Meghan Markle’s fresh challenge as she’s slammed over ‘copying Kate Middleton’ claim

Meghan Markle has been accused of copying her sister-in-law Kate Middleton after making a big announcement about her and Harry’s plans for their future

Meghan’s show is already being compared to one of Kate’s most important projects

Meghan Markle is facing fresh accusations she’s “copying” her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, following their new TV deal with Netflix. The Duke of Sussex, 40, and the Duchess of Sussex, 44, announced a new “first-look” deal last week with the US streaming giant. As well as putting Meghan under fresh scrutiny, experts tell the Mirror that the details are clearly a “reality check” for the couple.

The deal includes a new festive edition of Meghan’s With Love show, where viewers can “join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration”. It didn’t take long for some royal watchers to accuse Meghan of trying to steal the festive limelight from Kate, 43, who hosts her own annual Christmas event.

Kinsey Schofield, a podcaster and royal expert in the US, believes, however, that the Sussexes have shown a “pattern of choosing moments” that risk overshadowing other royal occasions – and Christmas might be no exception. “It’s become so noticeable it was reported recently that Harry had offered to share his schedule with the family as an ‘olive branch’ to avoid competing in the future,” she says. It comes as Royal couple secretly welcome second baby and reveal tot’s adorable name.

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Meghan Markle With Love
The Christmas special will be part of the With Love series(Image: COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

Earlier this year, Harry was accused of “stealing the limelight” from his father and stepmother when he arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice in London just before King Charles and Queen Camilla began their state visit to Italy, which also coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary.

The release of the paperback edition of his explosive memoir Spare also hit the headlines worldwide – just as the King and Queen were touring Australia. Back in 2020, Meghan’s team came under fire after a stream of two-week-old photos were published on her Instagram account on the same day as Kate embarked on a UK tour.

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And when Harry and Meghan dropped their so-called “Megxit” bombshell on the eve of Kate’s 38th birthday, they were accused of “overshadowing”. But when it comes to their festive plans, Kinsey suspects that Meghan is unlikely to successfully emulate Kate’s feel-good celebration.

The mum-of-three hosts an annual Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, an event which has become one of the biggest and most poignant in the family’s festive calendar.

Kate Middleton Christmas
Kate hosts an annual Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Kinsey, who hosts the To Di For Daily podcast, doubts that Meghan’s show will hit the same notes, saying, “Catherine’s carol concert is about unity, love, and hope. Kinsey adds. “She arrives with her family, with a sense of togetherness and faith.

“In contrast, Meghan’s Christmas special feels more like a branding opportunity. She’s timed product launches from her lifestyle line, As Ever, to coincide with the release.

“Without the warmth of family or shared tradition, it plays less as a holiday celebration and more as a commercial venture. When placed side by side, Catherine’s feels authentic and meaningful, while Meghan’s risks seeming transactional.”

KING'S LYNN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 25: (L-R) Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave after attending Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
The family last spent Christmas together back in 2018(Image: Getty Images)

The Sussexes’ latest TV news comes five years after they signed a deal with Netflix said to be worth upwards of $100m (£74m), shortly after turning their backs on their life as senior working royals.

Their new arrangement – described as a “multi-year, first-look deal” – means Netflix will pay for the right to get first dibs on the couple’s work, but isn’t committed to taking it.

Dermot McNamara, a talent manager and PR crisis expert, believes the difference in terms sends out a strong message. “It’s not necessarily a humiliation, but it is a reality check for Meghan and Harry and also a reflection of the ever-changing entertainment world,” he tells us.

“Every network and streamers’ belts are tightening. Netflix wants to see sharper ideas and stronger delivery before committing to mega-budgets again. The upside is that this could help Meghan and Harry define what they actually stand for, creatively.”

Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen will feature in the second series of Meghan’s With Love show(Image: JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX)

The pair’s productions so far, including Harry’s polo documentary and Meghan’s With Love series, weren’t exactly record-breaking successes, with the latter failing to crack Netflix’s list of the 300 most-streamed shows of the year so far.

Dermot also suggests that while Meghan won’t take kindly to the “copying” comments, she will have been fully aware that comparisons would inevitably be made.

“Every broadcaster, charity and celebrity under the sun produces holiday specials. It’s a warm, family-friendly format that audiences respond to. That said, Meghan knows the optics. Wanting to be seen in the same aspirational light as Kate isn’t the worst strategy, but Meghan’s challenge is to make it feel authentic to her own brand, not a re-skin of someone else’s.”

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Alan Titchmarsh says he ‘has to leave the room’ as he recalls poignant family memory

Former Gardeners’ World presenter Alan Titchmarsh has shared a painful admission about separation as he opened up about his family in a brutally honest confession

Alan has two grown-up daughters, Polly and Camilla, with his wife, Alison(Image: Getty Images)

TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh has confessed that “it’s pathetic” whilst delivering a poignant update regarding the distance he experiences from his two adult daughters.

In an emotional disclosure made earlier this year, the cherished former Gardeners’ World presenter shared a family revelation concerning a memorable quote from a beloved children’s movie, which allegedly triggers a deeply moving reaction within him.

Alan, who shares two grown-up daughters, Polly and Camilla, with wife Alison, explained how the “Daddy, my daddy” quote from The Railway Children resonates profoundly with the TV gardener.

His comments indicated that the movie brings forth memories of his children, and in a tender acknowledgement, he admitted that he must actually “leave the room” whenever they screen the legendary film.

The Ground Force icon severely criticised his own response to the movie as “pathetic” before outlining his present family circumstances, reports Wales Online.

Alan Titchmarsh
Alan confessed that he even has to “leave the room”(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
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Nevertheless, one element has clearly remained constant since the gardener’s daughters’ younger years.

Alan revealed to the Times: “It’s pathetic, really. I’m a grown man and I have to leave the room if my girls put The Railway Children on.

“They’ve got their own houses now, their own husbands, their own children – the oldest is 13 and the youngest is 9. But their rooms are still here and they’ve still got their names on the door.”

In separate developments, Alan had previously revealed the “heartbreaking” question that he received from his daughter when he kissed her goodnight. It emerged during his appearance on James O’Brien’s Full Disclosure podcast in 2023, where he revealed that his career previously demanded lengthy periods away from the family home.

He explained: “I would go away on a Sunday evening and come back later in the weekend. I do remember the heartbreaking thing of kissing one of them goodnight and them saying ‘will you be here in the morning?'”

Alan Titchmarsh
Alan Titchmarsh shared the poignant moment(Image: Getty Images)

Alan, whose extensive broadcasting career has spanned programmes including Gardeners’ World and Songs of Praise, has been wed to his spouse for five decades, having initially encountered her during their twenties at an amateur dramatics society.

Previously discussing his partnership, Alan maintained that romance centres on being “thoughtful”, disclosing that he’d prepared Alison tea for an incredible 45 years.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that, reciprocally, his wife has pressed his shirts “every week for 44 years”, something he characterised as the “greater gift”. He remarked that he’s “lucky” owing to her being the “most unmaterialistic” individual he knows.

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According to Hello!, the broadcaster has called the retired medic his “best friend”, and they currently divide their time between their Hampshire farmhouse or getaway residence on the Isle of Wight.

Polly represents the pair’s eldest daughter, born in 1980, whilst Camilla arrived in 1982. Grandfather Alan disclosed to The Mirror in 2020 that they resided nearby but were unable to visit them for months owing to lockdown restrictions at the time.

Antigovernment protesters clash with police in several Serbian cities

Protesters have clashed with riot police in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, and other cities, on the fifth consecutive night of demonstrations against the government of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic.

Clashes also broke out in Belgrade late on Saturday after police stopped demonstrators heading for the governing Serbian Progressive Party’s (SNS) headquarters.

Late on Saturday, thousands gathered in the central city of Valjevo to show their growing anger against the government, while a small group of masked young men attacked the empty offices of the governing SNS party, setting them alight.

They subsequently clashed with riot police, with protesters throwing fireworks and rocks as the officers responded with stun grenades and tear gas.

Some clashes were also reported in the northern city of Novi Sad, the country’s second largest.

Almost daily protests have gripped Serbia since November, following the collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people.

The tragedy became a symbol of deep-rooted corruption in the Balkan nation, with demands for a transparent investigation growing into calls for early elections.

At their height, the protests drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets.

However, the mostly peaceful demonstrations deteriorated earlier this week when large groups of pro-government supporters – many masked and some armed with batons and fireworks – attacked protesters.

That has led to violent clashes for several nights, leaving many injured on both sides.

Protests were further heightened after several videos shared online showed police striking unarmed demonstrators with batons.

Police have denied allegations of brutality, accusing demonstrators of attacking officers.

While the protests have so far led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government, President Vucic has remained defiant.

Cat Deeley’s desperate hope ahead of This Morning return after Patrick Kielty split

The presenter announced her separation from husband Patrick Kielty last month after 13 years of marriage in bombshell news nobody was expecting

Cat Deeley is reportedly hoping for one thing ahead of her This Morning return in two weeks(Image: ITV)

The world was shocked to its core last month when much-loved couple Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty announced their separation after 13 years of marriage.

The presenters, 48, and 54 respectively, shared a joint statement on July 29 that read: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.

“We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment.”

Interestingly, the two decided to make their announcement while Cat is away on her Summer break from This Morning, which she usually co-hosts during term time with Ben Shephard.

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She announced her separation from husband Patrick Kielty last month
She announced her separation from husband Patrick Kielty just last month(Image: Getty Images North America)

Now reports have suggested that this was a conscious decision as she didn’t want to be in the limelight, and with her return to the ITV show looming, Cat is said to be hoping that viewers will have forgotten about it.

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A source told Mail Plus: “There will be literally six weeks between Cat’s break-up announcement and her returning to work. There will be literally six weeks between Cat’s break-up announcement and her returning to work.

“Imagine if she had been on screen when it broke? I guess she didn’t want to have to deal with that. It was easier to go on holiday.”

After the announcement, the mum-of-two was spotted enjoying a break in the Spanish town of Sitges with her hairdresser to the stars pal, Ben Skervin, hoping to no doubt keep a low profile and wait for things to blow over.

She’s expected to return to the iconic This Morning sofa with co-host Ben, 50, on Monday 1 September and viewers will have to wait with baited breath to see if she opens up about her split.

The former couple met while hosting BBC’s Fame Academy together in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2011 that they finally decided to take their friendship to a romantic level.

They proceeded to get married in Rome in 2012 and are parents to two sons, Milo, 9, and six-year-old James.

Cat hosts the daytime show with Ben Shephard
Cat hosts the morning show with Ben Shephard

Although Cat and Patrick didn’t reveal the reason why they decided to call it quits, reports have claimed that their equally busy work schedules got in the way and drove a wedge between their marriage.

Cat has hosted This Morning alongside Ben since early last year, and previously lived in Los Angeles for more than 10 years. Meanwhile, Northern Irish presenter Patrick is the host of RTE talk show The Late Late Show, having taken over from Ryan Tubridy in 2023.

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Despite living in the UK, Patrick would travel to Dublin every week to present the show from the RTE studios. Due to their clashing schedules, it became difficult for Patrick and Cat to spend quality time together, according to insiders.

They told Mail Online: “Despite living in the UK, Patrick would travel to Dublin every week to present the show from the RTE studios. Due to their clashing schedules, it became difficult for Patrick and Cat to spend quality time together, according to insiders.”

Messi Returns From Injury, Scores Late To Seal Inter Miami Win Over Galaxy

Lionel Messi returned from injury as a reserve and scored in the 84th minute to spark Inter Miami over the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday.

The iconic 38-year-old Argentine striker was back on the field for Miami after suffering what Inter coach Javier Mascherano had called a “minor muscle injury” — an apparent hamstring strain — in Inter’s August 2 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Necaxa.

“It had been something very small,” Mascherano said of his injury after the match. “The three training sessions we had were good. The important thing is that the match ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We have to see how he feels tomorrow.”

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who missed a Leagues Cup win over Pumas UNAM and last weekend’s MLS loss at Orlando City, was on the bench as a reserve before entering in the second half, replacing Telasco Segovia.

“We had planned the match to give minutes to Leo. The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find sensations,” Mascherano said. “I didn’t see him after the game. Tomorrow we’ll see what feelings he had.

“He’s an extraordinary player. I saw that he was clearly not 100 percent comfortable but as the minutes went by he was loosening up more and more. We will have to see how he ended with the fatigue.”

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Jordi Alba scored for Miami in the 43rd minute but Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.

Messi scored in the 84th and Luis Suarez added an insurance tally in the 89th off an assist from Messi to produce the final victory margin.

Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, has 19 goals and 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances for Miami this season.

He also has the Herons into the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, which they won in 2023 just after Messi’s arrival. Miami will play Tigres in a Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.

“He wants to play every single game,” Mascherano said. “You have to understand why Leo is Leo. He always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there. Sometimes we try to explain him that we have to go slowly but when he feels good he knows himself like no one. In the end we tried to give him some minutes today to start having good feelings for Wednesday.”

Inter Miami rank fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind MLS leaders Philadelphia but with three matches in hand.

South Korean international and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min picked up his first MLS victory in his first MLS start as LAFC won 2-0 at New England.

Son, who helped LAFC take a draw in Chicago last week as a reserve in his league debut, assisted on the LAFC win-clinching goal by Mathieu Choiniere in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.

Marco Delgado scored LAFC’s first goal in the 51st minute.

LAFC rank fifth in the Western Conference, nine points adrift of pace-setting San Diego with two matches in hand.

Prince Andrew’s ex Koo Stark set to rival Gwyneth Paltrow as she makes bold career move

EXCLUSIVE: Koo Stark became a household name thanks to her relationship with Prince Andrew in the ’80s and now she is hoping to become a wellness guru with the launch of her holistic brand

Koo Stark wants to become a wellness guru(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Prince Andrew’s old flame is launching her own wellness brand in a bid to become the next Gwyneth Paltrow. Koo Stark has applied to the UK government’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark a business that will sell products from crystal therapies to tarot card readings.

The 69-year-old also aims to market Koo Stark yoni eggs – stones used by women as a sex aid. Gwyneth markets her own version, a Jade Egg, for almost £50 on her Goop wellness site. Cancer survivor Koo, who dated Andrew for 18 months in the early 1980s, will also offer “therapeutic treatment of the body, meditation services, yoga, spiritual advice, aura photography and meditation training” as well as cosmetics.

The actress and photographer’s application has been filed under ‘Kathleen Norris Stark trading as Koo Stark’. Koo’s controversial relationship with Andrew began after they met at a party in February 1981.

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Koo Stark and Prince Andrew
Koo Stark and Prince Andrew had a well-documented relationship(Image: PA Archive/PA Photos)

The Prince was said to have considered proposing but the relationship faced intense pressure from the Royal Family because of Koo’s past acting roles in movies such as Electric Dreams, Marquis de Sade’s Justine and Eat The Rich. The couple split in 1983.

Earlier this year, Koo filed a lawsuit against Star Wars producers for £190million. She played Luke Skywalker’s friend Camie Marstrap in the 1977 movie A New Hope, but her scenes were cut.

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However, they recently appeared online so Koo claims her intellectual property rights have been exploited. The news comes just one week after claims that Andrew “slept with more than a dozen women” in the first year of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson.

The biography of the Duke and Duchess of York by historian Andrew Lownie – The Rise and Fall of the House of York – alleges Fergie wanted to be “The One” but enjoyed several affairs of her own with “reckless abandon”.

Lownie, who has written several acclaimed books on the royal family, details claims the York’s troubled marriage was riddled with infidelity.

Koo Stark and Prince Andrew
Andrew married Sarah Ferguson after the demise of his romance with Koo(Image: Getty Images)

Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal duties over his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, allegedly told his new wife early on: “I am a prince, then a naval officer, then a husband.”

Lownie claims a former driver who worked for the couple has stated that Andrew slept with more than 12 women before they reached their first wedding anniversary. The author also alleges Andrew has slept with more than 1,000 women in his life.

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Lownie says the list includes adult film stars, political figures, and nightclub staff and bartenders. One 20-year-old model alleged: “He wanted me to engage in kinky sexual activity. He had no boundaries.

“He told me he had an open marriage arrangement with his wife. I felt like he used me for a few days, so he could live his wildest fantasies.”