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New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh ‘relieved' she no longer has to curtsy to Meghan Markle after receiving her new title
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is royally pleased. After Sophie was made Duchess of Edinburgh earlier this year in honor of her husband Prince Edward's 61st birthday, a new rule has been implemented. Now, the 60-year-old reportedly no longer needs to curtsy to Meghan Markle. Advertisement 9 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, attend Royal Ascot Day 1 at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2018. UK Press via Getty Images 'Sophie is relieved,' her friend revealed to reporters, according to Hello Magazine. 'She no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.' Before Sophie's new title, Markle, 43, was above her in the royal pecking order because of her marriage to Prince Harry, 40. Advertisement The royal family member called going from Countess of Wessex to Duchess of Edinburgh 'quite a big moment.' 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Meghan Markle attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph. Samir Hussein/WireImage Both Queen Elizabeth and Queen Camilla previously held the title. The Duchess of Edinburgh first met Edward in 1987 after she moved to London to work for Capital Radio. Advertisement The two remained friends for years before sparking up a romance. In 1999, Prince Edward and Sophie tied the knot. 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. WireImage Sophie has been a staunch confidant of King Charles, 76, and a loyal member of the royal family since marrying Edward. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Sophie allegedly skipped Princess Diana's funeral because the pair looked too much alike. Advertisement 'She had an obvious and reasonable excuse: a friend at the palace explained, 'Sophie decided it would be too upsetting for the crowd if she went,'' author Sean Smith wrote in his new biography about the Duchess, titled 'Sophie: Saving the Royal Family.' 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival. Getty Images ''She's well aware that she looks like Princess Diana from a distance and made her decision in a caring and thoughtful way,'' he added. ''The royal family fully supported.'' Both Diana, who died at age 36 following a car accident in 1997, and Sophie had blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Sophie addressed their similarities in the '90s. 9 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. via REUTERS 'I don't deny that we do look alike,' she said at the time, per Daily Express. 'But I couldn't ever compete with Diana's image.' She added, 'I'm not Diana.' Advertisement While the West Kent College alum is rising in the royal ranks, Markle and Prince Harry stepped away from their royal duties in 2020. 9 Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex seen during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Colombia Visit on August 15, 2024. Archewell Foundation via Getty Images The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, moved to Montecito, California, with their kids Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4. Since relocating from England to the US, Markle and Harry have remained a united front. Advertisement In April, the 'Suits' alum reflected on her romance with the royal. She reminisced on affectionately using 'M' and 'H' to talk about one another at the beginning of their relationship. 9 Meghan Markle at the 2025 TIME100 Summit. Getty Images for TIME 'Probably at the beginning of us dating, when everything was in code,' she admitted while on 'The Jamie Kern Lima Show.' 'People didn't know we were dating for, talk about memory lane, so long ago. I mean, it'll be our seven-year wedding anniversary soon. I couldn't tell anyone who I was dating, and who was keeping [the secret], so I think we were just on a letter basis.' Markle confessed, 'It stuck.' Advertisement 'I love nicknames,' she gushed. 9 Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attends the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards. Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women 'He's just out there, just constant, like he's just going to do whatever he can to make sure that our family is safe and protected and we're uplifted and still make time for date nights,' Markle continued. 'He's also a fox. If you haven't noticed, my husband's very, very handsome. But his heart is even more beautiful.' Advertisement The pair have fiercely supported one another since stepping away from the royal family. 9 Meghan Markle at the 2024 CHLA Gala. Variety via Getty Images 'You have to imagine at the beginning, everyone has, like, butterflies. Then we immediately went into the trenches together. Yeah, right out of the gate, like six months into dating,' Markle reflected. 'So now, seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way, and that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now.'
Extra.ie
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Michael Flatley has his say on potential Áras bid
Michael Flatley has revealed that he's 'not ruling out' a run for the Presidency. It seems that every seven years, the Riverdance maestro and businessman is a name that comes up to run for the race to the Áras, something that never appears to materialise each time. However, Michael — who can run as he has Irish citizenship despite being born in the USA — has finally admitted that he's taking the idea somewhat seriously, saying that he's been approached by a number of people. Michael Flatley has revealed that he's 'not ruling out' a run for the Presidency. Pic: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images 'I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisers that are advising me on this,' Michael told Brendan O'Connor on Saturday. 'I have a huge business to run. I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with. 'If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and make maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people – right now, I don't think they have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Michael has said that he's been approached to go for the Presidency, but didn't confirm or deny going for the role once Michael D Higgins' term ends in November — adding that he has met foreign dignitaries as a promotion of Riverdance. Pic: David Rose/REX/Shutterstock Michael admitted that he's aware of the role being ceremonial for the most part, saying: 'It's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture.' and added that he's met loads of foreign dignitaries to promote Ireland without a ceremonial role. 'I've met them all. I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin, I've met the Clintons. I've met the king and queen of England. I've met the king and queen of Sweden and of Spain. I've met all those people on a more cultural front, more to promote the country. And I think maybe that's what the job of president is all about.' Michael isn't the only one who has been approached to go for the Presidency — albeit in a far more casual manner — as Imelda May revealed that she was asked to go for it by her friend, Shane MacGowan's widow Victoria Mary Clarke. Imelda May (right) also said that her friend Victoria Mary Clarke (left) approached her about running — before she immediately ruled herself out. Pic: Instagram/Imelda May. 'I had my friend Victoria Mary Clarke, she was up at my house saying 'you have to run for president,'' Imelda told Anna Geary on the Ray D'Arcy Show — but immediately ruled herself out. 'I'm not going to do it. I'm madly in love with this place and the people,' she said, before she was pressed by Anna to do so, where she joked 'Oh will you stop?' Two official candidates have been confirmed earlier this week, with Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness and Independent TD Catherine Connolly officially receiving nominations, as the latter launched her campaign. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also refused to rule herself out of the running after initially denying that she'd go for the role, while Joe Duffy ruled himself out after the Labour Party approached him. Other names that have been floated about recently include former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner, who could emerge on the ticket under the Fianna Fáil banner.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meghan Markle's wine crate sparks talk of a quiet olive branch on Queen Camilla's birthday
Credit : Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, chose a simple Instagram Story to mark July 17. In a short clip she opened a wooden crate holding three bottles of her own As Ever rosé, then wrote, 'Sending birthday love (both near and far) to my ladies. ' The post went up just hours after Queen Camilla turned 78, so royal watchers quickly linked the message to the day's celebrations. The clip and its timing The video showed only Meghan's hands, a small bunch of peonies and the pale-pink wine. Nothing named Camilla, yet the timing caught notice because Camilla is indeed 'far,' while many of Meghan's close friends are in California and could count as 'near.' As Ever bottles sell out fast online, so the gift looks personal rather than promotional. A busy birthday at the palace Buckingham Palace marked the Queen's birthday with a new portrait taken in her Wiltshire garden. One day earlier King Charles granted her the honorary title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, making her the first woman to hold the role. The naval appointment arrived on what many called an early birthday present from the King. Signs of warmer weather The Sussexes remain estranged from much of the family, yet aides for Prince Harry and King Charles held quiet 'peace talks' last week. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing Older Women should Avoid Learn More Undo Sources say the goal was to cool public disputes, not to negotiate a return to royal duties. Prince William's advisors skipped the meeting, showing that divisions still run deep. Even so, insiders believe Harry may see his father in September when he travels to the UK for WellChild events. Why a crate of wine matters Royal historian Sarah Gristwood notes that small gestures often carry extra weight in strained relationships. A discreet gift lets both sides keep dignity while signalling goodwill. Fans on X echoed that view, flooding the Queen's portrait with heart emojis and toasting the chance of détente. The brand behind the bottle As Ever is Meghan's lifestyle label, rebranded this year from American Riviera Orchard. The rosé is made with Napa grapes in partnership with Fairwinds Estate. Early brand launches (jams) shipped in small numbered batches to friends and influencers; the rosé was sold publicly in 3‑bottle sets that sold out quickly. What happens next Neither Buckingham Palace nor Archewell commented on the post. Royal aides often let social media chatter run its course, and there is no rule against members exchanging private gifts. Still, observers will watch to see whether Camilla answers with a public thank-you or whether the moment fades quietly. For now, a few bottles of rosé and five short words have done more to stir speculation than any official statement. That may be exactly the gentle nudge both sides prefer as they test the waters of reconciliation.
Wales Online
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Zara Tindall 'annoyed' after Mike made spontaneous £12,000 purchase after a 'few beers'
Zara Tindall 'annoyed' after Mike made spontaneous £12,000 purchase after a 'few beers' Zara Tindall has opened up about the moment she was left 'so annoyed' with her husband Mike after he made a spontaneous £12,000 purchase after a few beers Zara Tindall was 'annoyed' after husband Mike made a £12k purchase on a whim (Image: UK Press via Getty Images ) Zara Tindall couldn't hide her frustration when her husband Mike made an impulsive £12,000 purchase at a Cheltenham Racecourse sales event after "a few beers". Zara and Mike were attending a sales night when the former England rugby captain decided to bid on the last horse of the evening. The 44-year-old Royal shared with Closer that horses were being auctioned and it was only in the final moments that Mike raised his hand. Zara recounted: "He'd had a few beers. It was the last lot of the night, Mikey put his hand up and that was it. He was left buying this horse for £12,000." Despite her initial annoyance, the situation turned out favourably as Mike involved three friends in the ownership and the horse, Monbeg Dude, triumphed in the Welsh Grand National and secured third place in the Grand National. Zara expressed her irritation: "Annoyingly, it did not backfire. He got three mates involved and the horse ended up winning the Welsh Grand National and came third in the Grand National. I was so annoyed." Monbeg Dude, co-owned by Mike, James Simpson-Daniel, and Nicky Robinson, and trained by Michael Scudamore, became a celebrated steeplechaser. Unfortunately, the horse had to retire at age 10 due to an injury sustained during the Grand National in 2016. Following its retirement, Monbeg Dude took up residence with Mike and Zara, an Olympic silver medallist, at Gatcombe Park. This Gloucestershire estate is not only home to the Tindalls but also to Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence, reports Gloucestershire Live. Mike and Zara were at Cheltenham at the time (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images ) Article continues below Scudamore expressed "mixed feelings" about the horse's premature retirement from racing, noting that although it was "sad" to see him retire, it was also "nice to see him go out in one piece". Talking to BBC Sport, he commented: "It's great to see him going to a happy retirement but he will certainly leave a big hole in the yard. We've had some great days with him and the thing about him was that he wasn't bred to be a superstar." Mike Tindall, left, with Monbeg Dude, horse trainer Michael Scudamore, centre, and James Simpson-Daniel, right. (Image:) Scudamore remarked on how Monbeg Dude "didn't cost a lot of money" and applauded the horse as a "tough performer". Despite thinking the horse could have returned to fitness for racing, he was concerned that his age would make a comeback "not be fair". Monbeg Dude settled into retirement at Gatcombe Park alongside Zara's own horse Toytown, who passed away in 2017. Zara and Toytown had been slated to compete in the Olympic Games in both 2004 and 2008 but were precluded by injury. Article continues below Monbeg Dude being ridden by AP McCoy Grand National Trial in 2015. Ridden by Liam Treadwell, he went on to finish third at the main event (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire ) Nevertheless, Zara triumphed at the London 2012 Olympics, clinching a silver medal in Team Eventing, emulating her mother Anne, who also competed in eventing at the Olympics. Anne placed 24th individually in the 1976 games, but Great Britain had to withdraw from the team event; while Zara's father, Mark Philips, secured gold at the 1972 Munich games.
Edinburgh Live
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
King Charles' 'obsession' with one food is so great it led to new tradition at Balmoral
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former Royal chef Darren McGrady, who has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry, as well as five US Presidents, has revealed that King Charles had a fondness for a certain "simple" and "clean" European cuisine. In fact, the King was so enamoured with one particular ingredient that he took up the hobby of hunting for them himself at Balmoral in Scotland, one of the late Queen's favourite Royal residences. Upon returning from his foraging expeditions, the Prince would have enough of these tasty morsels to freeze and last the entire year. Darren disclosed: "Charles loved Italian food, he loved all the risottos and things like that. He loved the simple, clean Mediterranean diet." The chef added: "He loved wild mushrooms, he loved to go foraging for them at Balmoral. He would come back and we would freeze enough to last through the year." (Image: UK Press via Getty Images) Interestingly, it seems that Charles isn't the only Royal with this unique hobby. Queen Camilla is also said to partake, and they are reportedly "deeply competitive about their hauls". This intriguing detail was shared by Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, in his book, 'Cooking and The Crown'. He further explained that mushrooms are actually "somewhat of an obsession" for the pair. The King has long found solace in his hobby of foraging, a pastime he notably turned to after the sad passing of his mother at 96 in 2022. He's been dedicated to this pursuit for many years. Back in 2011, Charles was spotted with basket and stick in hand, heading out for a bit of foraging at Loch Muick, close to his Birkhall residence, while other members of the Royal Family engaged in grouse shooting. (Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF) His quarry of choice is Chanterelles, known for their apricot scent. According to The Mail, Charles would become so engrossed in his foraging that he wouldn't even notice other hikers nearby. Camilla, too, has been seen enjoying the hunt for fungi, once embarking on a solo expedition at Balmoral to gather mushrooms. Charles doesn't leave his passion behind when travelling; he's even been reported to enjoy mushroom hunting in Japan. During a Royal tour accompanied by Camilla, he visited Afan woodland alongside Princess Takamado and Japanese author C. W. Nicol, where he was photographed appreciating a substantial local mushroom. Italian chef Antonia Carluccios shared with The Mail in 1992: "The Prince is very knowledgeable about mushrooms. I don't wish to say any more than that I have been assisting the Prince's chef identify mushrooms for private use."
