Category Entertainment News

Defiant Prince Harry says ‘my conscience is clear’ as he doubles down on the accusations he’s made against the royal family, but at what cost? A celebrity manager and PR expert decodes the Duke’s latest interview

Prince Harry has “widened the divide” between himself and the royal family with his latest “high risk” move, according to an expert.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 41 today, has continuously taken aim at the monarchy since his self-exile to the US, delivering shocking bombshells during TV interviews alongside his wife Meghan Markle, as well as on Netflix shows and his own memoir Spare.

Now, in a new rare sit-down interview, Harry has insisted that he hasn’t “aired his dirty laundry” by sharing his experience of royal life and instead wanted to set the record straight, even if it means his relationship with his family was fractured.

“I know that [speaking out] annoys some people and it goes against the narrative,” Harry said, while visiting war-torn Ukraine after spending four days in the UK.

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“The book? It was a series of corrections to stories already out there. One point of view had been put out and it needed to be corrected.”

He told The Guardian: “I don’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public. It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear.”

The bold revelations come just days after Harry reunited with his father King Charles for the first time 19 months. During his fleeting trip to the UK, the Duke met his dad at Clarence house for tea in a meeting that lasted 55 minutes.

And now PR expert and celebrity manager Mayah Riaz has claimed that Harry’s latest interview is “a clever positioning move”.

“He’s trying to claim the moral high ground and signal that, whatever criticism comes his way, he believes he’s done nothing wrong or out of alignment with his values,” she told The Mirror.

“It’s a way of controlling the narrative: if you put yourself forward as acting with integrity, it forces critics to respond on your terms.

“The problem is, the moment you say your conscience is clear, people will start combing through everything you’ve ever said and done to find cracks. From a PR angle, it’s powerful – but only if your story holds up consistently over time.”

The Duke also seemed to make a subtle dig at his estranged brother William in his latest interview, as he said that while he wants to reconnect with his family, “you cannot have reconciliation before you have truth”.

The comment echoes allegations that Harry has made in the past about William. In his explosive Netflix show with his wife Meghan in 2022, the Duke said: “They were happy to lie to protect my brother” while Meghan was “fed to the wolves”. In the show, Harry also accused William’s team of lying and planting stories.

His remarks about William fit into a pattern we’ve seen before, Mayah observed. “Taking a swipe at his brother guarantees headlines and reinforces his story of being the wronged party,” she explained.

“In his world, silence could be seen as weakness, while speaking out feels like strength and authenticity. The risk is that if he keeps revealing more and more, people may eventually tire of it and see it less as courage, more as oversharing.

“When it comes to reconciliation, every public comment like this makes things harder. Repairing relationships usually needs a sequence which is truth, acknowledgement, apology (if needed), then steps toward healing.”

She added: “By criticising William so openly, Harry raises the stakes. The royals either have to respond, which we know that they tend to avoid, or stay silent, which just makes the divide look wider. From a strategy point of view, though, it does allow him to look transparent and principled – which resonates with people who already distrust institutions and prize honesty.”

The PR guru expects that Harry’s bombshell interview is just the latest hurdle in his ongoing rift with his family, and there might be a wider message at play.

“‘Reunion’ itself is a loaded word,” she said. “Harry’s interview pushes his version of the truth forward, but it also sets up more hurdles if he ever wants to rebuild things with his family, at least in public.

“On top of that, speaking out like this increases pressure on the family to say something. If they keep quiet, the rift looks bigger; if they push back, it deepens further. In a way, this might be deliberate on his part – a way to force some kind of movement.”

“What’s clear is that he isn’t just talking to his family or the palace. He’s speaking to the public. He needs people to see him as honest, principled, and credible, because that strengthens his hand and shapes how his story is received.

“So, overall it’s a high-risk, high-reward approach. It keeps him relevant, makes sure he controls the narrative, and positions him as the truth-teller. But it carries real risks: overexposure, credibility gaps if his story doesn’t add up perfectly, and the very real possibility that reconciliation with his family becomes harder the more he talks.”

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Adolescence star Stephen Graham was seen calling a loved one after his success at the Emmy Awards last night, where the Netflix show that he co-created won six trophies

Adolescence star Stephen Graham was seen calling his stepfather Mike Fazakerley shortly after winning an Emmy Award. The actor was among the winners at this year’s ceremony, which was held in Los Angeles last night.

Stephen, 52, won Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for his role in the four-part Netflix series, released earlier this year on the streaming platform. It was one of six awards given to the acclaimed show, which was also co-created and co-written by him.

It’s since been reported that Stephen called his stepfather Mike, whom he refers to as ‘Pops’ and ‘dad,’ after thanking his family in his acceptance speech. He was seen on a video call outside the event in footage shared on X today.

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The video shows Stephen, his wife Hannah Walters and their children Grace and Alfie in an outdoor area. The couple are seen using a phone for a call as his co-star Christine Tremarco celebrated the show’s success in the background.

Stephen is seen laughing and smiling whilst on the video call. Seemingly responding to his relative on the call, he says: “We did it alright, dad!” The actor then beams as he looks towards his wife before starting to walk down the street.

The footage was shared by the Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner on X earlier. Chris, who was at the Emmys, wrote in the caption: “‘Pops!’ Stephen Graham FaceTimes his stepdad after cleaning up at the #Emmys for Adolescence.”

Mike is said to have entered Stephen’s life when the future actor was a child after his parents split up. It’s been reported that Mike married Stephen’s late mother Mary, who died three years ago, in 1989.

Stephen has spoken about his parents on occasion and Mike once shared his pride about his stepson. Mike told the Daily Mail earlier this year: “I watch all his work and I’ve watched Adolescence.” He added: “Stephen is brilliant, he is a true talent. Unquestionably one of this country’s finest.”

In his acceptance speech, Stephen thanked his family. He said: “There’s too many people to thank but I am gonna thank my friends and family. Without you none of this is possible.” He later added: “My dad for taking me to the video shop when I was a kid and starting my education in film.”

Adolescence, co-created by Stephen, won six awards at the Emmys last night. It included Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series. Stephen won in the Lead Actor category, whilst Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty won in the Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress categories respectively.

Additionally, Philip Barantini, who directed the show, was given the award for Outstanding Directing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. Whilst Stephen and co-writer Jack Thorne took home Outstanding Writing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie.

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BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay is among the celebrities paying tribute to Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his Manchester home last weekend

Vernon Kay has spoken out about his fond memories of the late boxer Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 on Sunday. The BBC Radio 2 host is one of many who have paid tribute to the former world champion, following his family’s heartbreaking announcement of his death.

During a chat with Jeremy Vine on his mid-morning programme on Monday, the 51-year-old revealed details about the encounters he’d enjoyed with Ricky through the years.

After his colleague mentioned that he’d be discussing the boxer’s death on his show, Vernon responded: “Yeah, I haven’t mentioned that, the passing of Ricky Hatton this morning, because it’s a tough one for many people.”

He continued: “And from my personal experience of meeting him, in personal and entertaining environments, at parties and social gatherings and stuff, Ricky was always, always, the one who had a conversation with you, but he knew you, he knew what you were up to.

“He would always ask family questions as well, and he was such an entertaining fella.”

Vernon continued: “When I saw the news, it hit me because he was such a lovely bloke and all the tributes that I’ve read all just say exactly the same thing.”

After Ricky was discovered dead at his Manchester home on Sunday, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

His relatives later said of the sportsman in a statement: “He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

Last year, the boxer showed fans a different side to him when he took part in ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

During the programme, the sportsman was teamed up with professional ice skater Robin Johnstone, and although they were knocked out of the contest in week one, they remained close.

Discussing Ricky’s death with The Mirror, Robin said she was “utterly devastated”.

“He was a good friend. No part of me expected this,” she added.

“He was chatting to me not long ago about preparing for his big fight. He was excited, in good form, in training mode and looking forward to the future.”

She went on to say: “We remained very close after partnering on Dancing on Ice last year. We’d speak every couple of weeks. We WhatsApped a week or two ago and he’d check in with my husband Andy (Buchanan) and I all the time.

“Ricky was such a sweet man. So caring and funny. He just loved a joke – including the odd dad joke. Out of all my partners on the show, he’s the one I kept in touch with the most.”

While appearing on the programme, he also became close to his fellow contestant Claire Sweeney, who he went on to date for several months.

Hair and makeup artist Lou Teasdale is back with footballer Andy Carroll following their two splits this summer as her friends reportedly fear her taking a huge step

Lou Teasdale put on a united font with footballer Andy Carroll last week, as they proved they are once again reunited amid their very rocky romance. The hairstylist, 41, began her relationship with Andy, 36, last year following his split from reality TV star Billi Mucklow, with whom he shares three children.

However, the pair have broken up twice and during their first split, it was claimed Andy had split with Lou after growing tired of her ‘high maintenance behaviour’. They managed to patch things up a week later following a series of public rows.

Lou and Andy headed to Ibiza for a ‘make or break trip’ where they decided to part ways again. Yet, their separation didn’t last long as the pair are firmly back together.

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All the drama has reportedly left Lou’s friends and family stuck in a tricky situation as many can’t understand why she keeps going back. One source has claimed Lou sees Andy as “Mr Wonderful,” while others have decided to leave them to it.

“There seems to be a cycle: He upsets her for something, then he apologies and does these grand gestures and she goes back. Sadly that is probably how it will continue to go now,” a source told the Daily Mail.

Another explained Lou “just won’t leave him,” while a third source predicted a big move could be on the table. “Lou would make a lovely bride,” they said.

“And she’s so loved up with Andy that you wouldn’t put it past her marrying him sometime soon.” In a previous interview with The Sun on Sunday, the former Premier League star said: “I love Lou and I love her family. We row like any couple.”

He also addressed the status of his divorce from Billi: “Things have been difficult for me and I’m going through a divorce. Some of our rows have been about alcohol, as Lou has been teetotal for 14 years and I have a beer or wine at dinner and a drink after the game, but it’s not a problem in my life.”

Following their split, Andy reportedly grew tired of Lou’s “influencer lifestyle”. But, it was later claimed that Lou dumped him, with it suggested that ending the romance was the “only way to move forward”.

Previously, a source told the Sun: “Andy got sick of Lou’s demands and her influencer lifestyle. She’s always posting on social media and he hates that.” Then describing him as “single,” they added: “He told her it was over this week.”

However, sources later told the Daily Mail that it was Lou who dumped Andy. It’s claimed that he was so “desperate” to reconcile that he chartered a plane to in Ibiza, where she was on holiday with family.

Andy had removed photos of Lou on his Instagram, but she did not decided to do the same amid their shot splits.

The Mirror has contacted Lou’s representatives for comment.

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Shoppers looking to claim a Samsung smartphone without splashing a fortune won’t want to snooze on this money-saving offer that sees the phone plummet to under £100

The Samsung A-Series was first launched in 2022, and the Galaxy A-13 is a top pick as an affordable smartphone. But shoppers keen on getting an Android without splashing too much cash can currently pick one up for less than £100 thanks to Wowcher’s current offer.

The Samsung Galaxy A13 6.6-inch Android Smartphone would normally cost £159.95 on Amazon or £239 at Wowcher, but it’s currently up for grabs for the reduced price of £99 while this sale lasts.

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Perfect for revolutionising your digital experience, this state-of-the-art smartphone is set to blend potent performance with innovative design and exceptional camera capabilities.

The phone’s expansive 6.6-inch Full HD+ Infinity-V screen lets you immerse yourself in top-quality visuals, whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or gaming on the go; every pixel bursts with clarity and colour accuracy.

Armed with a versatile quad-camera system, this phone boasts a 50MP main sensor for stunning detail, a 5MP ultra-wide for panoramic landscapes, a 2MP macro for close-ups, and a 2MP depth sensor for beautiful portraits. The 8MP front camera ensures every selfie is worth sharing.

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Enjoy Android OS efficiency, robust multitasking, and smooth app performance. The modern design, reliable build, and easy-to-grip black finish make it a perfect fit for any lifestyle.

It’s worth noting that this deal does apply to a refurbished model, meaning it has been pre-owned. Wowcher promises this model is in ‘ Good’ condition, presenting a few signs of wear and tear that show it’s clearly seen use, but overall it’s in good shape. There might be minor surface marks, but functionality is completely intact.

Prince Harry has given a defiant interview saying his conscience is clear when it comes to criticising his relatives in his bombshell book, Spare – and one expert believes only one thing is guaranteed off the back of this move

Prince Harry’s explosive interview defending his controversial memoir has guaranteed a devastating reality for Prince William, according to a royal expert.

After a four-day visit to the UK last week, where the Duke of Sussex carried out a series of engagements connected to causes close to his heart, he then embarked on a surprise trip to war-torn Ukraine.

In his second visit to the country, he visited the capital Kyiv, just days after he was reunited with his father the King, in their first face-to-face meeting for more than a year. During the trip to the Ukrainian capital, Harry, who turns 41 today, gave an interview, where he said his “conscience is clear” after speaking out against members of the royal family after railing against them in his book, Spare.

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He also told the Guardian his autobiography, published in 2023, was a “series of corrections to stories already out there” and explained he would like to spend more time in the UK and that the past week had “definitely brought that closer”.

He even alluded to his meeting with his dad, which lasted 55 minutes last Wednesday, simply saying: “The focus really has to be on my dad.”

And while Harry may have won over some of his critics last week, royal author and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop sees this ‘new dawn’ for the Duke as ‘complicated’.

She told the Mirror : “In just one week, the birthday boy proved he still has the capacity to up-end the new agenda. Prince Harry ’s four-day stopover in the UK was enough to get tongues wagging, add to it a 55-minute meet-and-greet with his dear Papa, and in many quarters, all was forgiven.

“The prodigal Prince enjoying his ‘banging’ jerk chicken reminded Britain of what we’d been missing – Harry’s winning combination of charisma and empathy.

“Then came the pièce de résistance – a surprise trip to Ukraine – Harry melding his military metal with his promise of a life of service. Few could criticise this mission in a country riven with conflict, tied as it was to Harry’s most successful brand – The Invictus Games. Harry’s military track record and global fame are a massive boost for the beleaguered country. So far so good.

“And we can expect to see much more of Harry – he was clear: ‘I have always loved the UK and I always will love the UK.’ And he wants to see more of King Charles – ‘the focus really has to be on my Dad.’ But this new dawn for the Duke is not without complications.”

And Tessa believes the implications of doubling down on his decision to release the memoir have drawn clear battlelines again between Harry and his estranged brother, William.

She added: “Harry said he regrets nothing: ‘my conscience is clear’. Meghan has taught him that telling the truth ‘is the most efficient way to live’ and he won’t take back anything he wrote in Spare.

“He sees his biography as a ‘series of corrections’ to narratives already out there. Ouch. That is a bitter pill to swallow for anyone in the crosshairs of the book. Harry clearly feels he is now on safer ground with Charles, and any criticism of the King in Spare was relatively mild.

“But siblings are a very different matter. Cue Prince William, portrayed as an angry sibling with ‘alarming baldness’, married to an unsympathetic wife ‘done up to the nines’.

“Harry’s lack of contrition here guarantees the permafrost between the brothers will continue. For royal fans keen to support both men, the continuation of their Cold War poses an invidious choice. You either stand by Harry and his ‘truth’. Or you bat for the future King William, whose road to sibling forgiveness has just got that little bit harder.”