EXCLUSIVE Glamorous doctor whose heartwarming act after girl's plunge from Disney cruise has deepened the mystery over dad who jumped in
The woman was Alyssa Charles, the ship's South African lead physician who comforted the traumatized girl as she checked her for injuries.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new Netflix documentary on African orphans came after they 'watched viral dance videos at home with Prince Archie' during lockdown
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 's new Netflix documentary about African orphans came about after they watched dancing videos at home with their son Prince Archie. One of the upcoming projects that forms part of the Sussexes' new 'first look' deal with Netflix is a short documentary about an African orphanage in Uganda, due to be released later this year - titled 'Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within'. The orphanage is home to the Masaka Kids, a dancing troupe comprising children aged two and above that has found widespread fame online. And the Sussexes themselves fell in love with the troupe during lockdown, watching videos of them at home with Prince Archie, now aged six. A spokesperson for the couple told The Telegraph: 'They would watch the videos regularly with Archie at home. 'So, they were already admirers of the organisation before the film project came to them in 2023.' However, Harry and Meghan were not involved in filming the documentary and are believed not to have gone to Uganda, according to the newspaper. The new project appears to be part of Harry and Meghan's vow when they founded their Archewell Foundation to 'spotlight diverse voices and share uplifting stories' - though previous projects have included a cooking and lifestyle show, a documentary about Polo and a bombshell expose of the royal family. The group's story will be part of the Sussexes' new downgraded Netflix contract that offers the streamer first rights to future film and TV projects. The documentary will tell the story of how filmmaker David Lopez got to know the children as he visited Uganda over several years, with footage later picked up by Harry and Meghan's Archewell Productions. Their spokesperson added: 'When the Duke and Duchess were made aware of the short, they quickly recognised the kids from their viral videos and fell in love with their deeper stories.' They now hope to help 'amplify' the stories of the Masaka Kids and 'spread their love and joy' across the globe. The dance troupe was founded in 2013 and raises money for children in Uganda orphaned due to conflict, poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic. It comes after social media users criticised Harry and Meghan, both of whom have producer credits on the documentary, for belittling the subject in a press release from the couple's production company Archewell. According to the joint statement released by the Sussexes and Netflix, the film 'goes beyong the viral videos to reveal a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community where orphaned children transform hardship into joy, dancing their way toward the promise of a brighter future'. However, the synopsis was branded 'more MeMe word salad' from the Sussexes as outraged social media users said the statement appeared to 'trivialise the hardships of others for self-glorification'. The movie's logline, some pointed out, echoes the language used by the 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex in interviews and media appearances since quitting the Royal Family and relocating to California with Prince Harry. Others accused the couple of monetising the hardship endured by others while simultaneously drawing parallels with their own lives as the couple have frequently spoken about using overcoming challenges by creating moments of joy and celebration. Last August, Meghan opened up about embracing a 'chapter of joy' that presumably followed her tumultuous stay in the UK as a senior Royal after marrying Prince Harry during a speech at Oprah Winfrey's book club meeting. During her quasi-royal tour of Colombia with the Duke of Sussex around the same time, Meghan linked joy to the practice of gratitude - in an address echoing self-help guru Brene Brown - while discussing how we can continue to 'inspire and create change'. She told the panel in Colombia: 'From my standpoint, how I will continue to express this, both through our foundation and through being able to move through the world, I suppose, is just looking at this as my chapter of joy. 'And the more that you are able to look at your life and really, truly, recognise that if you're going to be grateful for your life, you have to be grateful for all aspects of it. 'The parts that were opportunities of growth and may have felt very difficult as well as the parts that feel inspiring, joyful and full.' Reddit users noted the short note about the documentary had left a bitter taste, as one person said: 'Yeah, let's watch a bunch of underprivileged children dance their way to healing! More MeMe word salad.' A similar comment read: 'Watch those two try to turn hardship into a TikTok dance trend. They are not healing wounds. They are selling tickets to the spectacle. Please tell Netflix to hire crisis consultants and just STOP. 'The reality is, people paying for Netflix are not looking for Ugandan orphans. That is a program better suited for PBS.' Another shared: 'Ugh! I wonder who wrote that patronising, puerile, ignorant, exploitive, superficial c**p. Just get some poor Ugandan kids to dance and their hardships will be transformed into joy, they will be healed, they will belong, their future will be brighter. What an utter bunch of s***. They noted that while 'dancing can help with trauma', it cannot magically turn it 'into joy', adding: 'True to form, H & M trivialise the hardships of others for self-glorification - remember when Meg made a big deal of donating makeup to young women who had lost their homes in wildfires.' A similar message posted on Reddit read: 'Yes, splendind, just what the world needs! Those two producing a dance therapy session for orphans - because nothing screams authenticity like orchestrated joy to distract from decades of headline chaos. 'Tragedy becoming the circus backdrop for their self-serving narrative.' One person pointed out that the Masaka Kids and Meghan have similar online followings, adding: 'Masaka Kids has a YouTube channel with 4.1 Million subs, what exactly is Harry and Meghan bringing to the table?' In fact, it is Meghan's Instagram follower count currently stands at 4.1 million - about 200,000 short of the Masaka Kids's 4.3 million YouTube subscribers. Some were, however, supportive of their endeavour, with one X user writing: 'Yay, Ugandan that they are doing a documentary about those lovely kids! It will increase their visibility.' Commenting on the optics of the docuseries from a branding perspective, expert Chad Teixeira told the Daily Mail 'the choice to be involved in Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within aligns closely with the Sussexes' ongoing narrative of resilience, purpose, and elevating stories that might otherwise be overlooked'. However, he added, 'there is a clear disparity between the Sussexes' lived experiences and those of the children in Uganda's Masaka region, and this is where careful narrative framing is essential'. Chad cautioned: 'Handled sensitively, this project reinforces their brand positioning as cultural storytellers and advocates for human resilience. 'It also strategically taps into a universal emotional thread, that joy can be a radical act in the face of hardship, without diluting the gravity of the children's reality. 'The key will be in ensuring their commentary keeps the focus firmly on the children and the community, positioning themselves as facilitators of visibility rather than co-protagonists in the narrative.' Elsewhere, PR expert Hayley Knight, the co-founder of BE YELLOW PR agency, said that the couple are likely using the momentum from their previous projects for this campaign. 'After the mass attention gained from their previous Netflix documentary 'Harry & Meghan', it seems they want to use this momentum and shift attention to something deeper,' she explained. 'This documentary, and the themes around it takes them back to their roots of empathetic storytelling, echoing Princess Diana's legacy of compassionate engagement with these communities, and the challenges they endure. 'The documentary also likely holds special meaning for the Sussexes. As parents, they understand the profound urgency of security, education, and love for every child, not just their own. And as public figures who have experienced scrutiny and discrimination, they understand the harm stigma, neglect and prejudice can inflict.' However, she added, the 'project hasn't been met without criticism, with some arguing that the documentary frames poverty through joyful dancing, reducing deep systematic hardship down to a feel-good spectacle for Western audiences'. 'Children cannot simply 'dance their way' out of a lack of the issues that they face, and the documentary should focus more on the challenges around lack of education, healthcare and security, and that the documentary glosses over, and distracts the need for long term, structural change,' she added. 'It's the balance many filmmakers and charities face - inspiration without trivialising. However, with 4.1m subscribers on YouTube, the story behind the Masaka Kids, who have endured devastating personal loss from famine and war, and use the power of dance and song to overcome hardship, has touched people worldwide, and started conversations. 'The documentary will simply amplify this, and also tap into new audiences who already follow them online.' Netflix and Archewell Productions on Monday released all the details about their new 'multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects' that experts have said is a downgrade on their earlier $100million contract. The renewed deal was described by the Sussexes - who made the announcement with Netflix - as 'extending their creative partnership' through Archewell Productions. However, the new terms are understood to be less lucrative for the Sussexes than their previous contract under which they released the bombshell, two-part docuseries about the hardships they endured before stepping down as senior Royals. Netflix said Harry & Meghan, which came out in December 2022, was a huge success with a total of 23.4million views, making it the most viewed documentary ever through its first four days and reaching the English Top 10 TV list in 85 countries. But With Love, Meghan - Meghan's recently renewed lifestyle series - failed to break into Netflix's top ten programmes - or even the top 300, as it ranked at number 383 in 2025 so far for the streaming giant with just 5.3million viewers across the globe since it was first broadcast in March. The announcement about the new docuseries comes after a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed he is considering starting a new African charity to rival Sentebale after he quit following a race row. The Duke earlier this month walked away from the charity following a damning report. But, as exclusively revealed by the Mail on Sunday, his spokesperson has now confirmed Harry is weighing up how to carry on supporting the region. 'The duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago,' the spokesperson said today. 'In what form that support takes - no decisions have been made.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ronnie Wood's newly married son Tyrone gives glimpse into wild honeymoon with rock royalty wife Faye Harris
Ronnie Wood 's son Tyrone is following in his famous father's footsteps by heading out on safari for his wild honeymoon with new wife - and fellow rock royalty - Faye Harris. The 41-year-old art dealer, who married the stunning daughter of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris in a star-studded ceremony at Marylebone Old Town Hall last summer, has been enjoying a wildlife adventure in Botswana. Faye, 34, shared a series of Instagram stories over the weekend, giving a glimpse into their once-in-a-lifetime trip. The couple have spotted elephants, hippos and lions during their stay, while also taking part in sunset drinks in the bush. But far from having a relaxing time, Faye revealed they came terrifyingly close to a lion at one point as it crossed directly in front of their vehicle. 'He ran like 10ft in front of our car before chilling here,' she explained, sharing a photo of the lion hiding near them in the grass. Another post showed a herd of elephants grazing with their young, while a 6am drive brought them face to face with a towering elephant on the edge of their camp. The loved-up couple have been enjoying tucking into the local biltong - air-dried, cured meat - while toasting to newly married life with gin and tonics on the bonnet of their safari truck. The pair also posed together at sunset by a lagoon, with Faye dressed in khaki trousers and a green bandana and Tyrone in cargo shorts and boots. The trip echoes the long-standing love of safari shared by Tyrone's father, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie, 78, who has visited Africa many times and is a vocal supporter of conservation causes. Last month, the veteran rocker and artist designed a striking sea turtle sculpture for the Tusk Turtle Trail in London, a public art initiative raising awareness and funds for marine conservation. The trail, organised by Prince William's Tusk Trust, saw turtle sculptures by Ronnie and other celebrities displayed around the city before being auctioned to benefit the charity. Ronnie praised Prince William for being 'hugely knowledgeable on the subject and committed to the cause' and added that they share 'a common belief that our children and future generations deserve to experience the wonders of the world's wildlife like we have.' In 2023, Ronnie went on safari in Kenya for his wife Sally's 45th birthday. They were joined by their twin girls, Alice and Gracie, now nine. Another post showed a herd of elephants grazing with their young, while a 6am drive brought them face to face with a towering elephant on the edge of their camp Tyrone, whose execs include models Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Poppy Delevingne and Daisy Lowe, is Ronnie's son from his marriage to former model Jo Wood. He is director of Project Zero, an ocean preservation charity for which Princess Eugenie is an ambassador. He was first linked to Faye in 2022, and the pair tied the knot in July 2024 in front of both their famous families. Guests included Ronnie, Jo, and Steve Harris, 68, while Tyrone's half-brother Jessie attended with wife Fearne Cotton before their split months later. The bride stunned in a short white Bardot dress with a netted veil, while Tyrone opted for a classic suit. After the ceremony the celebrations continued at The George pub in Fitzrovia, a Grade II-listed Victorian venue.
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
‘There was so much vitriol': Willis Chimano on being outed while in Africa's biggest boy band
Coming out as gay was not something Willis Austin Chimano, a member of the Kenyan Afropop band Sauti Sol, had ever considered. From about 2005, when the group – widely considered to be Africa's biggest boyband – was formed, to 2018, Chimano says he 'wore a mask' at work, careful how he acted, spoke and dressed. At the same time, he embraced his queer identity in his private life. 'I had to do everything in my power to keep my sexuality hidden,' he says. His band mates knew, and supported him, but Chimano thought he would not be accepted by the wider public. 'I was scared that it could ruin our chances at becoming bigger. 'I just wanted to keep a clean representation of me,' he says. 'My queerness would have been a scandal.' Then, in 2018, a photograph of him with his partner was posted on social media and republished by the mainstream media in Kenya. He was the first pop star in Kenya to be outed as gay – and social media went wild. 'There was vitriol, oh my God, so much,' Chimano recalls. 'People were saying 'you're a sinner', 'it goes against the laws of nature', 'it's against African culture'. There's a larger society belief that what [queer people] are doing is wrong. People don't understand.' Kenya is one of 31 countries in Africa that still criminalises queer people. Gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. A challenge to the colonial-era law, introduced by the British, was rejected by the high court in 2019. Many members of the queer community are shunned by their families in this deeply religious country. Currently, the Kenyan MP Peter Kaluma is urging parliament to advance the family protection bill 2023, which aims to outlaw same-sex relationships, LGBTQ+ activities, public cross-dressing and related advocacy campaigns. In neighbouring Uganda, the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which allows the death penalty for homosexual acts, was signed into law in 2023. Chimano publicly said for the first time in the media that he was part of the queer community in 2021. Despite his fears, Sauti Sol went from strength to strength. The group signed a deal with Universal, their album performed well, and the last single they released was their biggest ever. However, when it came to performing as a solo artist, Chimano was, at times, confronted with a different reality. He had started writing his own songs to come to terms with the turbulence of the last few years. 'I needed to get through some of my hang-ups and a bit of my trauma and just fix myself, in a way,' he says. He released an EP, Heavy is the Crown, in 2022, at a time when Sauti Sol was exploring taking a break so members could pursue solo opportunities. Before its release, in February that year, he was due to appear at a festival he had organised called Love and Harmony, but it was shut down. 'The cops were just like, 'Oh, you're coming here to do a gay event in my jurisdiction and we're not going to allow that to ever happen.'' His team found another venue – a shopping centre – in a different area of Nairobi. But as he was heading to rehearsal, Chimano remembers seeing more police trucks on the road than normal. Midway through the practice, he was called into a room and told the show was off. Police officers carrying AK-47s had been sent to the venue. In Chimano's opinion, it was to intimidate him. 'The message was that we could go ahead and set up and go on with the show, but that we should prepare for the consequences,' he says. 'They were walking around with their guns and looking intimidating. 'I was in shock, naturally. Something switched in me and I walked outside, sat and stared at a wall. Then I broke down.' He wrote on X: 'Bullies never win! You may have gotten your way this time. You've only made my resolve stronger … The show that I've been working so hard on will be seen. That is a fact!' Sign up to Global Dispatch Get a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development team after newsletter promotion An accompanying statement said the show had been called off by the police for 'security reasons'. Bullies never win! You may have gotten your way this time. You've only made my resolve stronger.... The show that I've been working so hard on will be seen. That is a fact!.... #heavyisthecrown The next time he performed a solo show was months later when he was hired as a performer for a corporate event. They asked him how his set would look, right down to what the dancers would be wearing. 'I took it as, 'Hopefully, it's not too gay?' … They were asking questions just to make sure there was nothing camp about it,' he says. After a lot of back and forth, the show went well. Since Sauti Sol officially announced their hiatus in 2023, Chimano has been working on a one-man show with songs from his EP, which has taken him to Australia, France and the UK, where he performed in London and Cardiff as part of the ongoing UK-Kenya Season of Culture, organised by London's Africa Centre and the British Council. With each performance, the show continues to evolve, making space for experimentation and emotional discovery. He hopes to perform a version of it in Kenya in future. He has also been writing a memoir, which he hopes to publish next year, and a debut album, due for release sometime in 2026. Meanwhile, Chimano has been a source of inspiration for members of the queer community and their family across Africa. Through his music, writing and art, he has taken on the role of advocating for the queer community. He is part of a movement of people 'who are expressing themselves more and being out there', Chimano says. He remains hopeful for the future; and is positive that the law criminalising the queer community in Kenya will be repealed at some point. 'There's a lot more straight people who have friends in the queer community and I hope when the time comes, when we're talking about allyship, they speak up and show up for us,' he says.
