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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mystery over Charles and Harry 'leak' as questions asked about Sussex motive
As royal watchers hold out hope for reconciliation between King Charles and Prince Harry, questions continue to swirl around a recent private meeting between the Palace and Team Sussex, including over a leak which could threaten the peace making process For five long years, royal watchers have wondered whether the Windsor rift would ever be bridged. Now, leaked information and bombshell photos suggest peace could be on the horizon for the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family - but it won't be easy. Last week, in what is regarded as the first significant communication in many years, Prince Harry's right-hand woman, Meredith Maines, flew to London from California to meet with King Charles' communications chief, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who runs the Sussexes' UK PR team, was also in attendance. It's understood that the two parties conversed over 'informal drinks' on the sun-drenched terrace, the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL), a private member's club which, tellingly, has a history of promoting friendship across the globe. In the spring of 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made the shock decision to step down as senior working royals and begin a new life in the US. In the years since, Harry, 40, has opened up on repeated occasions about the chasm between himself and his family, most notably in his 2023 memoir, Spare. Now, it would appear that some of the frost has thawed, with the two sides having taken the first tentative steps of mending long-fractured relations. Unfortunately, this delicate process has been rocked somewhat after details of the secret peace treaty were leaked, reportedly causing dismay in both camps. Here, the Mirror takes a look inside the meeting, which could well open up a new chapter for the warring family. 'Informal' talks As reported by the Mail on Sunday, the topic of Harry returning to a more formal role within the royal fold was not discussed during the hush-hush meeting, held mere minutes away from Clarence House. However, both teams expressed a desire to avoid any media clashes or calendar conflicts going forward. In May last year, a timetable clash between Charles' royal garden party and Harry's Invictus Games event meant the father and son were not able to meet during the Duke's brief visit to the UK. According to a source close to the situation, 'There was no formal agenda. But both sides came to the table ready to talk. It's the first real channel of communication we've seen in years.' The source also told the publication that 'the meeting was with Harry's blessing", while Buckingham Palace also reportedly supports plans to 'open a channel of communication.' After wrapping up drinks, it's understood that Silicon Valley strategist Maines jetted back to the Sussexes' £15 million Montecito mansion, where Harry was given a full briefing. Family 'pain' Although it's currently unclear who made the first move towards arranging a summit, this meeting has been viewed as a clear sign that both parties wish to move forward and build a more positive familial relationship. Just two months ago, in a candid BBC interview, Prince Harry opened up about his heartache over not being on speaking terms with Charles, claiming his father 'won't speak to me because of this security stuff,' in reference to the Sussexes fighting against the removal of their police protection in the UK. Emphasising that he would 'love a reconciliation', Harry went on to clarify that he had 'forgiven' family members following their 'disagreements". He reflected: 'There's no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious." Meanwhile, it's believed the King holds out hope of rebuilding a bond with Harry, and getting to know his young grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four. Shortly before Harry's interview with the Beeb, royal sources advised The Sun that while Charles remained "frustrated" by his youngest son's behaviour, the door had "not been locked forever". 'The King is at heart a loving and generous man. That love has been sorely tested by this case and so many other issues over recent times. But there is now a chance for his son to move forward rather than dwell on past grievances," the insider said. 'From his father's perspective, the door has been shut by necessity while this painful issue played out through the proper judicial channels — but it has not been locked forever nor the key thrown away." Leak mystery After details of the meeting leaked, social media users speculated over who exactly spilt the bombshell information, with some speculating that an individual from the Sussex camp could have been responsible. Others also went as far as to suggest that this could well have been a test set for Prince Harry, to see if he could be trusted to keep things private before any sort of reconciliation process could begin. However, sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes say the couple have been frustrated by the leak and deny giving away any information. The Daily Telegraph reports that, unfortunately, the emergence of the snaps has led to yet more distrust on both sides, while a source close to Harry has said the images being made public made for a disastrous start toward what was intended to be a quiet peacemaking process. Meanwhile, there is said to be a 'weary disappointment' behind Palace doors, over both the photos and leaked talks. William's role Although Prince William's team were notably not involved in the London summit, it's believed that the talks would not have gone ahead without the heir to the throne being consulted beforehand. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Mail Online: "The King would never have made these moves without William's support and understanding. William and Catherine are the future of the monarchy. "He has undoubtedly been furious at the way the Sussexes have behaved and undoubtedly regards Harry's behaviour as treason of a sort. They reportedly have not spoken in over two years.' Looking ahead to any future bond between the two estranged brothers, it would appear there is still some way to go. During his recent BBC interview, Harry appeared to make reference to William, admitting that 'some members of my family will never forgive me' for writing Spare, which included details of rows between the siblings. At the time of writing, it doesn't appear that William has any plans to meet with his younger brother, despite opportunities presenting themselves in the months to come. Next steps With the first all-important step taken, royal watchers will no doubt be keeping an eye out to see what unfolds next. And there are some significant dates in the calendar coming up. In September, Prince Harry will be travelling to the UK for the annual WellChild events, which could present an opportunity for him to meet face to face with King Charles for the first time in 18 months. Meanwhile, just last month, The Mail on Sunday revealed that The Duke of Sussex had extended an olive branch to the Royal Family by inviting them to the 2027 Invictus Games, set to be held in Birmingham. It's understood that senior palace aides are currently considering this proposal, which could see a public mending of bridges. This comes at a time when sources claim Prince Harry has been touching base with old UK confidants in an attempt to orchestrate his 'return from exile,' following alleged disillusionment with US-based advisors. As the first-ever chief communications officer for the Sussexes, Maines is understood to be at the helm of this royal rehabilitation campaign, having masterminded Meghan's Netflix project, With Love, Meghan, as well as her lifestyle brand As Ever. This is viewed as a sign that the couple are now adopting a more structured 'royal-style' household, many miles away from Buckingham Palace. At the time of writing, neither Buckingham Palace or Team Sussex have issued comments about the meeting, however, there is an air of cautious optimism amongst insiders, one of whom remarked: "Everyone wants to move forward. There's still a long road ahead. But this was a start – and a good one.'
Metro
6 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Liverpool open talks to sign Premier League star as Darwin Nunez replacement
Liverpool have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as they seek to boost their attacking options, according to reports in France. Arne Slot's side have already launched an impressive summer recruitment drive, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all arriving before pre-season. But the Reds are keen to build further on the side that coasted to the Premier League title last season, and have earmarked a striker as a position to strengthen. Darwin Nunez joined Liverpool for an initial £64m fee from Benfica three years ago, but looks set to leave Anfield this summer after failing to secure a regular role under Slot. Nunez made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, but started just eight league games and has been linked with a move to Napoli. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Diogo Jota's tragic passing may also have altered Liverpool transfer plans, given the Portugal international was a versatile option across the front line. Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have both been linked with moves to Anfield this summer, but, according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have also turned their attention to Mateta, who scored 14 league goals last season for Palace. The report adds that the representatives from the club have already met with Mateta and his agent in Paris to discuss a potential move. The Frenchman, who is under contract until 2027 at Selhurst Park, was in talks with Palace over a new contract at the start of the summer. Mateta has previously attracted interest from Manchester United, with a fee of around £40-50m believed to be enough to tempt Palace to part ways with their star striker. More Trending Liverpool, meanwhile, have also been credited with interest in Mateta's teammate, Marc Guehi, as they seek to add defensive cover following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. Reports suggest that the Reds will table a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer of £40m for the centre-back who has entered the last 12 months of his Palace contract. Guehi is said to not be pushing for a move this summer, but also has no intentions of signing a new deal to extend his stay at Selhurst Park. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the England international. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: 'I may get attacked for this' – Viktor Gyokeres sent warning ahead of Arsenal transfer MORE: Troy Deeney rates Chelsea's Premier League title chances after Club World Cup triumph MORE: Enzo Maresca told to replace Chelsea star after Club World Cup final
Edinburgh Live
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'clandestine role' in talks on Harry's future
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 Prince Harry left Royal enthusiasts stunned earlier this year when he publicly declared that his father, the King, "won't speak to him", while making a bold plea for reconciliation. Just two months after the explosive interview - which confirmed suspicions of his near-total estrangement from the Royal family - a glimmer of hope has emerged in the bitter, years-long dispute. The first official step towards reconciliation between the Palace and Sussex camps has been taken. King Charles and Harry's senior aides have reportedly held a clandestine peace summit in London, marking the first significant move in a 'rapprochement process' aimed at mending fractured relationships. The Mail on Sunday disclosed that Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief communications officer, dramatically flew in from LA to meet Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary, at the exclusive Royal Over-Seas League club, a mere stone's throw from Clarence House, the King's London residence. Liam Maguire, the head of Prince Harry's UK PR team, was also in attendance. A source informed the publication: "There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in year. There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about.", reports the Mirror. While Prince William's team were reportedly not invited to the surprise summit, experts have suggested the hidden role he likely played behind the scenes as the future monarch. Allegations surface that William, seemingly less inclined to mend ties with his distant brother, whom he's allegedly not communicated with for years, wouldn't have allowed the recent meeting without showing 'support and understanding'. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared with Mail Online: "The King would never have made these moves without William's support and understanding. William and Catherine are the future of the monarchy." He also said, "He has undoubtedly been furious at the way the Sussexes have behaved and undoubtedly regards Harry's behaviour as treason of a sort. They reportedly have not spoken in over two years.'". Royal biographer Phil Dampier weighed in: "The King is more anxious to patch things up than William, who I believe will never be close to his brother again." Expectations rise as Prince Harry prepares for a UK return in September for the annual WellChild events, which may offer a chance for him to meet his father after 18 months apart. Meanwhile, Prince William seems to show no intention of reconciling with his brother amid these peace negotiations. The understanding is that the momentous conference didn't broach the subject of Harry resuming any formal Royal duties but concentrated on sidestepping potential media disputes and scheduling conflicts. This revelation follows the missed connection in May last year, when the Duke, staying abroad, didn't see his father due to a clash between Charles' Royal garden party and an Invictus Games commitment. Tensions simmered when Harry's team released a statement claiming that the monarch was too busy to meet his son, a claim which Palace sources promptly disputed. It was later revealed that Charles had extended an invitation for Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace during his visit, but this offer was declined. A source commented at the time: "I don't know what more the King could have done. He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace, but that it seems wasn't good enough." The last encounter between the Duke and Charles occurred in February of the previous year, following the revelation of the King's cancer diagnosis. Following Harry's candid BBC interview in May, where he expressed a desire for reconciliation with his family while suggesting some members would never forgive him, insiders told the Mirror William had no intention of engaging with his brother. "At its very heart, for the family there is a major trust issue when even thinking about speaking to him," a source said. "There is certainly no incentive to do so when he is so free to openly criticise and only ever present one view, being his." Despite both attending a memorial service for their mother's brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes in August the last year, Harry and William did not exchange words. Royal commentators observed Harry's apparent distress during his interview with the BBC, notably after his recent legal setback concerning the security arrangements for himself and his family while in the UK. The ongoing security saga reportedly became a source of irritation for Charles, with Harry pointing the finger squarely at the Palace for their role in reducing his state-funded security upon relocating to California. Harry broke his silence on the court's decision, deeming it a "good old fashioned establishment stitch up," and for the first time, commented on his father's involvement in the security debacle. The Duke stated: "I never asked him to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs." He further suggested that his estranged relationship with Charles, including why his father "won't speak to him", centres around "security stuff". In an unexpected revelation that has left Royal commentators astounded, Harry expressed a desire to cease hostilities, recognising the uncertainty of how much time he may have left with his father. King Charles was admitted to hospital in April due to complications from his cancer treatment, and it is alleged Harry discovered this through the media rather than being informed directly. Reports also indicate that Harry was not personally briefed on the specifics of his father's medical condition.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
William and Kate's 'hidden role' in Harry talks as brothers' future is uncovered
A sensational peace summit between King Charles and Prince Harry's teams marks the first official step towards reconcilliation, and now Prince William's 'hidden role' in the landmark meeting has been revealed Prince Harry left royal watchers reeling earlier this year when he told the world that his father the King "won't speak to him" whilst pleading for reconciliation in the boldest of terms. And just two months on from the bombshell interview - which finally confirmed suspicions that he is all-but estranged from the royal fold - a slither of hope has emerged in the bitter years-long row, with the first official step towards reconcilement being made between the Palace and Sussex camps. King Charles and Harry's senior aides have held a secret peace summit in London, said to be the first notable step in in a 'rapprochement process' where broken bonds can finally heal. The Mail on Sunday revealed that Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussexes' chief communications officer, sensationally flew in from LA to meet Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary, at the members-only Royal Over-Seas League club just a stone's throw away from Clarence House, the King's London residence. The top dog in Prince Harry's UK PR team, Liam Maguire, was also present. A source told the publication: "There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in year. There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about." While Prince William 's team were reportedly not invited to the shock summit, experts have revealed the hidden role he will have likely played behind the scenes as the future of the monarchy. They claim that while William is far less inclined to reconcile with his estranged brother, whom he's reportedly not spoken to in years, the meeting would have never happened without his 'support and understanding'. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Mail Online: "The King would never have made these moves without William's support and understanding. William and Catherine are the future of the monarchy. "He has undoubtedly been furious at the way the Sussexes have behaved and undoubtedly regards Harry's behaviour as treason of a sort. They reportedly have not spoken in over two years.' And royal author Phil Dampier said: "The King is more anxious to patch things up than William, who I believe will never be close to his brother again." Harry is due to head back to the UK in September for the annual WellChild events, an opportunity which could see him reunite with his dad for the first time in 18 months. But William doesn't appear to have any plans to see his brother, despite the peace talks. It is understood that the historic meeting did not cover Harry returning to a formal royal role, but both teams discussed avoiding any media clashes and conflicts in the calendar. It comes as the self-exiled Duke failed to meet his father during a trip to the UK in May last year due to a timetable clash between Charles' royal garden party and an Invictus Games event. Tensions brewed after Harry's team released a statement at the time stating that the monarch too busy to meet up with his son - a narrative that was swiftly contested by sources close to the Palace. It was then revealed that Charles had invited Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace during his time at home, but he declined. A source said at the time: "I don't know what more the King could have done. He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace, but that it seems wasn't good enough." The last time the Duke saw Charles was in February of last year, shortly after the King revealed his cancer diagnosis. After Harry's explosive BBC interview in May where he pleaded for reconciliation with his family - and claimed that some members will never forgive him - sources told the Mirror that William had no intention of speaking to his brother. "At its very heart, for the family there is a major trust issue when even thinking about speaking to him," a source said. "There is certainly no incentive to do so when he is so free to openly criticise and only ever present one view, being his." Harry and William both attended a memorial service for their mother's brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes in August last year, but they did not speak to each other. Royal experts noted just how wounded Harry seemed in the sit-down chat with the Beeb, fresh off the back of losing his latest legal challenge over the level of security he and his family are entitled to while in the UK. The security battle was said to be a thorn in Charles' side, as Harry lay blame firmly at the Palace's door, claiming they held influence over the decision to strip back his taxpayer funded security when he moved to California. Describing the court blow as a "good old fashioned establishment stitch up," Harry spoke out for the first time about his father's role in the security issue. The Duke said: "I never asked him to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs." He also claimed that the reason Charles "won't speak to him" is all down to the "security stuff". In a move that shocked royal experts, Harry said that he did not want to fight any more, admitting he did "not know how much longer my father has". In April, King Charles was hospitalised due to the side effects of his ongoing cancer treatment, and it was claimed that Harry was not informed personally. He is said to have found out like the rest of the world when he saw it on the news. It was also reported that the Duke hadn't been informed of Charles' prognosis.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Crystal Palace chairman continues UEFA rant as he takes aim at costly rule
Crystal Palace were told last week they could not play in the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules and Steve Parish has rubbished the idea they missed the chance to protect themselves Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish insists he wants to put any "nonsense to bed" regarding the club's failure to put their shares into a blind trust amid suggestions it would've stopped them being kicked out of the Europa League. UEFA ruled on Friday that the FA Cup winners would be demoted to the Europa Conference League after breaching its multi-club ownership rules. The rules of European football's governing body state that clubs owned by the same person or entity, who have a certain level of influence, cannot compete in the same European competition. UEFA rules set a deadline of March 1 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring - a deadline which Palace missed - and they failed to argue successfully that Textor does not hold any decisive influence at the club, which is the key component of the rule. Nottingham Forest have benefited and replace FA Cup winners Palace in the Europa League after finishing seventh last term, but Palace can appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Parish has come out and rubbished the idea that, had he and his fellow leading lights moved their shares to align with UEFA's guidance, it still wouldn't have changed the outcome. He said on social media: "Let's put this 'THEY missed the deadline' nonsense to bed. Let's say Me, Josh, David and everyone other than Eagle football had placed our shares in a 'blind trust' before March 1st. Three random people would have had control of the club since then but by UEFA's interpretation of the rules we would still be out of the Europa League." The Palace chairman has not hidden his anger since the decision came down from UEFA, describing it as "the biggest injustice in the history of football" as he took aim at UEFA's rules. Parish said: "It's a bad day for football. It's a terrible injustice. I do believe nobody want to see this. I don't think Uefa wants to see this. We've been locked out of a European competition on the most ridiculous technicality. Supporters of all clubs should be devastated for us." He also added: "We don't share any staff. We're caught up in a rule that wasn't put there for us. I don't understand why the panel has come to the conclusion they have done. I think we've shown John had no influence over our club." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
