Archive August 3, 2025

There is one color Meghan wore at numerous engagements that the late Queen frequently wore to bright outfits for major events.

The late Queen Elizabeth was known for wearing bright colours to major royal events, stepping out in colour-coordinated outfits that featured matching dresses, coats, hats and complimentary accessories.

The Queen became a style icon and inspiration over her decades as monarch, which prompted many people to experiment with all the rainbow’s colors when choosing their daily outfits.

While the late Queen always opted for daring and colourful ensembles, one member of the royal family chose to do the opposite : Meghan Markle. According to royal author Robert Hardman, there was one major reason why the Queen always chose to be brightly dressed – so she stood out during busy royal events.

In Hardman’s biography titled Our Queen, the royal author described the late royal as “engagingly modest” despite being one of the most famous women in the world. He said: “My favourite remark she ever said was, ‘I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am’.”

The Queen’s colorful side was revealed at ceremonies and other royal engagements, which required a sophisticated dress code, and she kept her outfits on point, especially because of her underaverage 5’3 “frame.

As well as wanting to wear bright colours, the late Queen also tailored her outfits to fit the nation that she was visiting. For example, during her visits to Australia, the monarch would always wear the nation’s colours of green and gold.

Sali Hughes, a journalist and royal author, asserted in her 2019 book, Our Rainbow Queen, that Queen Elizabeth and her dressers would carefully consider the itinerary of a trip or engagement before choosing an outfit.

She won’t attend a wedding in camouflaged green, like at a racecourse or garden party. But she will use green where necessary to stand out.

While the Queen always opted for colourful tones to dress in, Meghan Markle adopted the opposite style technique, as she revealed in her Netflix docuseries that, during her time as a working royal, she would don neutral colours to “blend in”.

Meghan explained her fashion choices, saying in the docuseries alongside her husband Prince Harry : “Most of the time that I was in the U.K., I rarely wore colour. There was thought in that.

“To my understanding, you could never wear the same colour as Her Majesty [Queen Elizabeth II] if there’s a group event, but then you also shouldn’t be wearing the same colour as one of the other more senior members of the family,” she said, possibly referring to royals like Princess Kate or Queen Camilla.

What color is a color they’ll probably never wear, I thought? White, beige, and camel. I wore a lot of muted tones as a result, but also so that I could just blend in. I’m not attempting to be distinctive here. There was no version of me embracing this family and attempting to fit in. I don’t want to belittle my family.

Can L’Oreal’s new full coverage 2-in-1 foundation and concealer compete with Mirror’s shopping writer Grace, who swears by hydrating skin tints for her everyday base?

When it comes to foundation and base products, I’ve already leaned towards lower coverage skin tints. I love the hydrated, non-cakey finish they tend to leave on the skin. My go-tos include Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint, £42, Sculpted By Aimee’s Hydra Tint, £23, and Revolution’s ultra-affordable Skin Blur Soft Focus Skin Tint, £5. However, recently I’ve been on the hunt for a fuller coverage foundation for those days when I’m looking for a little extra polish or want my makeup to last from the office straight through to post-work drinks. After trialling a few that felt thick, drying, and heavy, I finally stumbled on a winner.

L’Oreal Paris’ new Infallible Skin Ink 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer, which retails for a reasonable price of £14.99., has earned its spot in my routine.

This clever 2-in-1 hybrid serves as both a concealer and foundation, giving wearers buildable coverage while maintaining a soft, matte finish that is breathable and lightweight.

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L’Oreal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer

£14.99

Purchase Right Now on LookFantastic

This complexion product blends seamlessly, leaving no obtrusive lines or patches, giving you smoother skin that still looks like skin. It effectively covers spots, pigmentation, or blemishes without feeling cakey at the same time as a skin-toned or tinted moisturiser because it provides more coverage than a skin-toned moisturiser or skin-tinted moisturizer.

Because it’s a two-in-one product, concealer can be applied straight away, keeping your base fresh and natural.

It also uses fusion technology to give coverage that stays put for up to 48 hours, meaning no midday touch-ups are needed.

Another bonus is that it makes a great handbag product to carry around due to its compact and small size. As I mentioned, touch-ups aren’t really needed. However, if you’re in the office and want a little extra coverage for the evening, you can easily slot this in your bag and use it on the go thanks to its handy doe-foot applicator. My skin is oilier, so if you have very dry skin, you might struggle with this product clinging to dry patches. To combat this, I make sure my skin is fully prepped with a hydration moisturiser and a milky toner or serum underneath.

Jennie Bond has expressed concern about the news that could divide the royal brothers further, just days after a close friend of both Harry and William revealed the birth of his first child.

The Duke and Duchess of Westminster, who are good friends of both Prince William and Prince Harry, announced the birth of their first child.

Both princes have a long history with the couple, with William and Harry’s friendship with Hugh Grosvenor going back years. The Duke is even godparent to Prince George, and also reportedly to Prince Archie.

With a new baby in the mix, and Harry and William’s feud seemingly still raging on despite the rumours of peace talks within the Sussex camp and royal family, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has revealed how the tiny tot could drive an even bigger wedge between the royal brothers. Jennie’s comments come after news that Prince Harry will ‘never be forgiven’ by two major royals despite reconciliation hope.

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The royal expert told the Mirror that despite the joyous news of the baby girl’s birth, the Duke and Duchess could be caught in the middle of the warring brothers if they are considering either prince for a role as godfather.

Many of William and Harry’s friends feel forced to take sides, Jennie said, just like with a marriage break-up. The Duke of Westminster had to navigate a difficult path because Hugh had close ties to both William and Harry.

“And it seems he has largely sided with William, (at least in public). It was William who was invited to the big wedding, he was an usher, and William who stood alongside Hugh and his new wife Olivia cheering on Aston Villa in their exciting Champions League quarter final.”

According to Jennie, given the couple’s long history with William, “There is a likely royal godfather for the couple’s newborn daughter.” It seems likely that William will be asked because there is already a lot of “cross pollination” between the families regarding godparents.

Harry’s decision to choose William to be the baby’s godfather would likely cause him to cry, according to Jennie, but the Grosvenors would have made it easier because of Harry’s current, and possibly ongoing, relationship with the Firm.

The fact that Harry lives so far away and has no chance of ever moving back to the UK, Jennie said, makes these awkward decisions slightly easier. And that’s not the best way to perform any godparenting responsibilities.

“It makes sense that Harry would accept that William would be chosen as the godfather instead of him. However, for him to see his ex-familiar friends continue to live independently while William enjoys their close friendship’s warmth and fun must still be sad. However, he must pay a price for making such reprehensible allegations and causing such a bitter rift with his family.

Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster gave birth to their daughter, Cosima Florence Grosvenor.

After revealing they were expecting their first child back in March, the couple announced the birth of their first child in a statement, saying the baby was born in London, adding: “Both the Duchess and Cosima are doing well. The Duke and Duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family.”

Cosima is both Greek and Italian. The name derives from the Greek word kosmos (), which means harmony, or the universe, and has a beautiful, elegant meaning.

Sam Bailey, the crooner for The X Factor, details how Adolescence star Stephen Graham has helped him realize his dream and the real reason she auditioned for the show.

Former prison officer Sam Bailey, 48, shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2013 and since then, she’s not only forged a singing career, but has also become a force to be reckoned with in musical theatre, with roles in everything from Chicago to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. But as new catches up with her after one of her powerhouse performances at the Paul Stank Charitable Trust Summer Ball, it’s clear that fame hasn’t gone to her head.

The Leicester-based mum-of-three, who has been married to husband Craig Pearson for 22 years, is warm and down-to-earth as she stops to pose for selfies with fans. Here, Sam opens up to OK! about her son Tommy’s health challenges, hanging out with Rebekah Vardy, her career goals and why she’ll always be grateful to Adolescence star Stephen Graham…

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Sam, how are you?

I’m good, too. My 24th cruise to date, which I just finished off on a Seaborn cruise! Miley, my 10-year-old daughter, was the only passenger on board, so she was spoilt for life! And with the kids, we’ll soon be taking a trip to Disney, Florida.

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Your son Tommy, who is autistic, was given the epilepsy diagnosis in May of last year. That must have been enthralling.

It’s been a mad time. We have to normalise it now – and educate people on what to do in certain situations. WhereverI am in the world, I have two alarms set to UK time – one at 7am and one at 7pm, so I can call Tommy and check that he’s taken his meds. If he doesn’t, six or seven hours later he could have a massive seizure.

How are the children doing?

Brooke is at uni, she’s going into musical theatre, and Tommy’s just finished his GCSEs. But he had a seizure three days before his maths GCSE as it can cause brain fog and we had to get an exemption for him, so that’s been difficult. You have to fight for everything – but I’m a mum and that’s what you do.

Does your husband Craig miss you when you’re away? You travel a lot.

Funny how he says, “When are you off again? ” when I return home. because I just arrived home and created a total mess! There is washing all over as I unpack suitcases… I might have a day to sort everything before going home.

Do you want to pursue any other career-related endeavors?

I’d love to go into TV acting and films. I did a musical earlier this year, Now That’s What I Call A Musical, with the brilliant Nina Wadia and I think I have acting chops, so I’ve got to get myself an acting agent. A comedy role would be great. Or EastEnders. I auditioned for Corrie years ago, not long after The X Factor, I was terrible. But now I’ve done seven musicals and I think I’m pretty good. I just want to get my teeth stuck into something new.

You don’t rest on your laurels, you know…

Ha, no. I believe that my happiness increases as my workload increases. I only visited The X Factor to purchase a new kitchen. I didn’t pursue fame or clout. I continued to want more. However, I’ve gotten comfortable with that platform now that I have one. Some of the people who have performed in such shows have a problem because they sing, not because of that.

How do you feel about the criticism that The X Factor has received?

Never bite the hand that feeds you, because I’ve traveled all over the world and started working on The X Factor. Only positive things happened in my experiences. Simon and I haven’t spoken in a while, but occasionally we bump into each other at odd times.

You duetted with Nicole Scherzinger on the final of The X Factor – are you still in touch with her?

I speak to her other half, Thom Evans, actually. I know Thom of old. I used to do a lot of events that he would go to, being a rugby player. So when I saw him on The X Factor: Celebrity, I was rooting for him – he’s such a ball of fun and gorgeous to look at. I was praying he and Nicole would get together.

Rebekah and Jamie Vardy, are you still friends?

Yes, I went to their kids’ birthday parties! But my kids know their kids, they grew up together and they’re such gorgeous children. I remember we went to this soft play centre in Leicester once when the kids were little – we went in and Jamie and Bex and the kids were there. Then in walked Stephen Graham, [his wife] Hannah and their two children! People in there were like, ‘Whaaat…?!’

Know Stephen Graham well?

Yes, and let me tell you that my son is interested in acting. And he’s such a nice guy. Tommy and I went to see Venom, and my husband said, “Ah, Stephen Graham’s in this, I didn’t realize – me and your mother know him.” What did my son say to me? Do you know Stephen Graham? I’d like to work in acting.

I messaged Stephen and said, “My boy wants to act because of you.” And this child never leaves his room. I played it to Tom after Stephen gave him a four-minute voice note with lots of advice. Then he had to write a monologue, audition for a college, and utterly slammed it. He was accepted, and he will enroll in acting school in September. That’s quite a feat for an autistic child who has epilepsy.

Are you concerned about your children entering the show business?

As long as they are content, no. I’ve never said to my kids, “I don’t care what you do as long as you get stamps on your passport,” other than that. I am aware of the number of people who remain in their own country. There is such a large world out there. Explore it if you can.

One of her favorite summer purchases, fashion writer Eve Rowlands, recently purchased the “virtually” Mia Midi Dress from Damson Madder’s summer sale for 24% less.

There was only one item on my wishlist when Damson Madder’s sale started earlier this summer and saw up to 60% off some of its best-selling items. That was the ‘IT’ dress of the summer, as Grazia claimed, and the Mia dress in pink had been reduced from £90 to £68.

It was a frock that worked with the plethora of social events I had planned as well as the subtle striped pattern and bright pink hue that contrasted its black and white lines. And it’s safe to say that it lived up to its name as a dress for all occasions as well. Let me explain why it’s one of my favorite summer purchases.

Firstly, it is unbelievably comfortable because its top half is covered in a shirred bodice, which also serves as a drop waist as well as the bust and hips. There is less need to worry about starving after a big meal because of Mia’s striped design, which also creates a slim, oblong silhouette.

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Plus, since it’s made of stretchy material, tight dresses frequently experience discomfort after dinner. It has a maxi, full-length skirt, and it has plenty of room for dancing, which is a must for a wedding.

The multi-way strap, which has the signature DM embroidered at the end, is perhaps one of my favorite features. It can be tied at the front across the bust, in a bow, or as a halter neck, despite being mostly worn as a bandeau dress (from a quick social media search). giving a distinctive appearance in every way.

Make the deal, go through it.

£90

£68

Purchase Now on Damson Madder

I’ve mostly worn it as a bandeau style, but I’m hoping the sun will finally start to shine in a halterneck way. Nobody’s Child has just released a version of its best-selling Starlight dress with pink and red stripes for those who want a little more support. Its elegant, flattering dress is perfect for a wedding guest because of its puff sleeves and cinched-in waist.

This diagonal striped OMNES dress, with orange stripes on a hot pink background, is a great option for shoppers who don’t mind the lack of shirring but prefer halterneck options. The Elsie Striped Dress in Pink and Orange costs £85, and it only retails in sizes 4 to 16. Unfortunately, only 18 and 20 are available.

I’ve recently taken the Damson Madder dress to a test drive, and I can tell it’s all set for wedding guests. It is well-dressed, danceable, and has a three-course wedding breakfast that is well received, and it gets a lot of compliments.

Oh, and it’s breathable during a heatwave: it kept me cool enough in 30C heat. On the occasions where I did get a little too warm and inevitably sweated, the dress dried rapidly thanks to its 100% organic cotton design.

To prevent any potential color transfer, I suggest washing the dress before putting it to a heatwave spin. I say this because the dress’s stripes’ black dye slightly dipped onto my legs during the wedding, which was reportedly quite warm.

Despite that, it completely changed the way I wore the dress, just my own legs. It was simple enough to remove, which prevented me from regretting the purchase. The skirt can quickly crease due to the material’s style, but it doesn’t take long for it to fall out.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the brand’s sizing can occasionally be a little over the top. After doing some research, I decided on my regular size 10, and while it didn’t snag me and didn’t worry about it falling down, I felt like it could have been a little bit more snug.

I’ve had to return my order because of this problem with other Damson Madder clothing. Therefore, make sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing.