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A body language expert has revealed how Harry’s arrival in London has sparked a ‘game of chess’ between Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and his elder brother, Prince William

Prince Harry has touched down in the UK ahead of his appearance at tonight’s WellChild Awards, making a rare trip to his home country after years of estrangement from the royal family.

While Harry went to Windsor to pay his respects to the late Queen on the anniversary of her passing, Prince William and Kate were at an engagement of their own, also honouring Queen Elizabeth three years after her death in 2022.

With the warring brothers seemingly determined to avoid each other, a body language expert has decoded what their stacked calendars really mean. Meanwhile, rumours are still flying that Harry could well reunite with his father, King Charles, while in the UK this week.

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Judi James told the Mirror that by both Harry and William busying themselves mere moments after the Duke of Sussex arrived in London, it seems they are both intent on keeping themselves preoccupied so as not to run into each other.

She said: “Harry’s arrival in the UK seems to have triggered a game of royal chess, with characters moving around the board to avoid being check-mated by the rogue royal on his flying visit.”

Speaking of Harry’s not-so-secret trip to St George’s Chapel, Judi added: “We’ve already seen Harry on a ring doorbell looking like a fan of the impromptu drop-in, and William’s outing to Sunningdale might have left one (future) queen alone and socially vulnerable if a request for afternoon tea was made.”

The body language expert went on to speculate that by Princess Kate joining Prince William at the last minute for his trip to Sunningdale, she has armed herself with an excuse on the off chance that Harry would try to see his sister-in-law.

She said: “Kate and Harry used to be so close, and whereas a ‘Sorry I’m up in Sunningdale’ response might be neutral and polite enough, being at home but turning him down could make Kate risk being made to look like the bad guy when Harry reported back to the US.”

“There’s a huge difference in being unavailable and appearing to actively shun someone, and the movements of the royals today suggest they are very mindful of the dangers of the ‘Harry effect’ on their own image and popularity.”

While William and Kate have been marking the anniversary of the late Queen in their own way, Judi believes that such an event may not stop Harry from spinning his own story about why his family have chosen not to see him.

“Harry has many excuses to play the victim here if he so chooses, especially if it is made to look as though his close family members turned their backs on him while he was busy supporting his charities,” she said.

“There have already been headlines implying he would be keen for some sort of reunion, and if doors were being literally shut in his face, it could risk making the Firm look cruel and cold in the eyes of the rest of the world if the story was spun that way.”

A hairdresser with experience of working alongside cancer patients has encouraged royal watchers to be kind, as cruel comments over Catherine, Princess of Wales’ recent blonde look spark outrage

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is best known for her dedication to her royal duties, but in recent times, it’s her hair that’s been the focus of conversation.

After returning from the Royal family’s traditional summer break, the future queen showed off notably lighter locks during a visit to London’s Natural History Museum, of which she is a patron. This blonde look took a number of fans by surprise, with Kate’s glossy chestnut mane having always been one of her most distinctive physical features.

Then, while cheering on England’s Red Roses at the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on Saturday, royal watchers noted that Kate had opted for an elegant yet relaxed hairstyle, with tresses pieced back away from her face.

Although the 43-year-old received plenty of compliments on her fresh new look, she’s also faced some cruel criticism from online trolls. Notably, today Kate was back to sporting her classic brunette locks, and some believe the sudden switch was due to insensitive comments at a time when the princess is still navigating life after a cancer diagnosis.

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Now, a hairdresser with experience of working with those who’ve had cancer has spoken with the Mirror about why such comments are particularly insensitive, given Kate’s medical history.

Harriet Kessie-Cudjoe, who founded the London-based salon Afrotherapy, told the Mirror: “As hairdressers, we see and hear on a daily basis how deeply connected hair is to identity and confidence. In fact, I tell my team all the time. ‘Every haircut tells a story’, emphasising the need to listen and empathise.

“For many clients, hair is not just about style. It’s a huge part of how they express themselves and how they’re seen by the world. When someone experiences cancer-related hair loss, it can feel like losing a part of themselves, and that can understandably have a huge impact on self-esteem.

“I saw this first-hand with my own sister, who experienced hair loss and eventually lost her battle with cancer. I have also seen it and supported many of my own clients through this difficult time.

“This is why it’s so important for the wider public to show kindness and sensitivity. Comments about appearance, even if meant lightly, can feel incredibly painful for someone navigating treatment and all the changes that come with it.”

Advising how people can instead show support for loved ones living with or in remission from cancer, Harriet shared: “In terms of support, one of the most valuable things loved ones can do is to listen and let the person guide the conversation. Some may want to talk about wigs, headscarves, or scalp care, while others may not want to focus on their hair at all.

“Practical care like helping to source a wig specialist, recommending gentle scalp treatments, or even booking in for a pampering head massage can make a real difference. For clients, I always encourage focusing on scalp health and comfort first.

“Using soothing, fragrance-free products and keeping the scalp moisturised can help with irritation or dryness during treatment. If they feel ready, exploring wigs, hairpieces, or protective styles can offer a sense of normality and control. But equally, embracing headscarves or going without can be just as empowering.

“Above all, it’s about reassurance. Hair often grows back after treatment, but in the meantime, making someone feel beautiful, cared for, and supported in whichever way they choose is the most important thing.”

Taking to social media, Sam McKnight, the hairstylist of the former Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, previously issued a strongly worded statement in defence of the mum of three, urging people to show more empathy. Sam wrote: “I am shocked, horrified, dismayed and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today. A woman’s hair is very personal to her; it’s armour, defence, confidence, and so much more.

“I cannot believe how evil and lacking in any kind of empathy are the comments, the majority made apparently by other women, attacking a vulnerable other young woman, who has no choice, by dint of who she married, and the role she took on, to bravely face the public.”

He continued: “She has brilliantly and quietly, unselfishly represented our country, the soft power we still have as a nation. Cancer affects individuals differently, but it is life-changing for everyone. So FFS LEAVE HER ALONE. SHAME ON YOU.”

The mother-of-three publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in 2024. For a number of months, the princess took a step back from the spotlight to focus on a course of preventative chemotherapy, while issuing well-wishers with regular updates.

In September of that same year, Kate announced that she was cancer-free after completing her course of chemotherapy, to the relief of those who had followed her progress.

However, Kate has previously spoken candidly about how her ordeal continues to affect her life. While meeting with fellow patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital in July of this year, Kate reflected that, all too often, after finishing treatment, patients are expected to “crack on, get back to normal”, even if this just isn’t possible.

Speaking from personal experience, Kate shared: “There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all.”

She continued: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like ’I can crack on, get back to normal’, but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult.

“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.

“And actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable. You have to find your new normal and that takes time.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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Prince Harry charmed children by indulging in a playful sword fight with a balloon at the WellChild Awards in London, just hours after touching down in his home country for the first time since April.

The Duke of Sussex arrived at the Royal Lancaster Hotel for the event dressed in a dapper suit as he prepares to give a speech during the awards ceremony on their 20th anniversary.

After posing for a photo opportunity with the Vice Chairman of WellChild, Harry met with some of the children who will be receiving awards during the ceremony. The Duke of Sussex spent time with numerous young kids, giving each of them special attention.

In one adorable moment shared to WellChild’s Instagram stories, Prince Harry met with a young girl named Gwen, who showed off her fancy trainers to the royal before engaging in a balloon sword fight.

Nine-year-old Gwen also gave Harry gifts for his own children, Archie and Lilibet. Gwen gave the Duke of Sussex two gift bags that each contained a purple football jersey, belonging to Brighton Hove & Albion team, with his children’s names and ages on them.

Harry told the young girl that the thoughtful gifts were “so good” and that he “loves them”, and can’t wait to pass them on to his own kids, who have remained in California with Meghan Markle while Harry journeyed to the UK.

Prince Harry also spoke with six-year-old Esmee, who will receive an award during the ceremony, as she inspected the Duke’s polka dot tie.

The Duke of Sussex also spoke to numerous parents and carers before the award ceremony kicked off, praising their courage and strength.

To celebrate 20 years of the WellChild awards, winners from previous years were invited back. Prince Harry met with those who had previously been honoured and recalled the years he presented them with awards.

His appearance at the awards comes just hours after Harry touched down the UK and travelled to the late Queen’s tomb in the King George VI Memorial Chapel within Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, a spokesperson for the Sussexes said. He laid a wreath and flowers and privately paid his respects.

Just miles away his estranged brother Prince William and his wife the Princess of Wales also remembered the late Queen on the third anniversary of her death. They visited the National Federation of Women’s Institute (WI), in Sunningdale, just eight miles from Windsor Castle, which holds a special connection to the late Queen.

Harry attendance at the WellChild Awards in London comes in his role as the charity’s patron, a position he has held for more than 15 years.

There has been speculation about whether the duke will see his father the King, who is receiving ongoing cancer treatment and was in Scotland at the weekend.

The visit follows a recent meeting dubbed ‘peace talks’ by senior aides to Charles and Harry, in what was reported to be a step towards restoring the relationship between the duke and the royal family.

The WellChild awards, which celebrate the achievements and resilience of seriously ill youngsters and their families, are being staged exactly three years since the late Queen, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8 aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

During the event, Harry will make a speech, meet and talk to seriously ill children and their families and present an award to an “inspirational child” aged between four and six. The duke has attended the awards 14 times before and has held the role of the charity’s patron for 17 years.

The charity brands itself as the national UK children’s charity “making it possible for children and young people with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital, wherever possible”.

In a statement ahead of the visit, Harry said: “For 20 years these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals – who support them every step of the way. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.”

One person claimed latest video contained one of the most diabolical moments they had seen

Sidemen fans have praised an ‘S tier’ video as the YouTubers’ latest post shares similarities to a hit Prime Video series.

The hugely popular online group, who include members such as Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI and Strictly Come Dancing star George Clarke, posted their latest content on Sunday. It saw them take on their own version of a hit show that is soon to have a second season with an iconic comedian.

They are known for posting each week, when they use the hashtag #SidemenSundays. Initially gaining popularity by posting gaming content back in 2013, they have since ventured into more personal videos as well as collaborating and expanding their content.

There’s even a Netflix documentary called The Sidemen Story, showcasing their success. Many videos on their official channel include regular challenges such as 20 vs 1.

The most recent upload, was titled with a simple concept stating: “Sidemen try not to laugh for 24 hours.” Its description simply stated: “Harry doing Harry things lol.”

Its introduction, meanwhile, explained the premise of the video as it said: “I have locked myself and nine friends inside a house with only one room.

“You cannot laugh. So throughout the day, we’re going to be trying to make each other laugh. And there’ll also be events happening designed to try and crack us. If you laugh three times, you’ll be banished to the punishment room.”

Viewers may believe this sounds very familiar to the set up of Prime Video’s Last One Laughing. There are multiple versions of that show on the streaming platform, including a UK one featuring Jimmy Carr.

Across six episodes, ten top comedians face off to make others laugh while keeping a straight face; they must try everything to crack their opponents, but must never break themselves. It will soon return for a second season with Bob Mortimer returning as part of the cast.

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Despite this similarity, The Sidemen’s own version of this concept proved very popular among its fanbase. One person commented on YouTube saying: “Simplest idea, but hands down one of my favourites. Haven’t laughed so hard I cried from a video in a while. Jack and Stephen are just pure bliss, incredible. Want them moreeee!!!”

Another agreed: “Nah man, I haven’t laughed this much in so long. Legit one of the best sidemen videos ever. Jack’s impression of Vik was just too good.”

Someone else added: “This is such old school sidemen video vibes, not laughed from a sidemen video this much in a while.”

One person pointed out their standout moment as Ethan surprised the rest of the group by jumping on top of the sofa while naked and his face painted badly as Spider-Man.

They said: “This might be the most diabolical thing that has ever happened on the Sidemen YouTube channel. Spider-man Ethan will go down in history.”

Meanwhile, the video sparked a debate on Reddit, with fans debating on whether it was one of the best recent uploads from the group. One person posted “We got an S Tier guys.”

Someone replied: “I thought it would be mid because I’m a bit older than most but actually was laughing throughout. Definitely one of the best this year. Although there’s been a few I’ve really enjoyed this year.”

The Marvel star jetted off to Spain and danced the night away at her brother’s sun-soaked wedding

Florence Pugh partied the night away as she celebrated her Game of Thrones star brother’s wedding on Saturday (6 September).

The Oscar-nominated actress, 29, took to Instagram to share snaps and clips from the big day as Toby Sebastian, her brother and Game of Thrones’ Trystane Martell, “got hitched” to his long-term partner Scarlet Alexandra.

As those who saw Florence’s film A Good Person will already be aware, the actress has an incredible singing voice, which she used to serenade the couple during the day’s events. Wearing a red maxi dress, she sang alongside her sister, Rafaela, from the balcony of the villa in Spain where the reception took place.

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Spain holds a special place in the hearts of the Pughs. The family moved to Spain when Florence was young after a doctor recommended it to help the future Marvel star after she was diagnosed with tracheomalacia, a condition which makes the windpipe soft and liable to collapsing, but can be eased by warm weather. They lived in Spain for a number of years before returning to Oxford.

Florence has been open about the condition, saying on Running Wild with Bear Grylls: “We were in Spain because I have a breathing issue, and when I was younger they kind of just advised that a hotter climate would be better.

“I have asthma and I have this thing called tracheomalacia as well. And so from a young age, I’ve just had a different breathing system.”

Spain is also special to bride Scarlet, as she grew up in Andalucia, though she is now based in London, having set up her own illustration business, Sax Doodle.

Posting a clip of the newlyweds being toasted at their ceremony, Florence gushed: “They got hitched!”. She also shared a picture of Rafaela fanning the groom, who was melting in the Spanish heat and a navy suit. The actress captioned the post: “Brothers always need their little sisters to fan them on their wedding day!”

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Toby posted his own clips from the wedding reception, including some of the whole Pugh clan out on the dance floor. “What a weekend, what a wedding,” he said on one clip. “There aren’t many people in the world I would stay up partying until 4am for.”

He also posted a picture of himself with his grandmother, known as Granny Pat, where she wore a white suit with a blue silk neck scarf. Granny Pat became a star in her own right when she stole the show at the Venice Film Festival in 2022, having joined her granddaughter for the screening of Don’t Worry Darling.

The famous siblings’ father, Clinton, was also in attendance. Clinton made headlines last year after he clashed with the local council in Oxford and blamed having to sell his beloved cafe, Cafe Coco, on the decision to make the area it was in a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. The businessman called Oxfordshire City Council’s decision an “ill thought out traffic calming disaster”. Despite financial help from his daughter, he closed the cafe in April.

He posted on Instagram: “It’s been emotional! Cafe Coco was sold in April after 31+ years. 1.5 miles of road closures. Removal of 600 parking spaces and no buses from the park and ride!

“Thank you Oxfordshire County Council for your ill thought out traffic calming disaster. Thank you to all the wonderful stars who helped make Cafe Coco so special.”

The funeral of radio great James Whale has taken place in Maidstone, Kent, as mourners from the world of showbiz and politics said goodbye to the popular broadcaster

Friends, family and colleagues turned out to remember broadcasting legend Jame Whale as he was laid to rest this afternoon.

The radio titan died last month aged 74 following a long and brave battle with cancer. The former Celebrity Big Brother star had been diagnosed with kidney cancer back in 2000, but after being given the all-clear he announced five years ago the disease had returned.

Since he death four weeks ago, tributes have flooded in and today those closest to him gathered together for his funeral in Kent. Politician Nigel Farage, fellow presenter Eamonn Holmes and singing star Matt Goss were among those paying their respects to James at St Nicolas church in Maidstone.

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Friends Lizzy Cundy and Bobby Davro also gathered with his family and other mourners at the service. A wake was later held for the popular entertainer – awarded a richly-deserved MBE in the New Year Honours, recognising his extraordinary contribution to to his industry and charity during his lifetime.

He will leave much of his estate to his wife Nadine, as well as giving his two children some money as well. Tragic James spoke about his Christmas regrets before joking about hanging out with some broadcasting heroes in the sky as his typically light-hearted final words were revealed weeks after his death.

In his posthumous last column for the Daily Express, which was written in the weeks before his death, James offered a departing message and heartbreakingly told fans that he didn’t want to die. He reflected on his extraordinary life and his fight against illness as he typically offered some final political thoughts.

“If you’re reading this then I’m dead,” he bluntly started his last article for the publication. “I’ve always wanted to write that. Well, obviously not always. But, bear with me because there’s something very tempting, after more than half a century as a journalist and broadcaster, of having the final word!

“And this I suppose is it, my friends. You’re reading this and I’m in the great radio studio in the sky, hanging out (hopefully) with some of my own broadcasting heroes. ’m writing at the age of 74 facing, probably, the last few weeks of my life. I can’t pretend it’s not hard on me or my lovely wife, Nadine, and my family and friends, too.

“But it feels necessary, and I hope they’ll understand. I’m sure they’ll be chuckling. After all, I couldn’t be silenced in life and, well, even now I’m still banging on! Of course, I don’t want to die. I first beat kidney cancer 25 years ago despite being given a 50-50 chance of survival.

“Then five years ago, my cancer came back and this time round it’s been more of a score-draw. It’s spread to my spine, my brain, all over really. I’ve made a career of cutting people off. It was pretty revolutionary back in the day when I first introduced live phone calls to my late-night show at Metro Radio in Newcastle. Now, I suppose, the plug’s been pulled on me!”

But with the humour soon came heartbreak, and James then spoke about not being alive to see Christmas. “It happens to us all in the end. But without wanting to blow my own trumpet (though if I can’t blow it now, when can I?), I think I’ve probably beaten the odds several times already just by lasting this long.

“It’s safe to say though that I won’t be around to celebrate Christmas and, while that makes me sadder than I can say – there have been plenty of tears – it’s the hand I’ve been dealt.”

“I’d love to be around to see if Reform UK wins the next general election and whether my old friend and sparring partner Nigel Farage can sort out Britain’s many problems; learn whether Keir Starmer even makes it to the elections – let alone Rachel Reeves!

“And, touch wood, to see Ukraine free once again from Russian warmongering. But in the grand scheme of things, I’ve not had a bad run. Even if I’ve not quite made the average age for men of my generation (82, since you ask), I’ve comfortably out-performed the expectations of those born only a decade or so earlier than I was.”

In a statement on the day of his death, TalkTV said: “We are sad to announce that James Whale MBE died earlier today, aged 74, following a lengthy battle with cancer. As a broadcasting legend for over 50 years, James will be missed by so many at TALK and the wider News UK family.”

The news, and his previous diagnosis, raised awareness around kidney cancer. James is said to have been a founding member of the chairt Kidney Cancer UK and was referred to as its lifetime president when he died last month.

James married Nadine Lamont-Brown in 2021, just 14 months after revealing his advanced cancer diagnoses. His late wife Melinda, whom he was married to for 48 years, died of Stage 4 lung cancer in 2018.

James and Melinda had two sons and two grandchildren. Nadine has stood by him through his battle, acknowledging they don’t have the “luxury” of time.

For more information or support about cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.