.
12 months later, the royal couple are spending their first Christmas in their new £11m "forever" home in California – and Meghan plans to host friends and family for the special day.
An insider told Marie Claire: "Meghan very much wants to host the first Christmas at their new home with her mum.
"She's really excited and is planning on doing all the traditions she grew up with as a child, including the cooking."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN 'GAVE HARRY THE CONFIDENCE TO DRIVE THROUGH MEGXIT'
Meghan Markle "have Prince Harry the confidence to drive through Megxit" and they are now "stronger than ever", a royal author has claimed.
Speaking to Ok! magazine, Omid Scobie – who co-authored the bombshell biography Finding Freedom – claimed Prince Harry was the driving force behind their decision to step down as senior working members of the Royal Family.
"I think once Meghan is committed to something, there is no turning back," Omid argued. "And if Harry had said, 'We’re sticking it out for another year,' then Meghan would have definitely ridden it out longer if he'd wanted to."
Although the royal expert claims Prince Harry "very much drove the decision", he added: "I would say she gave him the confidence to see that decision through."
However, the royal correspondent – who was one of the few journalists given details of the couple's video call with Archie to the Queen on her 94th birthday – says Harry and Meghan's relationship is stronger as a result of Megxit.
He added: "Now they’re stronger than ever because of what they’ve experienced. I think their love for each other grows the more they take on."
- Lydia Hawken
THE BROTHERLY TRADITION HARRY AND WILLIAM WILL MISS THIS CHRISTMAS
The coronavirus crisis has played havoc with all our Christmas plans this year – including the Royals'.
Usually, the Royal Family spend Christmas at the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk – and Prince Harry and Prince William would reportedly always challenge the staff to a cheeky game of footie.
In Channel 4’s A Very Royal Christmas: Sandringham Secrets, the narrator claims: "Until recently, Harry and William had their own Christmas traditions at Sandringham — their annual kickabout, royals versus staff."
Royal expert Richard Kay said: "Harry and William, when they were teenagers were enormously competitive, you know they didn’t hold back.
“They would chop each other down if they were going for the ball together."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN MARKLE'S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DRINK REVEALED
On her old lifestyle website The Tig, the Duchess revealed how she makes Almond Milk Spiced Holiday Cocktails for the Christmas party season.
To replicate it at home, you will need: 4 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp of cinnamon + 1 tsp cardamom + 1tsp of powdered ginger,1/2 tsp of clove, 6-8 dried dates soaked in water, your choice of bourbon and cinnamon sticks.
Meghan explained: "Blend all ingredients (except the alcohol) in a powerful blender and then move to a small saucepan. Heat at a low temperature until heated and add 4-6oz into the pot depending on your friends' palates. Pour each drink and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
"If you prefer this drink cold, then omit the heating and shake it hard in a cocktail shaker and serve in champagne glasses with a cinnamon/sugar rim on the glass. Super pretty and equally delicious!"
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN AND HARRY ARE 'MOST TWEETED ABOUT ROYALS' IN 2020
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry quit the Royal Family in January, it sent shockwaves around the world – and since then, the couple have continued dominated headlines.
And so it's hardly surprising that the pair have been named the "most tweeted about" royals of 2020.
According to Harper's Bazaar, more than 20million tweets were written about the Royal Family this year – which was a 30 per cent increase from 2019.
Without disclosing the exact figures, Omid Scobie – who co-authored the book Finding Freedom – claimed Harry and Meghan won the top two spots by a "landslide".
He wrote: "The duchess’s newly found freedom, steady stream of meaningful appearances, and candid conversations, including her emotional New York Times essay last month on losing a baby, saw Meghan at the center of more Twitter conversations than any other royal."
- Lydia Hawken
HARRY AND MEGHAN 'WENT UP AGAINST A LOT' IN 2020 – INCLUDING THE MONARCHY
There's no denying that 2020 has been a life-changing year for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
In January, the couple announced they were stepping down as senior royals – and by August, they'd bought their new £11m 'forever home' in California.
Discussing the challenges the couple have faced this year, royal expert Omid Scobie told Vanity Fair: "Every step of the way there have been unexpected challenges.
“They have had to go up against a lot — the press, their legal battles and even the institution of the monarchy.
"But they’ve remained positive and it’s the support they give each other and their focus on what’s important that gets them through."
- Lydia Hawken
HARRY AND MEGHAN WILL BE 'SEEN MORE IN 2021'
Speaking to Vanity Fair, sources close to the couple said Meghan and Harry are "optimistic and excited" for the future after a "rollercoaster" year.
Discussing what 2021 has in store for the couple, the insider claimed: "We will see more of them and in a different way to how we saw them as working royals.
"It will be more in line with who they are and the way they want to operate from now on."
What's more, a friend of the couple's said they had achieved more than they ever thought possible this year – having moved into their £11m "forever" home in California and signing a Netflix deal reportedly worth £112m.
They added: "[Harry and Meghan] actually feel excited about the potential and standing on their own two feet."
- Lydia Hawken
'HEARTBREAKING' VIDEO OF HARRY GIVES A GLIMPSE OF HIS 'OLD SELF'
Earlier this week, Prince Harry surprised delighted kids on a Zoom call after they were recognised for their bravery at the WellChild awards.
Analysing Prince Harry's body language, expert Judi James told the Express that the Duke gave a glimpse of his "old self" during the video call.
She said: "This is a heart-breaking watch.
"Not just because of the bravery and utter resilience of the young people on the conference screen, but because it also allows us to see a reminder of the old Harry before he moved on to his role as an authoritative global guru."
- Lydia Hawken
THROWBACK PHOTO OF MEGHAN FROM UNIVERSITY DAYS
An old university photo of Meghan Markle has resurfaced online – showing the Duchess of Sussex taking part in a dance marathon for charity.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Meghan (fan page) (@_duchess_of_sussex)
In 2000, Meghan was a 19-year-old student at North Western University – where she got a double major in theatre and international studies.
For the Royal Wedding in 2018, her former dance group Gilda's Club Chicago shared a throwback photo of the Duchess at a charity dance marathon from 20 years ago.
The cancer support group captioned the picture: "In honour of the Royal Wedding, we'd like to share this photo from the 2000 North Western Dance Marathon supporting Gilda's Club Chicago, featuring her Royal Highness."
- Lydia Hawken
KATE AND WILLIAM ARE 'MORE RELAXED' SINCE MEGXIT, EXEPRT CLAIMS
Kate Middleton and Prince William "have changed" since Megxit and look "more relaxed", an expert has claimed.
Appearing on TalkRadio this morning, biographer Angela Levin commented on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's whistle-stop tour of the UK last week.
Referring to their Cardiff Castle visit, the author said: "When you see that with Kate and William…when we saw them this morning, they were laughing.
"Kate was moving to the music and they're very, very easy with each other. I think there's been a big change since Harry and Meghan have gone that they feel more relaxed.
"They feel very much like a team, you can feel that."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN AND HARRY 'OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2021'
There's no denying that 2020 has been a game-changing year for Meghan and Harry – and an expert has claimed the royal couple are "optimistic" about what 2021 has in store.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Omid Scobie said: "I think they’re excited and optimistic about 2021 when everything will come to realization.
“We’ll see the fruits of their labour— Archewell, Netflix. I think it’s the year we will get to see what their legacy will be."
The co-author of Finding Freedom also claimed that 2020 had been a "rollercoaster" for Meghan and Harry after they quit the Royal Family in January.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN'S CHRISTMAS STYLING TIPS REVEALED
In a resurfaced interview with Grazia, Meghan 39, suggested "keeping it simple and crisp" with the table laid with white crockery and a white table cloth.
Gilded plates should be used, along with napkin rings and a "stylish set of cutlery."
She added: "All white flowers placed in the low vases are the perfect centerpiece."
When speaking about how to "fake fancy" her home, she advised: "Purchase silver serving trays, platters, nut bowls from flea markets or Etsy to add formality to hors d'oeuvres passing. "
Meanwhile, for hallways you could add garlands or magnolia branches round banisters or mantelpieces.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN MARKLE 'ANGERED PALACE' BY GETTING OPRAH TO FLOG COFFEE INVESTMENT ON INSTAGRAM
Palace insiders told The Mirror that there were "more than a few raised eyebrows" as it emerged that the Duchess of Sussex had invested in the oat-milk latte start-up Clevr Blends.
The Duchess has reportedly started "building a portfolio of startup investments" – and sent her A-list pal Oprah Winfrey a package of coffee samples to try earlier this week.
The TV host, 66, took to Instagram to thank a mystery neighbour named as “M” for gifting her a basket full of latte mixes today.
She wrote: "On the first day of Christmas my neighbor 'M' sent to me… a basket of deliciousness! (Yes that M) My new drink of choice for the morning and night."
A royal source added: "It is hard to see how emojis apparently trading on royal connections is respecting the values of the royal family.
- Lydia Hawken
PRINCE HARRY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH 'NEW FATHER FIGURE' DAVID FOSTER
This Christmas is the first one Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend in their new California mansion.
According to Marie Claire, the couple are planning on hosting Meghan's school friend Katharine McPhee and her husband David Foster – who has reportedly become a "new father figure" to Harry in the US.
An insider told Marie Claire: "[Meghan is] really excited and is planning on doing all the traditions she grew up with as a child, including the cooking."
Along with Meghan's mother Doria, the source added: "They've also invited David and Katharine to spend it with them.
"David had mentioned Harry and Meghan going to theirs but Meghan wants it at home."
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN'S FIRST CHRISTMAS PRESENT OT THE QUEEN 'MAULED TO PIECES' BY CORGIS
What do you get the woman who appears to have everything? Well for her first Christmas with the Royal Family, Meghan Markle reportedly bought her a singing toy hamster.
The Daily Star reported in 2018: "Meghan bought a little hamster that sings with a little rope for Her Majesty."
While it might sound quirky, the hilarious present was a hit with Her Majesty – who allegedly said: "It can keep my dogs’ company."
Sadly though, the hamster reportedly didn't last long and the paper reported that Meghan's toy hamster was "mauled to pieces" by the Queen's corgis before the end of the holiday.
- Catriona Graffius
WHAT GIFT DID MEGHAN GET OPRAH?
Oprah has shared a snap of her generous Christmas gift from not-so-mysterious neighbour "M", leaving excited fans to speculate the gift came from Meghan Markle.
The TV host posted on Instagram: "On the first day of Christmas my neighbor 'M' sent to me…A basket of deliciousness! (Yes that M) My new drink of choice for the morning and night."
But what exactly did "that M" get Oprah for Christmas?
Oprah's shared pic reveals an ample goody bag with pouches of "superlatte" powders from female-run brand Clevr Blends.
Clevr Blend latte pouches cost a weighty $28 per 340g bag. The company say they are dedicated to offering "wellness products that contribute to a healthier planet and a more just society".
- Catriona Graffius
OPRAH DELIGHTS ROYAL FANS BY SPARKING MEGHAN MARKLE CHRISTMAS GIFT SPECULATION
Oprah Winfrey has excited royal fans by sparking speculation she was given a luxury Christmas present from Meghan Markle.
The TV host, 66, took to Instagram to thank a mystery neighbour named as “M” for gifting her a basket full of latte mixes.
She wrote: "On the first day of Christmas my neighbor 'M' sent to me…A basket of deliciousness! (Yes that M) My new drink of choice for the morning and night.
"Wish I had @clevrblends sooner cause I would've added it to my Favorite Things list. #HappyHolidays."
Although she didn’t give any other indicators as to the present giver, Oprah did add a crown emoji after saying “Yes that M”.
- Catriona Graffius
CAMBRIDGE'S COULD LEAVE LONDON 'ANY DAY NOW' FOR NORFOLK AS PRINCE GEORGE AND PRINCESS CHARLOTTE FINISH SCHOOL
Kate Middleton and Prince William could quit the capital any day now after Prince George and Princess Charlotte finished school last week.
The Cambridge family delighted fans by attending a Christmas pantomime together at the London Palladium on Friday – after George and Charlotte finished term at Thomas' School in Battersea.
While Kate, William and their children George, seven, Charlotte, five, and Louis, two, are currently staying at Kensington Palace, the family may leave London for their Norfolk home at Anmer Hall, according to The Express.
Kate and William have previously admitted they are "unsure" about their Christmas plans due to the pandemic.
- Christy Cooney
MEGHAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOOD AID WORKERS
Meghan Markle has paid tribute to everyone who worked to provide food to people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking for the CNN Heroes campaign, she said: "In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I'm inspired by the stories of compassion in our communities.
"Back in March, the Covid-19 crisis hit hard, and overnight, everything seemed to change. Far too many we're faced with a heartbreaking question: how am I going to put food on the table for my family?
"[But] we saw entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while out neighbours went hungry.
"Tonight we are celebrating these quiet heroes. These individuals… showed us that, even in the darkest times, when we come together we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope."
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