Although the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are close to each other, there was a time when the two women appeared to be forming a friendship.
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Meghan gave a warm response when asked about the Princess(Image: Getty)
It’s no secret that the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle aren’t close. Despite Prince Harry’s attempts to reconcile with the royal family, the gulf between the Duke and his older brother William is bigger than ever. And it seems there is no love lost between their wives, either.
But that wasn’t always the case. Meghan previously had nothing but kind words to say about Princess Kate during a rare interview with Harry.
The “Fab Four” appeared to be close to the Sussexes’ decision to leave royal life and publicly acclaim their grievances.
Meghan and Harry announced their engagement in November 2017 in an official statement from Clarence House, before sitting down for an interview with ex BBC journalist Mishal Husain.
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And during the conversation, Meghan praised the Royal Family, the Queen and her future sister-in-law Kate for all being so welcoming.
Describing how there was a period of time where they kept their romance under wraps, Harry said Prince William was desperate to meet his girlfriend.
He stated that “William was looking forward to meeting [Meghan], and] Catherine was also looking forward to meeting [the two of us, and] Catherine has been absolutely – “
Meghan interrupted Harry in the middle of the conversation to call Kate “wonderful.” However, later in her career, the Duchess asserted that Kate and her own relationship were fundamentally different.
In her Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, after the couple’s self-exile from royal life, the Duchess said: “Even when Will and Kate came over and I was meeting her for the first time I remember I was in ripped jeans, I was barefoot. Like I was a hugger, I have always been a hugger I didn’t realise that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.
I began to understand that the formality of the outside caused the interior to have a forward-facing attitude and that you would then shut the door and say, “OK, we can relax now.” But that formality is present on both sides, which surprised me.
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Harry gave more detail about Meghan’s account of her first encounter with Kate in his 2023 memoir, Spare, explaining how both William and she both appeared to like his future wife after they were introduced at dinner.
He wrote, “We had them over for dinner for dinner during one of Meg’s visits, and Meg cooked, and everything was good.” When Meg went upstairs to get Willy some of her homeopathic cure-alls, he was sneezing and coughing.
“Turmeric and oregano oil. Although Kate declared to the table that he would never use such unconventional remedies, he seemed charmed and moved.
The only thing Harry could identify was the obvious difference between the two women’s fashion choices, he said. “Meg: barefoot, ripped jeans. Kate: flawlessly executed. I thought there was no such thing.
Meghan also criticizes their engagement interview in another Netflix episode, calling it an “orchestrated reality show.” She claimed that she was instructed to “show the ring” and that “we weren’t permitted to tell our story.”
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Meghan’s comments in Saga magazine were addressed by Mishal Husain, the interview’s host, who said, “I didn’t know what to make of it when the Duchess of Sussex said my engagement interview with her and Harry was an “organised reality show.”
They appeared to have considered what their new lives would entail and what getting married would mean in particular for her life. Nothing suggested what would transpire. Two people shared a sense of joy in one another and in life.
Builder Craig Phillips left the first series of Big Brother victorious after 25 years. He details what his new life in Mallorca was really like and how it went.
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Cheeky chappy Craig Phillips has come a long way since winning the first ever series(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He might have stepped into the Big Brother house as a 28-year-old builder from Liverpool, but in September 2000, Craig Phillips made television history as the now iconic reality show’s very first winner. Capturing the nation’s hearts with his cheeky charm and generosity – donating his £70,000 prize money to a friend in need – overnight, he swapped hard hats for headlines, with a whirlwind TV career.
Today, Craig has settled into a quieter, sun-kissed family life in Majorca, where he and his wife of almost 10 years, Laura, raise their two young children. Lennon, four, and Nelly, six. Here, he reflects in an exclusive chat with OK! on how far he’s come…
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Craig ! How has life been since your dramatic victory?
My life forever changed on September 15, 2020. I had no idea what to expect. I gained confidence because I was chosen out of about 45, 000 applicants, which included about nine months of applications, screen tests, psychiatric screening, medical tests, and police checks. I received a call from Craig stating, “You’re in – you’re one of the ten.” I believed I had already won.
What was it like to be a surveillance agent?
It wasn’t simple. We were living it 24/7 despite the cleverly edited version being shown to viewers. I frequently thought, “How can anyone make an entertaining program out of this?” while sat there bored. A production would give us topics or games to stoke the mood after we had finished our conversations. I only now realize how clever the reality television mechanics were.
Since your day, how has Big Brother changed?
Ironically, I wasn’t watching my own television show at the time. Instead of replaying what viewers saw, I used interviews and famous clips. I watched it for six or seven seasons starting with series two, but it eventually grew tiresome. It was too soon for Channel 5 to return it. Without standout characters, you can’t make great TV, despite the fact that good hosts are one thing.
What particular moment still occupies a significant place in your mind?
The confrontation with “Nasty Nick” when he was kicked out for cheating – that was a low moment. We all felt betrayed, we had a soft spot for him. Production even brought in a psychoanalyst to check on our wellbeing. To lift us, Big Brother gave us a takeaway and some cheap wine. Suddenly our mood flipped – a bit of food and drink and we were back on a high.
Since leaving the house, what have you done?
Luckily, I had a trade before Big Brother – I loved my building work. I never set out to be famous but we explored opportunities in makeover TV. My first big show was with ITV ’s Renovation Street, then BBC show House Call. After that, I signed a four-year exclusive with the BBC, doing about 150 shows a year. Over time, I did over 2,000 makeover shows across the UK and even abroad with the military in places like Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falklands and Canada.
Do you believe that reality television has significantly changed?
massively . There were no social media at the time. Every single thing will remain forever, and there are millions of people voting in. It has two sides, one for each. People can lift you up, but they can also brutally defy you.
Who has been your favorite to watch?
My favorites were the first two seasons. When David Bowie’s ex-wife arrived at the house and the news of his death broke, there was a moment not because it was “good.” It was egregious, chaotic, and difficult to watch the miscommunication that took place with Tiffany Pollard. His family experienced a tragic time in it, but it was unforgettable on television.
Who would make your ideal housemate?
Ricky Hatton . I learned his passing with such sadness. Close friends were Ricky and Ricky. On our wedding day, he even sent Laura and I a video message. His enthusiasm was fantastic. Robbie Williams would follow him. He’s always been nice and I’ve met him several times. We’ve had a few bizarre conversations about fame, including how he spent the rest of his life achieving fame, and one that came unexpectedly from Big Brother.
How did Laura and you first meet?
Approximately ten years ago, Ideal World’s green room. Laura was wearing a sporty outfit while I was demonstrating one of my power tools. I believe my first question to her was, “Would you like some chicken?” She returned to mine one day, stayed, and never left! I promised to marry you one day within a week. And I was right.
Do your kids comprehend that your father was a TV host?
Nelly is beginning to understand it while Lennon is too young to understand. She notices when people stop me because there are many British people in Mallorca. She initially expressed confusion, such as, “Do you know that lady, Dad? ” Why does she be familiar with your name?
One of the OGs, her father…
An online article about the 25th anniversary was published in England a few weeks ago. About 15 minutes of footage were included when I first entered the house. That was something I had never seen before. Nelly was shown this house by me, who said, “This is Big Brother.” The strangers greet you in this way. As the penny dropped, I captured her little face on camera. unpricey.
What will you all do after this?
The children both attend an international school in Mallorca, and we’ve been settling into life there. Our main focus is always going to be making videos. However, we’ve been discussing starting a podcast about living abroad. The next step seems to be right now.
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What would you think if Lennon and Nelly decided to do Big Brother in the future?
I couldn’t stop them., I was part of that world myself. What I’d hope to do is teach them the dangers, make sure they can hold their own and have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out.
As Liam Payne’s first death anniversary approaches, Cheryl Tweedy has reportedly experienced a “living nightmare” as a result of a stalker’s fear of her “feebling out of her front gate.”
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A source claims Girls Aloud star Cheryl has been in a ‘really bad place’(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Cheryl Tweedy is hopefully sleeping a little easier, after her stalker was jailed for continuing to harass the singer at the home she shares with her and Liam Payne’s young son, Bear. Convicted killer Daniel Bannister was handed a 12-month prison sentence last week, marking the end of what a source tells OK! has been a nightmarish time for the Girls Aloud star.
“Cheryl has been in a really bad place, it’s been a living nightmare – she was scared to even go out of her front gate,” a source claims exclusively to OK!. “It’s been really tough on her and Bear, and after the heartbreak of losing Liam, it was the last thing she needed.” They add: “Everyone’s hoping she can concentrate on what’s important to her now, and be able to mark the anniversary of Liam’s death properly, without this horrendous thing weighing on her.”
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It was revealed at the hearing at Reading Crown Court last week that Cheryl, 42, hired personal security to protect herself and her eight-year-old Bear because she was so terrified of her stalker’s intentions.
The Newcastle-born star had no doubt about the enormous impact that the entire ordeal had had on her in her powerful victim impact statement read out in court. She emotionally said, “Every time he returns, the concern about his intentions grows.” Every time I open my gate, I’m worried, nervous, and anxious. No one should experience this sensation.
Devastatingly, she also said that Bannister had “made my young child scared”, referring, of course, to the son she shares with late One Direction singer Liam, who died on October 16 last year. Fifty-year-old Bannister, who the court heard was a musician, admitted a single charge of breaching his restraining order at an earlier hearing back in June and was remanded into custody until last week’s Crown Court appearance.
His latest prison stint is his second this year, after he was previously jailed for 16 weeks for repeatedly showing up to the charttopper’s home, while banned from doing so under a restraining order. In March this year, Wycombe Magistrates’ Court was told Bannister “can’t stay away” from the pop singer, and had already shown up to her home on two separate occasions the year before, which led to him being slapped with a restraining order.
Bannister claimed he had “come to get Cheryl” when he rang the intercom buzzer on Cheryl’s front door in January 2024. Six months later, when the star was at home with Bear and the star demanded a “glass of wine” because he was “really thirsty,” he showed up again. She called her brother, according to Prosecutor Datta Ryan. The defendant continued to stand outside of her home.
Bannister continued his harassment campaign after his release, showing up for a third time last December, showing up at Cheryl’s house for a third time following the events of January and July of 2024.
In a heartbreaking statement about the most recent incident, Cheryl claimed that her only concern was to “protect my child from any harm.” I already have incidents where Daniel has visited my property, which Cheryl said in a statement to the police. When I saw Daniel, I became immediately alarmed. I was concerned for the safety of my family and my child. I wanted my son to see Daniel, but he was returning from the theater. I was concerned that he was looking for a home.
Of course, Cheryl has been dealing with her stalker while also processing the tragic death of her ex Liam, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16 last year. A post mortem later revealed the 31 year old had died of “internal and external haemorrhage” and multiple traumatic injuries, and the Argentinian prosecutor’s office said tests found traces of cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant in his system.
Although it became clear that Liam, who was born in Wolverhampton and was living with his parents until 2018, his ex would be jointly tasked with managing his £28 million fortune, which he had left behind.
Our source claims that Cheryl will be focused on taking care of her son as the anniversary of Liam’s death draws near and Bannister is currently in jail.
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“She’s of course relieved that he’s been jailed, and she just wants to focus on Bear now, but she also knows he started up again after the last time he was jailed too so it’s hard to totally move on. But she’s a fiercely strong woman and Bear is her world, so he’s her only focus right now.”
Charlotte Dawson opens up about moving forward with her fiancé Matt Sarsfield and the chaos of family life and shows us the incredible nursery she’s created for her “best friend” and daughter Gigi.
When we ask former reality TV host Charlotte Dawson to sum up her life as a mother-of-three, she laughs out loud and says, “Outnumbered.” The influencer and TV personality, who turns 33 this week, is currently enjoying life with another “new best friend”, her six-month-old daughter, Gigi Dawson Sarsfield.
And while she enjoys bringing an avalanche of pink into the Blackpool home she shares with her fiance Matt Sarsfield, their two other children, Noah, 4, and Jude, 2, she readily admits that it’s also “absolute carnage.” She says, “Having two was lovely, but having three is a bit like hell,” and she laughs back. “I’ve realised that when you have three kids, it’s like you’ve got 10 because you’re outnumbered, whatever way you look at it.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing, but seeing how the boys interact with Gigi makes it impossible for me to ask for more. I’ve always, always, always desired and sought a girl. I think it’s because me and my mum are so close and I wanted that relationship with a daughter of my own. My best friend was missing. Everyone keeps complaining about how quickly time passes when a child is a baby, but I’m really trying to enjoy the moment because, oh my God, it’s difficult.
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In recent years, Charlotte has become one of the nation’s favorite “mumfluencers” thanks to her sincerity and strong sense of humor. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised that we’re all different and fabulous just the way we are and you have to embrace it! Shake your belly if you have jelly on it. Let your bunions (Barry and Bill) be your tits! I just like to have a laugh about it, and accept who I am and I think everyone should do the same, “she says.
Her 1.5 million Instagram followers, in particular, expect nothing less than the truth, and ever since Noah’s arrival in January 2021, she’s kept them entertained with a plethora of funny videos about everything from body confidence and breast feeding to food fails and partying (or lack of). But of course she’s only human, and she’s the first to admit that she can’t always stay in that happy and hilarious mindset.
When the! team arrives for the first exclusive look at Gigi’s pink princess nursery, which thrilled Charlotte is, but she admits there have been difficult times. She is obviously absolutely loving life with Gigi and the boys.
She tells us, “I’ve had a little baby blues, and I’ve really struggled with these last few months.” But I’ve just had to get on with things because I’ve been so busy, with three children you just have to crack on. I’ve had so many bad days, and I’ve had to cry all over.
Charlotte, the late comedian’s daughter, believes that this time around, the lack of sleep has made a difference to her. That, and also having little time or energy to devote to her relationship with former professional rugby league player, Matt.
We’re just full-on with the kids, so it’s really difficult for both of us. She shares, “she shares,” but finding time for herself, Matt, and the kids is a lot. I know it will get easier and we’ll get that back. I wouldn’t change a thing, and the kids are just the most loving bunch and always there with kisses and cuddles, but it’s still a lot! “
She and Matt, 34, haven’t properly shared a bedroom since Noah was born, which Charlotte says wasn’t ever their plan. However, they are determined to restore the parents-couple balance now that Jude is in nursery and Noah is in school.
We recently had a situation where we just burst out crying together because we were exhausted and under a lot of pressure. But we both said, ‘ We’ve got this’. And I firmly believe that we do.
A kind of doula and breast-feeding expert who assisted Gigi in getting Jude into a routine is the first step in their plans. Gigi is breastfed (” she’s constantly on the udders, she’s milking me dry, “Charlotte laughs), so her parents are aware it might be a slow process.
” Let’s just pray, “Charlotte grins”. I’m not sure if she’s sleeping because she’s right next to me or something else. But the aiding lady is amazing. We’ve never left our babies to cry, so that’s not going to happen, but I think if we don’t try to give it a go and start now, I won’t do it. “
Charlotte has “gone all out” with the pink “in the nursery as well.” She claims that everything must be pink and everything must be, not to mention that even Noah and Jude’s beloved jumparoo, which was previously blue and grey, was given to charity. The result is a girlie paradise. Ballerinas are displayed on the walls, an LED light-up sign, and even a giant pink bow. The ideal setting for a feed is Charlotte’s pink bounce chair and matching footstool.
At less than a year old, little Gigi even has her own walk-in wardrobe complete with miniature handbags, dressing table and shoes (even though she’s not walking yet, Charlotte laughs), all her clothes carefully colour-coded on their hangers.
As well as the” secret door “into the glittery pink en suite, another of Charlotte’s favourite touches is the addition of a poem she wrote for Gigi in tribute to her own dad Les, who died in 1993 when she was just eight months old”. She informs us that it mentions that her grandpad is in heaven and that she was chosen by me to be her best friend.
A framed photo of Charlotte and Gigi next to the legendary comedian Les’ statue of lifesize bronze sits close to the poem. The statue stands in the family’s former hometown of Lytham St Annes, in Lancashire, and has understandably become a sort of symbolic way for Charlotte to link her past to her future and her children.
“It’s a really special photo,” she says. “Having the statue nearby is so special – it’s a chance to give him a cuddle, even now. This year is Gigi’s first Christmas, and she’ll get to see him for Christmas cuddles too, which is so exciting. The poem My Grandad Les in Heaven is in all their nurseries, and it’s such a special way for them to know and remember him and always have him with them.”
Gigi was born on 8 March, International Women’s Day, and Charlotte is taking it as a sign that she’ll be” fearless and brave”. Her arrival also signaled the end of Charlotte and Matt’s trying situation.
Last summer, it emerged Matt had exchanged inappropriate messages with another woman a few months earlier. When she announced her pregnancy during an exclusive photoshoot with OK ! a short time later, Charlotte said “the hurt, the disappointment and being pregnant on top of it all” had been “absolutely horrible”. After asking Matt to leave their family home while he worked on himself, the pair reunited and, according to Charlotte, are now stronger than ever.
” I’ve really learnt how strong I am, “she tells us”. Despite our struggles in recent months and years, I can confidently say that Matt and I are now stronger than ever. We have a lot of experience working together toward the same goal, and we both have that trait.
She continues, “I went through a lot last year, and I think Gigi came in the right place to help me through it.” I’m strong in any case, and I was very hormonal, but something about knowing I was dating a girl made me even stronger.
“And you know what? I feel really proud of the work we’ve done and where we’re at now with our family. It’s not easy. Mum life is hard, the hardest job in the world. But it’s also the most rewarding. I can honestly say I’m just proud of my family and everything we’ve achieved. Hopefully 2026 will be even bigger and better!”
The couple are currently trying to figure out when they might say their I Dos in the future, but there aren’t many opportunities to talk about it.
It’s undoubtedly the next exciting item on the list, according to Charlotte, who hasn’t yet set any dates or begun any planning. “I’ve been thinking about the venue – I’d love to get married abroad because I don’t like the night to end. I just enjoy the idea of it continuing because I detest saying goodbye when we get married abroad. We typically feel like a big holiday that lasts for days.
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has instructed senior officials to strengthen his country’s “nuclear shield and sword,” claiming only a “nuclear counteraction” could safeguard its security.
Kim stated in a meeting with nuclear scientists and technicians on Friday that the production of nuclear materials and weapons was an “essential top priority” along with Hong Sung-mu, a senior official believed to be the leader of North Korea’s nuclear program.
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The DPRK’s “invariable stand,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying, “The powerful deterrent, namely, the logic of peacekeeping and security by force with nuclear forces as its backbone.” The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Kim also mentioned “main tasks” that the nation’s nuclear weapons research institute had to complete in relation to “a new significant nuclear strategy,” according to South Korea’s official Yonhap news agency.
The leader of North Korea did not provide any information about that new strategy.
“Comrade Kim Jong Un said we must constantly modernize and uphold the nuclear shield and sword to effectively safeguard national security, interests, and the right to development,” KCNA continued.
Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, is seen with scientists and engineers at a consultation meeting on nuclear materials and nuclear weapons production, according to a photo taken on September 26, 2025, which was made public by the country’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on that day.
Just days after South Korea declared Pyongyang was suspected to have up to 2, 000 kg (2 tonnes) of highly-enriched uranium, Kim met with his nuclear scientists and military leaders.
Chung Dong-young, the unification minister of South Korea, stated on Thursday that the enriched uranium content of 10 to 12 kg (22 to 26 lbs) needed to build a nuclear weapon.
According to Yonhap, “uranium centrifuges are running at this very hour at four locations (in North Korea) and are probably accumulating nuclear materials,” according to Chung.
The minister added that while it is now impossible to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program through sanctions, talks could resume between Pyongyang and Washington, which would “breakthrough” denuclearization efforts.
The minister said, “It will be desirable for]talks to take place as soon as possible.”
Kim claimed recently that if Washington stopped demanding that his nation refrain from releasing nuclear weapons, there would be no excuse for skipping talks with the US.
Despite having met Trump three times during his first administration, Kim told KCNA, “Personally, I still have fond memories of US President Trump.”
There is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States, Kim was quoted as saying. “If the United States abandons its absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, then we can stop.”
After a nation is forced to give up its nuclear weapons and disarms, Kim claimed, the world is already aware of what the US does.
