Palace Intrigue : Andrew Saga, Meghan and Harry's Australia trip - Royal Family gossip

King Charles made a notable break with royal tradition at a recent Nigerian state banquet, serving a fully alcohol-free menu and a bespoke mocktail called the “Crimson Bloom” in recognition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s observance of Ramadan. We also look at Catherine’s fashion choices, including a recycled Andrew Gn gown and the return of the Lover’s Knot tiara, as well as Prince William’s latest push on homelessness through his Homewards initiative.

After the break, questions continue to swirl around King Charles’ health following observations from royal watchers, and we hear from Tom Sykes on what the la...

Trial paused Tuesday (judge ill), resumed Wednesday. Prosecution closing arguments: Henriksbø says Marius "not monster... but must be held accountable." Four "sleep rape" allegations detailed. Skaugum woman videos: "appears to be sleeping, absence of sound." Lofoten woman's pulse watch data: woke from deep sleep twice, "just after defendant filmed her genital area." Nachspiel woman: sleeping tablets, "sensed flashes of light." Oslo hotel: "woke from hard blow to genital area." Pattern: "parties, alcohol, voluntary sex. But then women become tired, and he continues anyway." Haukland testimony credible, chokehold eighty times. Frogner woman: "roared like a gorilla," 172 calls after relationship ended. Prosecution s...

Kate avoids alcohol since cancer diagnosis, opts for soft drink at brewery visit. Kate and William's Borough Market outing draws crowds as they chop cheese, make coffee, pour pints. William reveals: "I'm a cider man, grew up on cider in West Country." Irish Guards St Patrick's Day Parade, Nigerian state visit (first in 37 years), Kate wears Tolu Coker. William sings Welsh anthem at rugby match. Charlotte Griffiths testimony: knew Kate pregnant, didn't report to maintain friendships.

Charles DJs in Manchester ("God Rave The King"). Variety bombshell: "Inside Meghan and Harry's Falling Out With Netflix." Insider: "We're done." Three...

Lady Louise Windsor is being described as “very grounded” by former palace press secretary Ailsa Anderson, who praised the young royal’s quiet upbringing largely outside the spotlight.Anderson said Louise’s love of carriage driving reflects the influence of her grandfather Prince Philip and noted that both Louise and her brother James have been able to grow up with relative normalcy compared with many senior royals.

Royal insider Deep Crown observes that the monarchy’s slimmed-down structure may eventually force Prince William to consider expanding the roster of working royals, with figures such as Zara and Mike Tindall an...

A new book from royal photographer Chris Jackson offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the monarchy is evolving under King Charles the Third. Jackson, who has spent more than two decades documenting the Royal Family, says “we have entered a new era,” pointing to a more modern and flexible approach compared to the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
He highlights subtle but telling changes — including a coronation balcony photo taken from behind the King and Queen, a perspective that “would never have been allowed” before — as evidence of a shift in how the institution presents itself.

That evolution is...

Camilla faces the difficult transition from Queen Consort to Queen Dowager, a role that requires redefining her position within the royal family hierarchy. Her relationship with William, once complicated by history, must evolve as she offers guidance while stepping back from center stage.

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Prince Harry reportedly believes he and Meghan Markle still have an important role to play helping the monarchy connect with audiences around the world, particularly at a time when the institution faces renewed scrutiny following the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor controversy.At the same time, Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever is facing criticism from customers after complaints about product quality,

including candles arriving without wicks and fruit spreads described as too runny.Marketing experts say the solution may be simple: improve the product and let positive customer experiences reshape the online conversation.

Columnists are also debating Meghan’s up...

Prince Harry is said to be frustrated with the pressures of the entertainment industry and reportedly ready to step away from Hollywood, while Meghan Markle remains determined to continue producing projects despite setbacks with Netflix.

Sources say Meghan is focused on moving forward with new ideas and leaning on her industry connections, while Harry appears more comfortable concentrating on Invictus and charitable work.

Meanwhile, royal commentators are mocking Meghan’s planned appearance at a luxury women’s retreat in Australia, comparing the event to a Comic-Con style meet-and-greet after reports that guests may pay around $1,700 for phot...

Royal author Tom Bower claims Prince Andrew was recently approached about voluntarily removing himself from the line of succession, describing it as “the cleanest solution” to an ongoing constitutional dilemma.

At the same time, reports suggest a widening investigation tied to Jeffrey Epstein—codenamed “Operation Ironville”—is examining what former staff and protection officers may have known. One source said, “Anyone who worked closely around Andrew Windsor is running scared right now.”

The report claims investigators are reviewing past trips and witness accounts, with insiders suggesting the scale of the operation indicates a complex and expanding inquiry.
An...

We continue our deep dive into Variety’s explosive report on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, focusing on what happened after the success of Harry & Meghan — and why momentum may have stalled.

The article details failed scripted projects, difficulty attracting collaborators, and claims that Netflix was left with more than $10 million worth of unsold As Ever products, some reportedly given away to staff.
We also examine reports of tension inside meetings, including claims about Meghan’s communication style, and the company’s evolving strategy to position her as a solo brand.

Then, a new controversy: Meghan i...

A major new report from Variety paints a strained picture of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with Netflix, describing early optimism that has given way to frustration, creative disagreements, and questions about the future of their deal.

The report claims Archewell Productions has shifted away from its original mission into a vehicle for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, while insiders describe fatigue over repeated storytelling around the couple’s royal exit.

We break down the key claims, including reported tensions with Netflix leadership, disputes over communication around the Oprah interview and Prince Harry’s memoir...

Catherine, Princess of Wales marked St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards, continuing a long-standing royal tradition tied to her role as Colonel. She presented shamrocks to soldiers and mascot Seamus, awarded medals, and met with families and cadets, reinforcing her steady return to public duties.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle offered a rare glimpse into family life, sharing a video that briefly captured the voice of four-year-old Lilibet, alongside a candid moment with Prince Harry. The post followed a deleted Instagram story that sparked online debate. Reports also claim Meghan has secured a $1 million fee for an upcoming we...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s spokesperson has issued a sharp response to new excerpts from Tom Bower’s upcoming book Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family. The couple’s team accused the author of promoting conspiracy theories, while royal insider Deep Crown notes that the criticism may only increase attention around the book.
The excerpts include claims about tensions between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales, including an alleged heated exchange with Prince William shortly after Harry and Meghan’s honeymoon. The book also repeats claims that Queen Camilla...

Catherine, The Princess of Wales, revealed she has become far more careful about alcohol since her cancer diagnosis while visiting a brewery along London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile with Prince William.

The royal couple also visited Borough Market, where they chopped cheese, served desserts and even made coffee for shoppers before taking a speedboat down the Thames to visit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution station in Westminster.We also look ahead to Catherine’s appearance at the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade in Aldershot, where she will present shamrock in her role as Colonel of the regiment...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s long-discussed Netflix film projects appear to be moving slowly — and insiders say creative control may be the sticking point. According to new reporting, Meghan is interested in directing one of the couple’s planned Netflix films herself and wants approval over key decisions including the script, casting and marketing. Studios are reportedly wary about handing that level of authority to a first-time director, which may be slowing progress on projects such as the adaptation of the bestselling novel Meet Me at the Lake.

We also examine growing commentary around the Sussex brand, includ...

Prince William’s carefully managed public image is taking a hit after a veteran royal photographer reportedly described the future king in blunt terms — including calling him the “c-word.” According to reporting picked up by columnist Daniela Elser, photographers swapping stories while waiting outside the Wales family’s Norfolk home claimed William can have a notoriously short fuse behind the scenes. One photographer allegedly said the prince regularly tells him to “f--- off,” painting a stark contrast to William’s polished public persona.

We also look at the online sniping over Princess Catherine’s latest Commonwealth Day outfit, criticism that her...

This week on Palace Intrigue: Norway, the trial of Marius Borg Høiby entered its sixth week and showed no signs of losing its power to shock. The court heard from friends of the Frogner woman who described the violent aftermath of August 4, 2024, in vivid and heartbreaking detail — including one witness who recalled the victim saying she could "handle being hit" as long as Høiby was alright. The defense's request for pre-trial release was denied. Prosecutors returned repeatedly to the question of Høiby's changing story. And eight hundred pages of private messages between Høiby and influencer Nora Haukla...

This week on Palace Intrigue, the monarchy had one foot in pageantry and one in crisis management — and somehow kept its balance. King Charles led the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey as the BBC quietly declined to broadcast it, prompting sharp criticism from royal commentators who warned the institution's relevance cannot be taken for granted. Prince William answered a bakery phone and called a customer "Juicy," which briefly made the whole world love him. The Wales family visited Marlborough College, fuelling intense speculation about where Prince George will attend school. Diplomatic sources floated the prospect of a royal visit to...

Commentators are warning that Sarah Ferguson could pose a new risk to the British royal family if the former Duchess of York decides to publish another memoir.

Writing in The Royalist, Tom Sykes argues that financial pressure and public scrutiny could tempt Ferguson to produce a revealing book about her decades inside royal circles. Her 1996 memoir My Story caused major tension within the family and reportedly damaged her friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales.

Experts say Ferguson’s long proximity to the royal household means she holds extensive knowledge about private events and relationships within the mo...

A new biography reveals that Carolyn Bessette once encouraged John F. Kennedy Junior to reach out to Prince William and Prince Harry after the death of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.
According to the book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy by Elizabeth Beller, Bessette believed Kennedy might offer support to the young princes as they faced overwhelming media attention and public grief.

The author writes that Diana had reportedly admired Kennedy’s ability to handle intense press scrutiny with dignity, which prompted Bessette to suggest he offer condolences. Kennedy, however, re...

Catherine's transformation from Princess of Wales to Queen. The public's overwhelming support contrasts with her private struggles adapting to her elevated role while supporting her grieving husband and managing the children's adjustment to their new reality.

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Royal Books:

William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story

The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King a...

Sarah Ferguson is reportedly leaning on longtime friend Priscilla Presley for support as the York fallout deepens, and the friendship is now raising eyebrows because of Presley’s long association with Scientology. Sources say Ferguson has not joined anything, but is said to be curious and “just listening” while looking for guidance and stability during a chaotic time. Presley is also reportedly urging Fergie to write a memoir and joking about setting her up with “eligible American bachelors.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s High Court case produced a surprise detail as evidence emerged that he once socialized with a Mail on Sunday jo...

Meghan Markle is set to headline a women-only weekend retreat in Sydney during her April trip to Australia, with tickets starting at about $1,800 and VIP packages running around $2,100 for front-row seats and a group photo. The event is being marketed as “a girls’ weekend like no other,” complete with yoga, meditation, manifestation workshops, a gala dinner and a fireside-style chat with the Duchess of Sussex.

The paid appearance is fueling fresh questions about the Sussex brand, especially as Prince Harry is also due to speak at a separate ticketed event in Melbourne. Critics say the couple’s mix of human...

Reports suggest Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is preparing an aggressive defense strategy following his arrest, with insiders claiming he may rely on sensitive information about royal circles if investigators demand a full accounting of his activities. One source said Andrew believes he should not be the only person facing scrutiny for social networks that included other powerful figures.

Meanwhile Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are said to be holding private discussions about how to navigate the growing fallout from the Epstein scandal and their parents’ connections to it. 

Sources say the sisters are trying to balance loyalty to...

New details are emerging about why Netflix stepped away from Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand As Ever. According to insiders, the company struggled to see how the products fit alongside its entertainment franchises and believed the brand failed to connect with its audience.

One source told the Daily Mail executives even explored featuring As Ever merchandise inside Netflix’s upcoming “Netflix House” retail locations in Philadelphia and Dallas, but the idea reportedly 
stalled because there was little enthusiasm for the brand.

Critics say the split could damage Meghan’s credibility with corporate partners. Reputation consultant Eric Schiff...

Prince William is reportedly determined to see the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten Windsor fully resolved before he becomes king — even if that means allowing the legal system to examine the case openly.

Sources cited by Radar Online say the Prince of Wales believes the controversy has dragged on far too long and that the monarchy cannot afford to carry unresolved questions into the next reign. One insider said William views Andrew as “toxic” to the future of the institution and wants the matter confronted directly rather than quietly managed behind palace walls.

At the same time, new ru...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed they will return to Australia in mid-April, marking their first visit to the country since their hugely publicized 2018 royal tour.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to take part in a mix of private business, philanthropic and media engagements in Sydney and Melbourne. Meghan is also rumored to appear on the Australian podcast Her Best Life.

The trip is already stirring debate because it will take place at roughly the same time King Charles the

Third is expected to visit the United States. Royal insider Deep...

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly believes it is “deeply unfair” that public opinion has turned against him, with historian Andrew Lownie saying the disgraced royal still sees himself as “anointed” and struggles to understand the backlash.

We also revisit the disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, with producer Sam McAlister revealing that Princess Beatrice played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in getting it over the line. McAlister calls her the “rainmaker,” saying the interview would never have happened if the BBC had not satisfied Beatrice’s questions and concerns.

Plus: Prince Harry sends an emotional good-luck video to Team GB Paralympian Scott Meenagh ahead...

Meghan Markle has reportedly ended Netflix’s involvement in her lifestyle brand As Ever, with both sides insisting the split is amicable. The Duchess is said to want full control as the company expands, but critics are not buying the idea that this was her decision. One industry source bluntly told Page Six, “Her show did not go on so it did not make sense to continue the partnership.”

We break down the dueling narratives, the rising web traffic figures, the harsh reaction from social media, and why even The Hollywood Reporter was mocking the split. Plus, reputation expert...

York sisters banned from Royal Ascot carriage procession, all royal events "foreseeable future." Beatrice "blindsided," "taken it the hardest." Eugenie in Portugal creating distance. Celia Warden: harsh treatment, "no suggestion of wrongdoing." Deep Crown: institution operates on survival, not individual justice, William correct. William wanted Andrew removed from succession last autumn. Jennie Bond: remove Andrew, Harry, Harry's children, York sisters.

SNL/BRIT Awards jokes about succession. Andrew visited by chaplain, "trying to find God." Surrendered East Lodge lease after Richard Benyon visit. Peerage expert: hasn't legally lost titles. Abdication speculation: Charles could hand throne to William within 12 months...

Questions are growing about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s production deal with Netflix as several projects remain stuck in development. An adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake — reportedly acquired for about $3 million — still has no director or cast attached nearly three years after the announcement, while another project based on The Wedding Date is also stalled.

At the same time, the couple’s humanitarian trip to Jordan is drawing fresh scrutiny. A public relations expert says the visit was “casually competent, but not strategic,” arguing it followed the familiar formula of carefully staged humanitarian appearances...

King Charles and Queen Camilla will lead senior members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey today for the annual Commonwealth Day service, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and other working royals before an audience of about 1,800 guests representing the 56 nations of the Commonwealth.

But the BBC has decided not to broadcast the ceremony live this year, opting instead to air Escape to the Country in the time slot. The broadcaster says the move reflects financial pressures, while critics such as royal author Ingrid Seward call the decision “ridiculous and appalling.” Royal Insider Deep...

Trial week 5: Frogner woman testifies for first time. New Feb 1 indictment (reckless conduct, restraining order breach during trial). Witness possibly tried to influence her, police investigation opened. Sophie Elise: "pose photo" not intentional. Oslo Scene witness: "no doubt he went for a chokehold." Messages: "You have to choose. Me or Farmen." NRK faces 400,000 kroner fine.

Frogner woman: "didn't start with violence," "jet-set guy who partied every weekend, used drugs, had criminal friends." Berlin: glass thrown into wall. Laptop broken in two. Skaugum: raised fist, punched glass door. Boat trip: spit in face, slapped. August 4: grabbed neck, chokeholds, slaps...

A week in which the pieces of the chess board moved around.  Is William the defacto King, and what does it mean for the York sisters?  Plus Kate and William get their distraction on.

Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening.  Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network.

Royal Books:

William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story

The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Dia

Prince William is said to be tightening the screws behind palace walls, pushing total separation from Andrew and bristling at Queen Camilla’s perceived warmth toward Sarah Ferguson. Sources claim he wants “no ambiguity, no half measures” as he safeguards the Crown, even if it means stepping on toes before he is king. Meanwhile, Earthshot faces scrutiny over donor associations, William steps in for King Charles at a major church ceremony, backs a rural mental health charity with $5,000, and cheers Scotland’s World Cup return with a newly approved bank holiday.

Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid s...

Prince William is reportedly weighing legal and institutional moves to derail a proposed Netflix documentary marking 30 years since Princess Diana’s death, with insiders saying he finds the idea “deeply distressing.” Harry is said to believe he has every right to tell his mother’s story — palace permission not required — while Meghan’s reported involvement and Netflix’s backing have only inflamed tensions. Paul Burrell claims William has deliberately widened the gap as he prepares for the throne, and Deep Crown argues Harry traded a powerful royal role for California branding. As Diana’s memory resurfaces, so does the brothers’ war over who control...

William assembles his team and makes crucial decisions about the future of the monarchy. Harry's unexpected return to London for the funeral creates tension and speculation about reconciliation.

Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening.  Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network.

Royal Books:

William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story

The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana

The Princess of Wales joined Bollywood dancers and sampled Indian sweets during a lively visit to Leicester’s Golden Mile, where she was welcomed with flowers and cheers from crowds celebrating the culture of the British Indian community. Catherine even joined a short dance routine before joking about the sweets being “zero calories.”

Meanwhile in Cornwall, Prince William marked St Piran’s Day in his role as Duke of Cornwall, trying his hand at making a traditional Cornish pasty and thanking emergency crews who responded to devastating winter storms. The Duchy of Cornwall estate now generates about $30.9 million annually...

As turmoil surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues, some royal watchers say King Charles has found a new “secret weapon” in Prince Edward. The Duke of Edinburgh has quietly carried out duties from the Winter Olympics in Italy to cultural engagements in London, earning praise as a “steady hand” within a shrinking roster of working royals.Royal commentator Jennie Bond says Edward and Sophie are becoming increasingly important to the monarchy, while our Royal Insider Deep Crown argues the label is misleading: the Edinburghs are not a “secret weapon,” he says, but “load-bearing architecture” for a royal institution with a dangerously thin bench.Also in th...

Prince William is reportedly beginning to operate with the authority of a future monarch, quietly assembling a small inner circle and managing strategy largely within his own household rather than through King Charles’s court. Sources say the Prince of Wales does not see himself as “an understudy waiting in the wings,” but is already setting priorities for his eventual reign.
We also revisit the 2012 scandal that pushed William into legal battle after topless photographs of Kate were published in France, the crucial support William says he receives from Carole and Michael Middleton, and the difficult decision looming over Prince...