Prince Harry denies allegations of 'punching Andrew' and 'calling him a coward'
Tensions are said to have flared between the royal pair after Harry was told of "something Andrew said" behind his back, he writes, adding that the relationship between the two has not improved over a decade since the alleged incident.
In a new extract from the book, Mr Lownie writes: "At a family gathering in 2013, Harry and Andrew had got into a heated argument, and punches were thrown over something Andrew said behind Harry's back."
In the book, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail, he added: "According to a source close to both men, Harry told him he was a coward not to say it to his face. Harry got the better of Andrew by all accounts, leaving him with a bloody nose before the fight was broken up."
The author also described Prince Andrew's relationship with both his nephews Harry and William as "problematic", with Andrew later said to have told the Duke of Sussex that his marriage to Meghan Markle would "not last more than a month".
Harry's representatives have denied both claims made in the new book, Mirror UK reports.
In a statement to People magazine, a member of the Duke's staff said: "I can confirm neither of those things are true. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make those comments about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry."
The book also alleges that Prince William has been working behind the scenes to support Andrew's eviction from the Royal Lodge, the £31 million Windsor estate where the Duke of York lives with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
It follows multiple reported attempts by King Charles to have his brother removed from the 31-bed mansion, with the Duke of York appearing intent to stay put. Photos from earlier this year showed the property looking distinctly worse for wear, with black mould, damp, and cracked paintwork visible around the exterior, as well as the outbuildings and the gatehouse.
The Prince of Wales is said to have "long harboured" disdain for both Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, according to the book, and would look to evict the pair himself upon taking the throne should his father not succeed.
For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing fans 'disgusted' as controversial star joins line up
Some Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left 'disgusted' over one of its latest stars who has signed up for the upcoming series. The BBC Saturday night favourite began announcing its lineup in recent days, ahead of a September launch, but some fans are not happy with who has been chosen to compete. Thomas Skinner, who is best known for appearing on The Apprentice, will be showing off his footwork for judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Mosi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke in just a few weeks' time, but because he has become known for some of his controversial views that he has posted on social media, some fans demanded were not impressed. One fan wrote on X: "Disgusted that grifter Tom Skinner has got the #Strictly gig. Have the BBC not looked at his social media output?" to which someone replied: "Somebody who has different political opinions than me is on television. BAN THEM." but the initial tweeter insisted that is not what they meant, as X users in their droves demanded his social media history is checked, Mirror UK reports. Another person wrote: "Oh dear God no. You really think platforming a known bigot is the right way to go for a show which has already had more than its share of troubles?" and a third said: "Appalling booking - has the BBC not seen his social media output?" as some demanded that the broadcaster check his online output. When it comes to checking his social media, one fan said: "They probably have, which is why they haven't tagged his account in the announcement!! What a bizarre choice from them!" but another fan Strictly enthusiast went as far to say: "I'm so serious, I loved this years #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing," The 32-year-old Essex-born businessman, now renowned for his thriving pillow and mattress empire, initially rose to prominence on the 2019 series of Lord Alan Sugar's BBC programme, where he made it through to week nine of the competition. Also known for his candid videos on social media platform X, Skinner's posts about business, politics and everyday life have garnered hundreds of thousands of followers. His social media presence has since sparked an extraordinary friendship with US Vice President JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate. President JD Vance recently enjoyed beers and a barbecue with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner (Image: iamtomskinner/X) Vance has shown support for the businessman on X after Tom claimed he received death threats and "vile comments about my children" after he posted a series of tweets in which he said "something's gone wrong" in the UK and said "there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from" Just days ago, Tom shared a post alongside Vance, where the two were pictured together having met up for a barbecue. Hewrote: "Here is a pic of Me and Vice President @JDVance towards the end of the night after a few beers I'm overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don't risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh!" In a second tweet, he added: "When the Vice President of the USA invites ya for a BBQ an beers, you say yes. Unreal night with JD and his friends n family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about mate. Bosh!" Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Netflix has Harry & Meghan over a barrel – it's talk about royals & divorce or get NOTHING, claims expert
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have extended their Netflix deal - but bosses are hoping they will have some 'juicy royal tea to spill', according to experts. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signed a new "multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects" with Netflix, the couple has announced. 5 Meghan and Harry's Netflix deal has been extended Credit: Getty 5 Netflix viewers will get a second season of With Love, Meghan, plus a Christmas special Credit: JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX However, speaking on this week's The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, broadcaster and journalist Esther Craichu said the Sussexes' deal is simply a 'retainer'. She claimed: 'It's a retainer in case they [Meghan and Harry] decide to accidentally do something entertaining again. 'That's basically it. So there's no commitment. 'They've put no money behind this. It's basically the right to first refusal. 'So if they come up with something that doesn't have to do with their whole kind of sermonising about how to save the world, then Netflix might be like, yes. 'I mean, to be brutally honest, what they've done is they've said, 'unless you have some juicy tea to spill on the royal family, or you get divorced and want to give us a documentary, probably not.' 'But if they have something juicy to say about the royal family, like the king sent me a potted plant, which turned out to be poison ivy, or that 'H my fox' just didn't hold me the way I wanted to, and so we've had to consciously uncouple, then maybe. 'That's basically it.' Esther claimed that the deal is the 'best of both worlds' and claims Netflix has been "clever in that sense.' She added: 'These people [the Sussexes] are a household name. They're annoying, but they're a household name. Harry & Meghan were 'not in a strong position' & signed Netflix deal for 'much less'… TV giant 'did it for publicity' 'If they do anything interesting, we have to be first in the queue, because it would be a blockbuster. 'Everyone would be covering it. It'd be a huge media storm. But at the moment, given their track record, absolutely not. 'We're not committing five quid to this.' Five years ago, Harry and Meghan secured a lucrative contract, thought to be worth more than 100 million dollars (£74million), with Netflix after quitting as senior working royals in 2020. It is not yet known how much the new extended deal will bring in for the couple, or how long it will last. 5 The couple has signed a new 'multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects' with Netflix Credit: Netflix IDEAL OUTCOME? royal reporter Bronte Coyne said the new deal is the 'ideal outcome for both parties.' She explained: 'We've talked about what was going to be next for Harry and Meghan in their Netflix business arm for a long time now, because we knew that this five-year deal was going to expire this year. 'What was going to be the ideal outcome? 'OK, they're not going to sign a deal anything like the one that was signed in 2020, because they don't really exist anymore. 'The landscape has changed completely for TV, but streaming services in particular. If they [Meghan and Harry] do anything interesting, we [Netflix] have to be first in the queue, because it would be a blockbuster Esther Craichu 'So it did seem likely that there would either be a downgraded deal or an expiration of the deal. 'Now, the fact that both parties can say we've reached a new agreement, it was never going to be what it was before, but it is a new agreement. 'I think that an argument could be made on either side that it's a PR win, because the deal wasn't cancelled, as had been speculated for some time. 'It's a first-look deal.' NEW RELEASES 5 Experts have claimed that Netflix is hoping the couple will reveal more 'juicy royal secrets' Credit: PA Announcing the deal, Meghan said in a statement: 'We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand. "My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.' On top of Season 2 of With Love, Meghan - which will drop later this month - they will also do a "Holiday Celebration" Christmas special this December. "Join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration," the announcement reads. "Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs – with simple how-tos to follow at home. It's a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy." There will also be a short film called "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within". SUSSEX NETFLIX HISTORY It was previously thought that the Sussexes' £74million deal with the streamer was not going to be renewed. Harry's Polo series, about the sport, was watched by just 500,000 people. It was also understood that bosses were mildly infuriated by Meghan making her As Ever brand a priority. 5 Prince Harry's Polo series did not hit the top viewing spots Credit: Netflix Lifestyle and cookery show With Love, Meghan only ranked at number 383 in Netflix's six-monthly engagement report this year, with just 5.3million viewers across the globe. It was beaten by reruns of the first four seasons of legal drama Suits, which also starred the Duchess in her pre-royal days. Meghan was filmed for her show making ladybird-shaped canapes from cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. The show is a smash hit compared to her husband's docuseries Polo. In the first six months of the year the programme attracted 500,000 views globally, ranking it at number 3,442 out of around 7,000 shows.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Medieval UK town with ‘magical' castle used for Hogwarts in Harry Potter films set for multi-million pound investment
The medieval town that is featured in countless blockbuster films POTTER GOLD Medieval UK town with 'magical' castle used for Hogwarts in Harry Potter films set for multi-million pound investment A MAGICAL UK town, complete with a medieval castle featured in the Harry Potter films, is set for a multi-million pound investment. Once home to the beloved fictional wizard, the mystical site is about to undergo an exciting revamp. 9 The castle set the stage for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films Credit: Alamy 9 The town is set to undergo a huge multi-million pound revamp Credit: crestphotography/ 9 Tourists flock to this castle to immerse themselves in the wizarding world Credit: Getty Harry Potter fans flock to famed castle Alnwick town, Northumberland, has long been steeped in history, but it was the medieval castle featured in the Harry Potter franchise, which put it on the map. The castle grounds set the stage for Hogwarts in the first two films, and was notably the location where Harry had his first quidditch lesson. Today, Alnwick welcomes tourists from far and wide who are keen to immerse themselves in the wizarding world. Beyond exploring the site featured in The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, visitors can also follow in Radcliffe's footsteps and take a broomstick lesson of their own. Harry Potter fans have even dubbed the day out one of the UK's most immersive experiences outsides of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Council reveals regeneration plans Now, Northumberland County Council plan to make improvements to the town in an exciting new regeneration plan. Last month, it was revealed that over £270,000 in funding had been approved to kick start a multi-million pound project. As part of the Borderlands Place Programme, plans have been revealed to build a new museum in Northumberland Hall. The council also revealed that this work could commence in a matter of months, subject to approval of other funding bids. The museum promises to boost tourism even further in an area that is already a popular hot spot. New Epic Universe theme park reveals fifth new land based on Harry Potter Beyond the town's ties to J K Rowling's famed wizarding world, Alnwick is also brimming with medieval history, reports The Northern Echo. Built more than 900 years ago, the castle remains the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, with one of England's most powerful noble houses, The Percy Family, still calling it home. In addition to this, the town boasts many impressive landmarks like Bondgate Tower, Hotspur Gate, and St Michael's Church. Visitors can also explore one of Britain's largest second-hand bookshops, Barter Books, which is also famed for rediscovering the iconic "Keep calm and Carry On" WWII poster. Alnwick Garden is also home to Europe's largest treehouse restaurant. As well as welcoming a brand new museum, the plans also hope to develop a transport hub. With a further £90,000 approved for this, work could be well underway by early 2026. Both these projects, part of a bid totalling around £7.7million, have been well received by the community. At a community event held earlier this year, 84% of respondents backed the proposals. It comes on the back of the new 'Town Investment Plan' which was approved by the Borderlands Partnership following development locally by the Place Partnership Group. The Borderlands Place Programme includes up to £3m of Growth Deal and County Council combined investment Alnwick, and six other neighbouring towns. Once funding awards are in place, there will be detailed consultation with businesses and residents that may be affected by any construction works prior to them starting. 9 Alnwick is also steeped in history Credit: Getty 9 Regeneration plans include the construction of a brand new museum Credit: Getty 9 The council hopes to improve Alnwick's transport hub Credit: Getty Councillors express excitements for proposed plans Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Chair of Alnwick Place Partnership Group said: 'This is a fantastic step forward for the town, giving our backing to kick start significant investment in the town centre. 'Alnwick already has great assets including major tourism attractions and businesses and our aim is to bolster this by introducing new attractions to the town centre and making it easier and more attractive to visit the town on public transport. 'This is just the start for the Borderlands Place Programme with a range of new schemes in development across all seven towns in the programme we are expecting further projects for approval in Bedlington, Prudhoe and other towns later this year." While Alnwich County Councillor Martin Swinbank added: 'We have been pushing for improvements to the bus station for many years and I'm pleased to see this next step in securing new investment. 'The bus station is an important community facility and also the first view of Alnwick many visitors see as they step into the town." Fellow Alnwick County Councillor Gordon Castle said: 'Our tourism offer is an important component of the local economy and working together to bring the Northumberland Hall back into use, at the same time as bringing the Bailiffgate Museum into the heart Alnwick is a great solution." Jean Humphrys, Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery Chair of Trustees, added: 'This support is an important milestone for our innovative proposals to create a new cultural and creative hub in the town. 'We're working over the summer to secure backing for our exciting plans for this building to bring much needed investment into the town and a long-term home for the amazing story of Alnwick.' Earlier this month, Alnwick honoured its magical past with a screening of the franchise in the castle grounds. ChronicleLive reported that fans would be able to attend a special viewing where they could watch the action play out near the location where it actually took place. The castle grounds has also been the backdrop to countless other beloved films. Among the popular titles in which it has been featured, is the 2019 film of Downton Abbey, Transformers: The Last Night, and even the upcoming Mark Wahlberg and Sir Anthony Hopkins film. 9 The council hopes these plans will boost tourism even further Credit: Getty 9 The castle remains home to the noble Percy Family Credit: Getty
