Royal Family news – ‘Queen’s Xmas photo snub prompted Meghan & Harry’s exit’ as BBC doc part two to air tonight

Is 'Megxit' a sexist term?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are having a laugh if they think 'Megxit' is a sexist term, one commentator has said.

Writing in the Telegraph, Judith Woods says the Sussexes' sense of humour failure is the reason they fled to the U.S. in the first place as they did not understand the British media's long standing history of taking the mick.

She wrote: "However near-to-the-knuckle, our knockabout waggery has been part and parcel of public life since Pope, Swift and Hogarth first drew gasps for their sheer audaciousness.

"But sometimes headlines really are simply just-a-bit-of-fun; like that snap of dazzling bride-to-be Meghan Markle’s megawatt smile accompanied by the joyous, jaunty “I’m getting Harryed in the Morning” or Megxit to describe the couple’s departure from these shores. "

BBC & Royals at war after Netflix’s The Crown film Bashir & Diana scene at HQ

The BBC allowed Netflix to film The Crown at its central London HQ — in a move which will further infuriate Prince William and the Royal Family.

Bosses let the streaming giant use Broadcasting House to recreate real-life scenes in the run-up to Martin Bashir’s 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana.

Exclusive pictures show actor Richard Cordery, 71, portraying Marmaduke Hussey, who was Chairman of the BBC’s board of governors at the time.

He was filming with a small crew at Broadcasting House in Portland Place, Central London.

Read the full story here:

Queen snubbed Christmas photo, book claims

New book “Brothers And Wives: Inside The Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan” claims the Queen had an aide move a portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archie off camera before she recorded her 2019 Christmas broadcast.

The framed photo was initially on a desk alongside other family images, including photos of William and Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Queen's father George VI and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The monarch is claimed to have pointed at the framed image and said: “That one, I suppose we don’t need that one.”

It is suggested that the Queen snubbed Harry and Meghan because they had chosen to spend Christmas in Canada with Meghan's mum Doria Ragland.

Prince acknowledges 'atrocity of slavery'

The Prince of Wales has acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery", describing it as something "which forever stains our history", during the ceremony marking Barbados' historic transition to a republic.

Charles summed up the period when the UK was one of the leading players in the transatlantic slave trade as the "darkest days of our past", but looking to the future said the "creation of this republic offers a new beginning".

The prince will be head of state of many nations in the Caribbean when he becomes king and his words will resonate across the region.

BBC speak out over mysteriously delayed podcast

Alongside the documentary, the BBC was set to release a five-part podcast yesterday exploring the royals and the press.

However it was mysteriously delayed at the eleventh hour.

The Beeb said: “The podcast is still in production and will now be released as a box set when it’s ready.”

The delay came as the BBC said it was replacing the title of last night’s documentary from ‘Megxit’ with Sussexit’ after claims by Prince Harry that the term was sexist.

Legal issues surrounding documentary 'unlikely' to be pursued

THE BBC last night appeared to back down on claims that Buckingham Palace briefed against Harry and Meghan after being accused of peddling ‘overblown and unfounded’ allegations.

The Princes and the Press BBC documentary appeared to step back from suggestions that William allowed aides to brief about his brother’s mental health - which was categorically denied by, and deeply offended many in, the royal household.

The households’ lawyers had been preparing to examine the final programme with a fine-tooth comb and had not ruled out a formal complaint. 

But it appears our monarchs were satisfied with a royal source saying: "It is unlikely the matter will be taken further."

BBC documentary 'watered-down' at the '11th hour'

Last night’s prime-time offering had seemingly been watered-down at the 11th hour, with editing going on up until the last minute, the Mail has reported.

The royal households believe it contains a slew of unsubstantiated and categorically inaccurate accusations about collusion with the media, particularly in connection with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the tumultuous period of their decision to quit royal duties, dubbed ‘Megxit’.

The programme did, however, give significant airtime to Meghan’s personal solicitor, who went on the attack to defend the duchess against accusations of bullying, denying she had ever "improperly" used her "power".

Victoria's secret

Queen Victoria's 141-year-old XXL nightdress and chemise are expected to fetch thousands of pounds at auction after they were gifted to a royal maid in the 1800s.

The voluminous lace night garments were worn by Britain's longest serving monarch after she gained weight following the death of Prince Albert.

They were given to a retiring maid who served the royal family in the 1800s before being kept by automotive pioneer Hubert Noel Charles who designed the first MG car.

Hubert's niece Hilary Aston, 79, is now selling the regal nightwear, which could fetch up to £11,000 when they go under the hammer on December 7.

The retired former language school owner, from Oxford, said: "This nightdress was given to me by my uncle and aunt before they died."

British flag lowered on Barbados

The Caribbean island nation severed centuries-old ties to the British monarchy last night, ditching Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and declaring itself the world's newest republic.

The Royal Standard flag that represents the Queen was lowered in the capital Bridgetown and at midnight the current governor-general, Dame Sandra Mason, was inaugurated as the first president.

The new era for Barbados has fueled debate among the population of 285,000 over colonialism and Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834.

Director Sam Mendes to be knighted today

Bond film director Sir Sam Mendes will be knighted at Windsor Castle today alongside a host of famous faces, including stars from the entertainment world, political luminaries and a close royal aide.

The cinema heavyweight is being recognised for services to drama at a ceremony hosted by the Princess Royal, while stars of the small screen including Vicar Of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer and Emmerdale theme tune creator Tony Hatch will also receive honours.

Sir Sam won Best Director at the Oscars in 1999 for his first film, American Beauty, and he co-wrote, directed and produced the Oscar-winning 1917 in 2019, which was inspired by his grandfather's stories of the First World War.

The Queen sends her good wishes to Barbados

The Queen has sent the new republic of Barbados her "warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future" as it celebrates its "momentous day".

In a message to the new president, Dame Sandra Mason, and her Caribbean citizens, the Queen praised the nation, which has a "special place" in her heart, for "its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty".

The Queen said in her message: "On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first president of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.

Prince Charles not welcome in Barbados

Black Lives Matter protesters in Barbados yesterday opposed Charles attending the midnight party demanding the Royal Family apologise for their role in the slave trade and demanding the Queen pays reparations.

Charles was to stop short of apologising in his speech during a party in National Heroes Square - which has been renamed from Trafalgar Square.

He was set to say: "The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum - a milestone on the long road you have not only travelled, but which you have built.

"From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.

The Queen's Christmas tree is already up

The Queen has a fabulous 15-footer all a-twinkle at Windsor Castle, while celebs rush to be first with the fir on social media as they post images of theirs.

Take a bough, Marvin Humes, Abbey Clancy and Britney Spears, and families across the land will follow this weekend as they choose their pines.

It is not even December but eager Christmas fans already have their trees up - maybe to make up for last year's restricted festivities.

Prince Charles visits Barbados

The Prince of Wales represented the UK at the televised open-air ceremony and in a speech was also warmly acknowledged by the guests when he told the new republic: "I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados."

Charles' speech was a positive message, as if written for a close acquittance, harbouring no regret at the decision taken by the Barbadian leaders, and it also acknowledge Britain's role in the "appalling atrocity of slavery".

He listed the ways he will "remain deeply committed to this very special country", highlighting the on-going efforts of his Prince's Trust International charity in supporting Barbados's young people and his work with their government on issues like climate change.

Recap: What did Harry say about his time in the Royal family?

Prince Harry told Oprah back in March that he had been ‘trapped’ in the Royal machine but did not realise till he met Meghan.

“I was trapped but I didn’t know I was trapped,” he said.

“I was trapped within the system like the rest of my family are.

“My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don’t get to leave – and I have huge compassion for that.”

When asked about his relationship William, he went on to say: “You know, as I’ve said before, I love William to bits. He’s my brother.

“We’ve been through hell together. I mean, we have a shared experience. But, you know, we’re on different paths.”

Recap: What has Harry said about his rift with his brother?

Harry revealed the full extent of the brothers’ rift on a tour of South Africa in 2019.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave a revealing interview during the trip to ITV’s Tom Bradby.

Harry said of William: “We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him and I know he will always be there for me.

“We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy but I love him dearly.

“The majority of stuff is created out of nothing but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days.”

Prince William & Kate Middleton’s new neighbour

Prince William and Kate Middleton could welcome Princess Eugenie or Princess Beatrice as their neighbour in Kensington Palace, a royal historian has said.

Marlene Koenig, a royal historian and expert, has suggested that either Princess Beatrice or Eugenie could be lined up as Apartment 1’s newest tenants.

She told Express.co.uk last month: “Princess Anne’s home is her own and it will go to her kids, it’s not a royal home.

“There’s an area next to it that Mark Phillips helped buy before the divorce, and that’s where Zara and Peter live and have their homes — it’s all going to be theirs at some point.

“But other homes and royal residences, right now, it’s more about maintaining what they have.

Growing up

Prince George is set to see changes to the way he travels after his 12th birthday.

This is due to rules in place to protect the line of succession in the Royal Family.

Celebrity media outlet Nicki Swift reported: “As the future monarch, the Duke must adhere to most royal protocols and Kate must follow his lead, though they occasionally make exceptions.

“The couple aren’t even supposed to travel together with their children in the event that a tragic event wipes out the second, third, fourth, and fifth heirs to the throne.

“Queen Elizabeth has let this rule slide but it’s expected to be enforced when their eldest child, Prince George, turns 12.”

Meghan's weird pranks on Ellen

Meghan made a surprise appearance on Ellen’s show last week – eight months after her bombshell Oprah interview back in March.

During the light-hearted interview, Meghan laughed as she spoke about her life as a struggling actress before meeting Harry.

The former Suits star recalled how she would go to auditions on the same Warner Bros. lot as Ellen’s set, but was forced to climb through her boot because her door was broken.

She also took part in one of Ellen’s legendary IBF pranks.

An IFB, otherwise known as an interruptible foldback, is a tiny earpiece worn by a celeb – as Ellen feeds them instructions to make a total fool of themselves in public.

As part of the gag she was made to pop on a pair of furry cat ears and sing: “I’m a kitten, meow, meow, meow.”

The new monarchy

When the end of the second Elizabethan age ends, and the Carolinian one dawns, the monarchy could look very different.

A royal expert has said that Prince Charles will introduce a “very different” monarchy era, but he will struggle to match up with the Queen’s phenomenal reign.

Professor Anna Whitelock said: “Just by virtue of the fact that the Queen is celebrating her seventieth year next year, by virtue of her longevity, her life, what she’s lived through, what she’s seen, she’s been unmatched.

“Charles, given his own age, he’s never going to be able to surpass that, and what the Queen has seen and been through.”

She added: “I think we are in a very different, and we are going to be, in a very different era with a very different kind of monarch, and a very different kind of monarchy in the future.”

The ups and downs of the Royals and the Beeb

The Beeb screened a tribute to the late Prince Philip this year. It also broadcast Earthshot, a five-part series about climate change which was presented by Prince William.

However, just six months ago, William blasted the company for its failings over the Martin Bashir interview with his mother, Princess Diana, while Harry said the results of an independent probe were the “first step towards justice” for their mum.

And in 2007 bosses were forced to apologise to the Queen for “misrepresenting” her in a documentary.

A Palace source told the paper of the new programme: “There is upset about it.

“The households are all united in thinking this is not fair.

“No one at the Palace has seen it.”

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Queen could cut BBC off FOREVER

The Royals could cut the BBC off forever following fury over a new royal documentary.

As reported exclusively by The Sun, the Cambridges have already banned the national broadcaster from screening their Christmas carol concert, instead handing the rights to ITV.

But more extreme measures could soon be taken – and insiders claim the furore could spell the end of the long relationship between the broadcaster and the royals.

It follows upset over a BBC Two documentary which aired “unfounded” allegations that William and his staff briefed the media against Meghan and Harry.

Father-son bonding

Prince William will be the perfect ‘sidekick’ to Prince Charles when he takes the throne, a historian has claimed.

Royal historian Dr Ed Owens told the Express.co.uk: “Yes one son has gone. One, if you like, trusted lieutenant has departed and does not seem interested in supporting his father, as was originally the plan.

“But in William, Charles does have a trusty sidekick, and so long as the Cambridges are popular and maintain their public image as this idyllic family group, I do not see a moment of crisis on the horizon.”

Royal decree

Prince William banned aides from briefing against family members after seeing the devastating impact of his parents Charles and Diana’s media attacks — dubbed the War of the Waleses.

His stand emerged as a BBC documentary explored William and Harry’s relationship with news outlets.

The first episode of The Princes And The Press included an interview with author Omid Scobie, who it was revealed was briefed by Meghan, 40, and Harry, 37, for his book Finding Freedom.

The documentary alleged leaks to the Press about Meghan’s bad behaviour towards staff came from other royal households shortly after the wedding in 2018.

Scobie alleged: “There has been a lot of rumours for some time that a lot of the most damaging and negative stories about Harry and Meghan, that have ended up in the pages of the Press, have come from the other royal households or from other royal aides or courtiers. From my own experience that is true.”

What was said in the first part of the BBC documentary?

During the inaugural episode of The Princes and The Press, documentary makers looked into media coverage of William and Harry between 2012 and 2018.

The shocking documentary claimed there had been “competitiveness” between the royal households.

And within the film, Omid Scobie – the co-author of Finding Freedom, a sympathetic biography on Meghan and Harry – alleged negative stories were leaked against Meghan to “put her in her place”.