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The Duchess of Sussex has been busy reshaping her career as a lifestyle influencer with her brand As Ever and Netflix shows, but one expert has warned she could be making a huge mistake in 2026

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Meghan Markle has been issued a stark warning about her brand’s prospects this year, as speculation grows around her upcoming business plans.

The Duchess of Sussex spent 2025 shaping her career as a lifestyle influencer, launching her brand As Ever, debuting her Netflix programme With Love, Meghan, and introducing her podcast series Confessions of a Female Founder.

Recent reports suggest Meghan intends to concentrate on her lifestyle brand in the coming months, with claims she’s been developing a cookbook – expected to arrive this spring. However, a PR pro has delivered a 12-word caution to the Duchess, emphasising she must prioritise one crucial element to cement her position in the industry.

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Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding firm The Atticism, told the Express: “A lifestyle brand without a lifestyle point of view doesn’t go far.” Ms Smith warned that should Meghan maintain her present approach, her brand is unlikely to achieve substantial growth moving forward.

She explained: “From a PR perspective, if she continues on the current trajectory (sporadic product drops, mixed messaging, and a lack of clarity between personal, commercial, and cause-driven work) then 2026 could feel like more of the same: weird visibility, pockets of fan engagement, and very little long-term brand equity being built.”

“If As Ever is going to be a core focus, she really needs to professionalise it. That means structure. Seasonal drops are fine, but not when they’re surrounded by long silences or conflicting statements. She needs a clear calendar, consistent storytelling, and a stronger sense of what the brand stands for beyond aesthetic nostalgia. A lifestyle brand without a lifestyle point of view doesn’t go far, at least not in any meaningful way.”

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On the subject of the Duchess’s reported cookbook project, she continued: “Now, if she’s serious about doing a cookbook, I think that could work for her fanbase, if it’s positioned correctly. Not just another influencer-style product, but something rooted in story. Draw on her family history, culinary rituals, and cultural influences.

“If executed with warmth and authenticity, it could be a smart way to reposition herself as more grounded and connected to something real. But the execution would need to be watertight: tone, visuals, media rollout, the whole thing. If we were advising her, the first thing we’d say is: Stop thinking in moments. You don’t need to say yes to everything. Start building a narrative. Create brand rhythm and strategy. Pick a lane and commit to it.”

It comes as Meghan is reportedly planning to return to the UK for the first time in four years. The Duchess is set to visit one of the Invictus Games events in Birmingham on July 10, if the couple’s security is approved. It would be her first time back since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.

Rylan Clark was inundated with messages of support from his BBC Radio 2 listeners as he and his mother, Linda, updated them about the incident

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Rylan Clark’s mum is suffering from a “fractured shoulder” after taking a tumble outside of her Essex home. Linda Clark, who has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox alongside the host, said the fall happened after she mistook ice for water while putting her rubbish out.

Speaking live on air to Rylan on his BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday, she told listeners: “I just went flying and I hurt my arm again.”

After the presenter confirmed it was a fractured shoulder, Linda, 72, said her arm was “black” from all the bruises and “so sore”.

Addressing the moment he found out about the accident, Rylan continued: “Well that was a lovely phone call I got that morning, you on your way to the hospital.

“But it could’ve been worse, it could’ve been your arm and your leg like we’ve had before.”

The 37-year-old went on to urge his mum to “be careful” and rest adding: “I need you to not make it any worse.”

In response, Linda said she “can’t do nothing” though had managed to put some washing on, much to his dismay.

After playing a song at his mum’s request, Rylan returned to thank listeners for their supportive messages.

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He said: “So many of you getting in touch, thank you, yeah she is alright by the way.

“She’s fractured her shoulder, I just can’t help her, you know what she’s like, rushing around doing stuff.

“In all fairness though, it was an accident, she just slipped on some ice,” before reassuring fans that she is being well looked after as she recovers.

This isn’t the first time Linda has suffered with injuries in recent years.

Back in June, Rylan expressed dismay after his mum was charged for flip flops, following a fall down the escalators in a well-known store.

Speaking on air, he ranted: “They charged her £2.50 for the flip flops they gave her because her shoes were filled with blood from falling off their escalator!

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“Like just have a bit of decency, this is a 70-year-old woman who fell down your escalators, I think you can swallow £2.50 for a pair of flip flops.”

Rylan went on to say that the incident thankfully happened before her “nightmare fall” during a holiday in Spain in 2023.

On the trip, she found herself in hospital once again after sustaining breaks to both her leg and arm. Unable to walk at the time, she was flown back to the UK on a private jet, lying on a stretcher with medical apparatus.

During that period, Rylan took a break from his work commitments to assist her through her surgical procedure and recovery period.

Two months later, he shared a picture of his mum at his Essex home for the first time since the accident, as they celebrated his birthday.

As we head deeper into winter, we all need a pair of durable boots to get us through the cold and wet weather months – and these don’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to this current sale

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With Storm Goretti having wreaked havoc across most of the UK, the recent weather has proved why a pair of durable and waterproof shoes is essential during this time of year. Sure to keep your feet dry, warm and comfortable, these walking boots are a must-have for winter, and right now, they’re up for grabs for 48% less.

Normally costing £49.99, Amazon’s currently offering this pair of Riemot Snow Boots for half that, bringing the price tag down to a more affordable £25.99.

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These unisex boots come in sizes 3 to 13, ensuring a comfortable fit for nearly all foot sizes, and are available in three colourways. However, it’s worth noting that this discount only applies to the Brown option.

Promising to deliver exceptional warmth in all winter conditions, these boots boast high-density fleece lining and premium 3M Thinsulate insulation throughout the boot and insole, keeping feet comfortably warm during extended wear.

Built for harsh weather, these boots feature a 100% waterproof TR shell. Boasting a rugged, cold-resistant sole that withstands extreme wear, these shoes are sure to provide reliable protection against rain, snow, and slush through the winter months.

The deep-lugged, abrasion-resistant TR sole also features advanced anti-slip technology, providing enhanced grip on snow, ice, and wet surfaces to ensure safety regardless of the terrain. Meanwhile, the high-rise design delivers essential ankle support and stability on uneven ground.

Perfect for all occasions, from winter walks to summer festivals, these walking boots have amassed plenty of praise from Amazon shoppers, with an impressive 63% of reviewers giving them a perfect rating.

One 5-star reviewer raves: “Amazing!!! Simply the warmest, comfiest pair of boots I have ever owned…. Sturdy, waterproof, just perfect!!!”

Another buyer beams: “Really good quality, very comfortable for walking in the Lake District.”

A third shopper says: “I don’t often leave reviews unless it’s really good or really bad…these really are the best boots. The fit is perfect having seen other reviews I was expecting to have to return them but I ordered a 5 and received a 5!! Shocker! If you’re looking for warm comfortable durable boots then these are for you….if you’re hesitant like I was … don’t be. Order them now and thank me later .”

Though one customer does knock off one star, as they comment a gripe: “Size and fit good, however I would recommend getting some decent insoles as the thin one provided will slip around inside while being worn – saves you getting a blister.”

But the praise is overwhelming as another shopper shares their adoration, writing: “Great boots, very warm and comfy, perfectly waterproof and look great. A little big on the fit, but nothing too drastic, would be great for people with wider feet.”

As the royal family continue to navigate tough scrutiny – particularly over Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein – Prince William has reportedly hired a powerhouse in crisis comms

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The Prince of Wales has hired a crisis management expert as the royal family navigates Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s fall from grace and its fragile relationship with the Sussexes, it has been claimed.

It’s a bold move from the future King, who is reportedly putting his trust in the new staffer to help ride the wave of scrutiny the monarchy faces. The new hire is said to be Liza Ravenscroft, who was once described as ‘bulletproof sunshine’ by a previous boss.

She has reportedly been recruited from communications company Edelman, where she runs the UK Crisis & Issues team, working “arm in arm with big names facing their toughest times”. It’s no secret that Prince William and his extended family have faced their most difficult challenges yet in recent years, with Princess Kate and King Charles’ respective cancer diagnoses, the late Queen’s death and Prince Harry and Meghan’s ongoing attacks on the monarchy.

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But it’s Andrew’s various scandals that have caused the most upheaval – the latest being his close relationship with the late paedophile financer Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, who was accused by Epstein victim Virginia Guiffre of sexual assault, has vehemently denied claims against him.

It’s claimed that Ms Ravenscroft has been recommended by Julian Payne, a former communications secretary to Charles and Queen Camilla and the now-CEO of Edelman. A source told the Mail on Sunday that Payne has ‘stayed close’ to the monarch, adding: “It is unlikely to be a coincidence that one of his most senior and respected members of staff has taken a key role in William’s office after a period of turmoil – and when they are looking for closer alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace as minds turn to William’s eventual succession”.

A Kensington Palace source told the publication that communications experts for the royal family have ‘a range of experience’ and Ms Ravenscroft would be operating in a ‘non-crisis’ role. The Mirror has approached the Palace and Ms Ravenscroft for further comment.

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Describing her talents and day-to-day work, Ms Ravenscroft’s Linkedin page reads: “It’s often front page stuff: from boycott campaigns to sexual allegations to serious safety issues, geopolitical and ethical risks, I’m all about human-led response direct to the audiences which matter.” The crisis guru’s CV boasts roles at Marriott Hotels and British Airways. She describes herself as someone who “who believes in the power of strong relationships to defend and charm in equal measure”.

Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles and forced to give up the lease of his current 30-room mansion Royal Lodge, given the latest revelations about his association with billionaire paedophile Epstein. His ex wife Sarah Ferguson has also given up her Duchess title and will also be vacating the property. The move is said to be set for Easter.

It comes as Prince Harry’s wife Meghan is reportedly planning to return to the UK for the first time in four years. The Duchess of Sussex is set to visit one of the Invictus Games events in Birmingham on July 10, if the couple’s security is approved. It would be her first time back since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.

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A source told the Sun, security is “always going to be the deciding factor” when it comes to the 44-year-old American returning to the UK with her husband. Harry is set to hear the result of his taxpayer-funded security review this month. Ravec is a committee of police, royal, and government experts that is reviewing the Duke of Sussex’s bid for taxpayer-funded armed security. Previously, Harry has said he didn’t think it was safe for him to bring his family home. But, if the review goes well, it could pave the way for Meghan to return to the UK for the first time in four years.

It’s believed that William has not spoken to his estranged younger brother since the late Queen’s funeral, despite Harry’s reunion with his dad Charles in the UK last year. According the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English, the King felt “slightly railroaded” into his reunion with Harry and still remains wary of him. Back in September, estranged father and son had their first face to face meeting in 19 months when they had tea together for 55 minutes at Clarence House during Harry’s trip to the UK.

The race is hotting up to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly, and judge Shirley Ballas says she’ll ‘put in a good word’ for two popular presenters as a favour to her mum

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Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas says she will “put in a good word” for two presenters to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after a recommendation from her mum.

The BBC are looking for replacements for the iconic duo after the left Strictly at the end of the last series

There have been a number of names put forward to replace Tess and Claudia, but head judge Shirley revealed she will put in a good word for one popular presenting pair as a favour to her mother Audrey.

Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Weekend, she said: “My mother said: ‘Can you not make it happen that Rylan is the main presenter and Judge Rinder is up in the Clauditorium (the platform above the dance floor where Claudia interviews contestants and dancers?)’

“I said: ‘I’ll put a good word in for you, mum.’ So that’s who my mother would like.”

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Shirley appeared to rule herself out of the running to take on one of the most coveted jobs on British television as she said she’s a dancer “from the tip of my toes to the top of my head”.

She also said she would miss fellow judge Anton Du Beke if he took on the gig. He has made no secret of his desire to host the show.

Shirley added: “Whoever they (BBC producers) pick will be absolutely sensational.”

Tess has presented the show since its inaugural series in 2004 while Claudia joined as co-host of the Saturday results show in 2010. She took over full-time from the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2014.

It comes after former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse opened up on the possibility that she could return to the show in a presenting role.

The two-time Glitterball winner left the show in 2021 to pursue other opportunities but she has been linked with a return.

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Oti won the coveted Glitterball in consecutive years with soap actor Kelvin Fletcher and comedian Bill Bailey. She’s one of only two professionals to win it twice and the only to do so in consecutive years. Despite this she would not be drawn on if she would throw her hat into the ring despite revealing “I love Strictly”.

She told The Times: “I wouldn’t be sitting here without that show. Claudia and Tess are….I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant. Nobody really sees the work that Tess has to do – that show’s live, she’s making sure it’s not running over.

“I think anyone who gets asked to do that job is so lucky and will do it splendidly. The producers will do a good job (choosing) because they know that show better than any of us.”

EXCLUSIVE: Singer Corinne Bailey Rae has shared the impact of losing her first husband, Jason Rae, when she was just 29 – and how she found light after the darkest days

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Sadly, losing someone you love is something everyone must go through at some stage in life. But for singer Corinne Bailey Rae, the tragedy of losing her first husband, Jason Rae at just 31, when she was 29, felt like the end of everything she knew.

Yet as the warm, thoughtful star reveals exclusively to OK !, there is not only light after the deepest darkness – but the brightest of new beginnings. “At the time I lost Jason, it felt like the end of my life,” she admits, softly. “But of course, what I didn’t know then was, it was the beginning of a new part of my life.”

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Today, Corinne, 46, admits, she feels blessed. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel so grateful for what I have. Grateful that I’m alive. Some people feel weird about ageing, but I love getting older. Ageing should be celebrated – it means you’re getting more life,” she says.

Raised in Leeds in a working-class household, Corinne’s music, she explains, has been shaped not only by her upbringing alongside her father Chris, from Saint Kitts and Nevis, and her English mum Linda, but by life’s extremes.

Music became her lifeline during her grief, allowing her to pour raw emotion into her album The Sea , released two years after her husband’s untimely passing, as close friends and family carried her through the darkest days.

“Grief can trap you in a loop,” she reflects. “You replay things over and over, trying to make it not happen. I was very lucky – my friends, my sisters, my parents, they let me talk and talk and talk.”

But today, Corinne tells us, life is full in ways she would once never have imagined. She found love again, for one – marrying her longtime friend, producer and jazz musician Steve Brown in 2013. And she is now a devoted mum to two daughters, aged five and seven, and her eyes light up as she talks about them.

Motherhood has sharpened her sense of what truly matters. “Their childhood is a window that won’t be there forever.” she says. “So, I really only do the things that feel important for me and for our family.”

That balance isn’t easy. Between touring, recording, interviews and now writing children’s books, Corinne’s life is busy, but she’s determined to stay present – and insists it’s no different from the juggle faced by parents across the land.

“It’s the same juggle all working parents have,” she smiles. “You want to earn a living, satisfy your creative self, and make sure your children feel safe, loved and included.”

Her latest project, a children’s book about music and emotion, which shares the title of her best-known hit, Put Your Records On , is set to be published in March. It was born from quiet bedtime rituals with her little ones, while on tour buses or in hotel rooms around the world.

“We don’t have a TV at home,” she explains. “So, books have always been these familiar touchpoints. Whether we’re in China or the Midwest, it’s two stories before bed.”

Recording the audiobook to accompany it recently left her unexpectedly emotional. “I was thinking about all these kids I’d be reading to – getting right into their ears,” she explains. “That really moved me.”

Being a mum has also changed how Corinne works, as she admits that gone are the days of spending 12 hours ruminating in a studio. “Now I work efficiently,” she says, laughing. “I think about songs while walking my kids to school, or breastfeeding at night. You find the little windows.”

Despite juggling it all, Corinne remains deeply reflective about the world her daughters are growing up in, and says she wants to give them a future full of hope.

Her critically acclaimed 2023 album Black Rainbows tackles race, identity and history, and she hopes the future allows her children – and young artists – to bring their whole selves. “People aren’t just one thing,” she says, thoughtfully. “There’s more space now for individuality – class, culture, gender, neurodiversity. I think that’s really positive.”

At home, music is ever-present, woven into family life. Bob Marley, Harry Belafonte and Simon & Garfunkel are a staple, she reveals, often the soundtrack to kitchen dance-offs and long car journeys – where everyone takes a turn in choosing a song. “Music holds us as a family,” she smiles.

Corinne also admits she’s encouraged by younger artists sharing their stories openly, with singer and recent Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns a particular favourite. “When artists talk about things like neurodiversity or mental health, kids can look at them and think, ‘That’s me.’ It’s not always about ethnicity — it’s about connection,” she says.

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Off stage, Corinne says she finds joy in the simple things and loves craft markets, handmade ceramics and objects made with intention – something which reminds her of her own modest upbringing.

“We didn’t have much money growing up, but mum always made our home beautiful. She painted, tiled, made things by hand. She once made a wedding hat out of a cereal box! It taught me you can always make beauty out of nothing,” she recalls, fondly.

It seems that things are coming full circle for Corinne this year, with not only her new kids’ book and a major US tour, but a special performance of her debut album, released 20 years ago, at the Royal Albert Hall on 27 October, with special guest, Laura Mvula.

As she prepares for a busy year ahead, she pauses reflectively, when we ask what she makes of her two-decade career – and what burning ambitions she has next.

“You know, when people ask me what my dreams are, I feel like I’ve realised them, I do,” she says. “I’ve got my family, I’ve got my work – and I’m alive.”

Corrine’s illustrated children’s book, Put Your Records On, releases in early March 2026.