Royal expert raises fears for Archie and Lilibet as Prince Harry deals with ‘baggage’

A royal expert has claimed that the Duke of Sussex’s emotional past and the turbulent relationship with the royal family could spell issues for his two children as they grow up

A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry’s “emotional baggage” could impact Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as they grow up.

After years of public jabs and a very turbulent relationship, the Duke of Sussex met with his father King Charles for a 55 minute private tea during his recent trip to the UK.

While the meeting was reportedly a success and many are hoping their reunion could be the first steps towards a royal reconciliation, others have claimed that there is much more work that needs to be done between Prince Harry and the Firm to truly mend their rift.

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Harry and Meghan Markle quit their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, and while their drastic decision changed the face of the royal family, one royal expert also believes their physical distance from the UK will be impacting their children.

Royal commentator Hugo Vickers told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that by Archie and Lilibet not knowing the royal family, they will one day start to wonder how their family’s relationships fell apart.

He said: “I also worry about the children because there’s going to come a point when they’re going to say, why haven’t I met my grandfather on either side? And so [Harry is] storing up a lot of, you know, emotional problems for them, I think.”

Vickers continued: “If I was being brought up in California, and I suddenly discovered that my first cousin was likely to be king one day, I would like to get to know him, obviously.”

The royal expert also previously raised questions over the youngster’s life in America now, and how their relationship with their estranged family may evolve over time.

He said: “One day, as they grow up, they’re going to get irritated by having had the backs of their heads photographed and used for promotion, and never having met their grandfathers, either side. Not Mr. Markle, nor the King. So it’s not a very good situation, frankly.”

The commentator said that while Harry and Charles’ brief reunion is definitely a step in the right direction for the estranged father and son to reunite, there is an apology needed from Prince Harry to truly mend the bridge.

He also said that the Duke constantly being compared to his brother Prince William is “counterproductive” when hoping for a reconciliation within the royal family.

Vickers said: “Everything that Prince Harry does gets an undue amount of attention. And, even when he was over here, people were comparing the engagements that he was doing with what Prince of Wales and Catherine were doing.

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“And it’s very counterproductive. But having said that, you know, I’m all for him reconciling with his father because he carries a lot of emotional baggage around with him anyway, the death of his mother. He should be apologising to [the King] and let’s hope he did.”

Blackburn v Ipswich washout to be replayed in full

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Blackburn Rovers’ Championship fixture against Ipswich Town is to be replayed in full following its abandonment on Saturday.

The fixture was called off in the 79th minute due to heavy rainfall at Ewood Park making the pitch unplayable, with Blackburn leading 1-0 courtesy of Todd Cantwell’s second-half penalty.

Cantwell’s goal will now no longer stand given the game will be replayed, but Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves, who was sent off, will still have to serve a suspension.

“The decision follows recent precedents relating to abandoned fixtures and is intended to uphold the integrity of the league competition which should, wherever possible, be based on a complete set of fixtures played to a conclusion on the day,” the statement said.

“The board recognised that this was an incredibly difficult decision and agreed to consult clubs on the best approach to the development of new guidance to be considered in the event of a match abandonment.”

In addition, the EFL said that three Championship directors abstained from the vote.

What have the clubs said?

Blackburn had won twice in six games in all competitions heading into Saturday’s fixture. A victory would have given them a third win in four games, and moved them to 11th place in the Championship table rather than their current position of 18th.

Ipswich, who have had an inconsistent return to the second tier after relegation from the Premier League, have won once this season, with one defeat and three draws. They remain a place above Rovers on goal difference.

In response, Blackburn said that they were disappointed by the decision and will look to appeal the decision.

“Whilst Blackburn Rovers respects the processes undertaken by the EFL and acknowledges the complexities involved, the club is extremely disappointed by the outcome, which fails to take into account the significant advantages Rovers held at the time of abandonment,” a club statement said.

“Blackburn Rovers is committed to upholding the integrity of the competition, however we strongly feel that the decision to replay the entire fixture does not accurately reflect the circumstances on the day.

Earlier this week, Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael said that giving his side three points in the aftermath of the abandonment would be the “fairest thing to do”.

“We’ve got the right to want the three points because it’s the fair thing to do, especially when the opponent is down to 10 [men],” Ismael said in an interview on the club’s YouTube channel.

“Eleven versus 11 is another situation. We were clearly at an advantage and the data shows that we were on the front foot since the red card.”

What is the process by which a match can be abandoned?

A match can only be postponed or abandoned with the approval of the referee, authorities, or by the order of the police.

If a Premier League or EFL game is abandoned after kick-off, but before 90 minutes has been played, the fixture will either be:

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Emma Bunton is ‘ageing backwards’ in flattering cherry-toned top that cinches her waist

Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton has been praised for ‘ageing backwards’ as she poses in a flattering waist-cinching cherry red top – and it’s still available to shop in all sizes

Whether you were around in the 90s or not, the eternal power of the Spice Girls is hard to ignore, which is why former Baby Spice Emma Bunton still has legions of fans flocking to her for style inspiration. In a recent post on her Instagram, fans couldn’t get over how youthful she looked, with one follower asking: “Are you aging backwards” whilst another added: “Yeah definitely called Baby Spice for a reason. Still looks so young.”

Others, however, were desperate for details on her outfit, with one asking: “Love the top in the 3rd pic. Anyone know where it’s from?” Thankfully for fans of her look, we’ve tracked down her exact waist-cinching top, which is the Clare Blouse in shade Berry Business from Damson Madder.

READ MORE: Boden’s updated version of Kate Middleton’s scallop-trim top is on sale for £40

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The Clare Blouse is one of those wardrobe staples that you can reach for time and time again, and works just as easily for the office as it does for a dinner date or a day out with friends. Not only does it cinch in your waist for a flattering fit, but its stripe pattern and button up front make it just as wearable as your favourite button down shirt.

It’s made from 100% organic cotton which allows it to hold its crisp shape and silhouette whilst still being breathable and comfortable, so you can wear it all year round. Rather than a collar, it has a square neckline which suits a range of bust sizes, and a longline fit which flares out over the hips for a flattering fit.

To add to the figure-enhancing shape, the Clare Blouse has an adjustable tie belt at the waist. You can fasten it at either the front or the back to cinch in your figure, or you can remove the belt entirely for a more relaxed look.

It’s currently still in stock in sizes six to 20, and priced at £70 on the Damson Madder website. We did also track down several other great alternatives, including the slightly cheaper Charlize Blouse which is also available from Damson Madder for £65.

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Elsewhere, the Topshop Asymmetric Placket Waisted Cinched Shirt is £38 at ASOS, and comes in a burgundy and pale blue stripe print, with a cinched in waist design. For something a little different, Omnes’ Kaloppe Top in Stripe is £59 and swaps the shirt style for a shirred bodice with voluminous sleeves for a flattering fit.

Former NBA Star Harrell Sacked By Adelaide 36ers Over Drug Use

After failing a doping test in China this year, former NBA star Montrezl Harrell’s contract was terminated by the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday.

The Australian club said they had “no choice” but to part ways with the power forward, who was signed by the Houston Rockets and became known as the Los Angeles Clippers.

While playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China’s professional basketball league, Harrell was tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), a precursor to the psychoactive compound marijuana.

Only two months after he had resigned with Adelaide, did the positive test become public.

READ ALSO: NBA Investigates Malik Beasley’s Gambling Allegations

Harrell, who also played for the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers, is currently serving a pro-bono ban and is awaiting a final ruling from the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency.

Harrell is currently not permitted to play or train, according to a statement from the 36ers.

The club has no choice but to terminate Harrell’s contract in order to allow it to move to the finalizing of the playing roster because there is no timetable for when the process will be finished or any assurance regarding any sanctions.

The new season of Australia’s National Basketball League kicked off last week.

Fitzpatrick’s parents avoid Ryder Cup over abusive fans

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Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

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The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”

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  • Ryder Cup

Fitzpatrick’s parents avoid Ryder Cup over abusive fans

Images courtesy of Getty

Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

related subjects

  • Golf
  • Ryder Cup