Meghan Markle calls out online hate as Kate's uncle booted from CBB - updates

Gary Goldsmith slammed by CBB fans for 'milking it'

Fans have slammed Celebrity Big Brother star Gary Goldsmith for refusing to take "accountability" for his controversial past as he tries to play the victim on the ITV show

The shamed uncle of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, took part in a group task named Celestial Retreat where housemates had to answer questions written on a petal. Gary, 58, was asked by fellow housemate Fern Britton: "How have you found peace within yourself or are you still looking?" He responded saying: "I think peace is something always to be striving for. I thought I was having a really cool life until something hits you. "

He continued: "One day I was Gary, a businessman having a laugh with a great family. And then the next minute, I’m a national villain. So, I don’t really know what true peace is if I’m honest.” On the back of his candid comment, fans rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter to make their feelings known.

Gary was the first star to be evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house (James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)

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Meghan Markle reveals daughter Lilibet's nickname

Meghan Markle has revealed her daughter Lilibet's sweet nickname, with the Duchess even praising her husband in her speech at South by Southwest on Friday, which came as Prince Harry supported his wife from the front row.

The Duchess of Sussex made an empowering appearance today at the South by Southwest Festival, which was held in Austin, Texas. The mother-of-two took part in a keynote speech titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.

While discussing the bullying and abuse she has endured through social media, Meghan sweetly revealed the nickname she has for Princess Lilibet, her youngest child. She said that the "bulk of the bullying and abuse" that she experienced on social media and online, "was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili". This short comment seemingly revealed Meghan's sweet nickname for her tot.

Prince Harry is yet to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK

How Harry and Meghan's 10 'lies' in Oprah interview stack up years later

In the explosive chat, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made some shocking allegations about their time in The Firm. They claimed conversations had been had about how dark Prince Archie's skin might have been when he was born, while Meghan accused the Princess of Wales of making her cry just days before her wedding.

It's now been three years since the Oprah interview and the Sussexes have actually changed some of their claims over the years, with Piers Morgan even accusing the couple of lying during the chat. Here, we've taken a look at how their biggest accusations stack up now.

Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day

In one tense moment during the Oprah Winfrey interview, the host asked Meghan if she had been "silent or silenced". Meghan shockingly claimed it was the latter. The Duchess of Sussex also said she the Royal Family told her to say "no comment" when asked questions by the press.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interview on Oprah Winfrey show (CBS)

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Key sign Kate is 'doing her best' to return

Little has been seen of Kate in recent weeks, as she takes time away from the spotlight to recover from abdominal surgery in private. Kensington Palace said in January that based on medical advice she was unlikely to return to official royal duty until Easter, but because of huge amounts of speculation regarding the status of her health and whereabouts online, they have been forced to reinforce this expected timeline, despite initially saying they would only make further statements if there was a "significant updates".

When the Ministry of Defence advertised and began selling tickets to watch Kate review troops - as part of Trooping the Colour - in June, the palace noted they had not confirmed that she would be appearing yet, creating further doubt about whether she is likely to return to public life anytime soon. But one expert has said that a key move Kate made recently signals she is "doing her best" to get back to work as soon as possible.

Ingrid Seward - editor in chief of Majesty Magazine - explained to The Sun exactly why she believes the Princess of Wales seems determined to recover as quickly as possible and get back to the work she is most passionate about.

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Kate Middleton remains in recovery after surgery (getty)

Meghan 'preparing for relaunch in UK'

Meghan Markle is said to be preparing for a huge relaunch in the United Kingdom, following her and Prince Harry's shock 2020 departure.

Four years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would be stepping back from their roles as senior working royals. And then mere months later, the duo decided to uproot their lives in Windsor and move to Montecito, California in the United States.

But now it has been reported that the couple is ready to relaunch themselves back into the UK, with them reportedly on the hunt for a UK-based PR guru to help them relaunch their brand and get back into the good books of the general public.

According to a new report today, the Duchess of Sussex is looking for "professional help" to gain more positive publicity in Britain. She wants more positive PR for herself and her foundation, Archewell, which she runs alongside her husband Prince Harry.

Speaking to MailOnline, who claims the couple is eyeing up a return to the UK and on the lookout for help from a public relations guru, one senior PR executive from London said: "This is a s**t sandwich that many senior PR people will not be willing to eat. Many will turn it down.

"Representing the couple in the UK is a tantalising thought but they don't have a reputation for listening to advice. What would be the point?"

Meghan pictured at Trooping The Colour 2018 (Getty Images)

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Meghan Markle praised by fans after calling out 'cruel' online bullies

Meghan Markle has been praised by fans after calling out "cruel" online bullies after receiving "toxic abuse".

The Duchess of Sussex delivered an empowering speech at the South by Southwest Festival in Texas on Friday, which came as Prince Harry, the former actress' doting husband, supported his wife from the front row as she gushed over how much of a hands-on dad he is, as well as opening up about the bullying she has been subject to in the past.

While speaking on the panel for the keynote speech titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen, Meghan opened up when she said: "But the bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online, was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili."

She went on: "And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you're pregnant and you have a newborn," she went on, touching on how it's a tender and sacred time.

Meghan Markle appears at SXSW festival for feminist speech

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Gary Goldsmith's 'hurt' at being branded 'bad uncle'

Exiting the show, Gary has provided a little insight into why he went on it.

Speaking about his conversations on the royals in his exit interview, he said: "To be fair, people were asking me about it but they didn't know what else I was. Why are you here if not for that - people were asking me a lot of questions because they didn't know what to ask. I did volunteer a lot - but hey you caught me. I wanted to change what people think of me and who I was.

"It does hurt for when you're always referred to being a 'bad uncle'. I wanted to change that."

Celeb BB airs first eviction as Kate's uncle faces the axe

Celebrity Big Brother aired its first eviction tonight as one star headed home.

Both Gary Goldsmith and Lauren Simon were up for eviction tonight, with the public choosing to vote for who they wanted to keep in the house. The Princess of Wales ' uncle Gary had been put up for eviction by Sharon Osbourne. Find out more on the results.

Kate's uncle Gary's very personal reveal about niece behind closed doors

Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith has made a very personal admission about his royal niece.

Fans will likely be intrigued to hear Gary's thoughts on Kate behind closed doors, away from the pomp and splendour of palace life, especially given that the 58-year-old has previously offered insight into how the Princess of Wales really feels about Harry and Meghan's explosive Netflix documentary.

Blasting the six-part series as 'a self-pitying whinge-fest', Gary revealed the couple would likely be feeling "deeply wounded" over the series. "There's nothing Catherine would want more than for the brothers to be reconciled because that's the real love story here," he said. "Two brothers who love each other but have been torn apart."

Celebrity Big Brother's Gary Goldsmith (ITV)

Meghan Markle awkwardly reacts to Brooke Shields' 'prostitute' comment

While partaking in her discussion with the SXSW panel on Friday, Meghan awkwardly reacted to one of the fellow participant's stories.

The Duchess of Sussex took part in a keynote speech titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen. But after sharing a story about campaigning for a change to a sexist advert aged 11, Meghan appeared a little taken aback when fellow panellist Brooke Shields joked: "When I was 11, I was playing a prostitute."

Actress Brooke starred as the daughter of a prostitute in the 1978 film Pretty Baby, which was based on a true story. Meghan could be heard making an inaudible mumble before laughing as she said: "A little different," with a huge grin on her face as she composed herself quickly before continuing with the discussion.

Errin Haines, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, and Nancy Wang Yuen speak onstage during the SXSW 2024 Conference (FilmMagic)

Meghan Markle stuns in silk outfit at SXSW Festival

Meghan Markle has made an appearance at the South by Southwest Festival, which is also known as SXSW, with the Duchess delivering a moving speech about feminism.

Earlier this week, the Duchess was announced as a speaker at the iconic festival that celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. And now, the former actress has taken to the stage to deliver her speech at the keynote event.

Meghan took part in the keynote titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen, with the Duchess joined by journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields and diversity equity and inclusion consultant at Peoplism, Nancy Wang Yuen.

Read more here Meghan Markle wows in silk at SXSW Festival as she delivers moving speech

'Respresentation matters'

During the session, Meghan also emphasised that “representation matters”.

“The key thing that I think needs to be focused on in terms of equity is it’s not a zero-sum game, just because someone else has the same advantage that you do doesn’t mean that you’re losing anything, and actually create an environment that is so inclusive, where people feel as if they have a seat at the table – as they should,” she said.

In an earlier session, Modern Family star Julie Bowen said that the Duke of Sussex was also at the event in Austin, Texas. Meghan’s appearance comes as the Princess of Wales recovers from abdominal surgery in the UK, and Kate’s maternal uncle, Gary Goldsmith, appears on Celebrity Big Brother.

During his five days on the ITV reality show, Goldsmith told his housemates that Meghan put a “stick in the spokes” when she was first introduced to the royal family, creating “so much drama that I don’t generally think is there”.

The keynote speech was presented by Meghan and Harry’s The Archewell Foundation and The 19th, the national non-profit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Meghan's nod to "hands on" dad Harry

Elsewhere in her speech while on the panel, Meghan even gushed over her husband, whom she married in 2018.

Meghan said: "My husband is such a hands-on dad," while chatting to the panelists about the support she has. Harry was also at the event in Texas, watching on from the front row. The two were seen enjoying a date night together the evening prior.

Meghan reveals family's sweet nickname for Lilibet

While discussing the bullying and abuse she has endured through social media, Meghan sweetly revealed the nickname she has for Princess Lilibet, her youngest child. She said that the "bulk of the bullying and abuse" that she experienced on social media and online, "was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili". This short comment seemingly revealed Meghan's sweet nickname for her tot.

She went on: "And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you're pregnant and you have a newborn," she went on, touching on how it's a tender and sacred time.

Lilibet was christened in Los Angeles in March 2023 (Archewell/PA Wire)

Read more here Meghan shares daughter Lilibet's nickname as she praises 'hands-on dad' Harry

Meghan hits out at abuse at Harry looks on from front row

During the talk, Meghan spoke about the online bullying she's received over the years, especially while she was pregnant with her two children - Archie, four, and Lilbet, two. "The bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online, was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili," Meghan said.

She went on: "And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you're pregnant and you have a newborn," she went on, touching on how it's a tender and sacred time.

Harry watched from the front row.

Read more here Meghan hits out at 'hateful abuse' in powerful speech as adoring Harry looks on

Meghan kicks off her International Womens Day speech

The Duchess of Sussex has kicked off a keynote speech to discuss the importance of representation in media and entertainment on International Women's Day.
Meghan has led a session titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On And Off The Screen at the annual SXSW conference. Her appearance comes as the Princess of Wales recovers from abdominal surgery in the UK and Kate's maternal uncle Gary Goldsmith appears on Celebrity Big Brother.
In an earlier session, Modern Family star Julie Bowen revealed that the Duke of Sussex was also present at the event in Austin, Texas.

Meghan Markle joined a panel at the SXSW Festival in Texas (SXSW)

Edward speaks on 'importance of diversity' in sport

The Duke of Edinburgh has stressed the importance of improving diversity and inclusion in sport, saying "there are still elements of the sporting community who still are negative about a lot of what's going on".
Speaking at Leeds' Community Sport and Recreation Awards this afternoon, Edward said: "We must do better to make everybody feel part of sport." The duke made a speech at the event organised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance at Headingley Stadium, which celebrated clubs', organisations' and individuals' contributions to grassroots sport.
He said: "I am incredibly proud of what the Sports and Recreation Alliance is doing across most British sport in pushing diversity and inclusion. I think it is really, really important."
"It's still not easy," he added, "and there are still elements of the sporting community who still are negative about a lot of what's going on. We've got to continue to push and change those attitudes. We've got to get out there and prove it is a very good thing for everybody."

Prince Harry given the 'cold shoulder' after 'reaching out' to Kate and William

Prince Harry has been given the "cold shoulder" after reportedly "reaching out" to his brother Prince William, and sister-in-law Kate Middleton.

The Duke of Sussex jetted from LA to London back in February after he found out that his father, King Charles, had been diagnosed with cancer. Flying for 10-hours across the Atlantic, the Duke was reported to have spent around half an hour with his father when visiting him in London.

And now it has emerged that Harry allegedly reached out to his brother ahead of his visit to his homeland.

Duchess likens family to 'iceberg' with public only seeing 'small proportion'

During her speech, the Duchess also spoke of The Firm being like an iceberg, with the world only seeing a tiny fragment of what goes on.

She told spectators: "Like an iceberg, what is seen above the water or in public is only a small proportion of what goes on behind the scenes." The line was part of a gushing tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's work for his patronages and charity affiliations.

"But whatever he is doing he gives 150% of himself," Sophie added.

Sophie describes Duke as "still my best friend" in touching speech

The Duchess also spoke of the couple's close bond ahead of their 25th anniversary in the speech in Leeds.

In the tearful tribute ahead of his 60th birthday, the Duchess described Edward as “the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and he is still my best friend” adding “I am so proud of the man he is”.

They both wiped away tears after she described how, like his father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, “my husband never seeks compliments for himself”. She said: “Which is why I am grateful for this chance to able to publicly celebrate and compliment him.” Sophie said Edward was “so happy and humbled” when the late Queen made him a Knight of the Garter in 2006, and “equally delighted and moved” when the new King – “who we are both incredibly proud to support” – made him Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh hug after her speech during the Community Sport and Recreation Awards on Friday (Getty Images)

Duchess of Edinburgh pays sweet tribute to Prince Edward on royal visit

Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh has made a touching tribute to her "darling" husband, Prince Edward, ahead of his 60th birthday.

In a speech at Headingley Stadium in Leeds, where the couple have been on a visit today, spoke of the hours the Prince spends devoted to youth organisations and "CV of affiliations", saying he was "not just a name on a piece of paper" but that "he commits himself to all of them and cares deeply for each".

Edward with wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh (Getty Images)

Prince William 'won't worry about who does what' in picking up royal duties

Prince William will gladly accept the help of Queen Camilla in picking up royal duties while the King and Kate recover, an expert claims.

With Camilla taking on more engagements as Charles is treated for cancer and Kate continuing to recover post-surgery, former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole said the Prince of Wales "won't worry about who does what in the Royal Family". He told MailOnline: "It is right, proper and in accord with protocol for the Queen Consort should take up some of the duties of her husband while he is unable to preside at public-facing events and ceremonies.

"Prince William has shown nothing but good judgement in recent years, especially while dealing with tricky situations, not least the continuing fall-out from the self-imposed exile to California of his younger brother, Prince Harry."

Duke of Edinburgh jokes about upcoming 60th birthday

The Duke of Edinburgh joked that he does not need to be reminded about his age after he was gifted with a rugby shirt to honour his upcoming birthday.

Edward and Sophie were all smiles when they met girls playing Rugby League at Headingley Stadium, in Leeds, on Friday. As the pair posed for photos, they were presented with Leeds Rhinos shirts – two days ahead of his 60th birthday on Sunday.

He laughed as he spotted the shirt had “HRH 60” on the back, before he turned to his wife and said: “Yours is more subtle than mine.” He told the young players: “Thanks a bunch. I really need to be reminded.” Sophie held her shirt up with no number and told the girls: “I’m much younger."

Prince William arrives in London to celebrate Earthshot Prize

Prince William has arrived in London to celebrate the scaling of Earthshot Prize solutions.

As part of the anticipated news, William will meet up with the 2022 Earthshot Prize Winner and sustainable packaging start-up, Notpla at The Kia Oval Cricket Ground. The Prince of Wales will listen about the huge contract they have scored with Levy UK + Ireland. The new contract will allow them to extend the use of Notpla boxes across 50 venues in the UK and Ireland.

Prince William has arrived for royal engagements in London (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

How Kate is likely to spend Mother's Day this weekend

Kate Middleton is expected to have a low-key celebration for Mother's Day, according to an expert.

The mum of three is believed to be taking it easy as she continues to recover from her recent surgery. The Princess of Wales underwent an abdominal operation in January and has been spending time in Windsor since her hospital release.

Emily Nash, royal editor of Hello! magazine says: "Kate may not have been on the school run or at sports matches, but she has been able to spend plenty of time with her children at home over the past few weeks and they will have been such a tonic for her. Her family are absolutely at the centre of her world, so being able to have George, Charlotte and Louis at home with her has no doubt really boosted her spirits."

Kate Middelton is likely to have a low-key Mother's Day this weekend (BBC Children in Need/Comic Relief via Getty Images)

Mike Tindall heartbreakingly explains the only time he 'ever really cried'

There has only been one thing that has ever really made Mike Tindall cry, the former rugby player has revealed in a heartbreaking emotional moment.

The husband of former Olympian Zara and son-in-law of Princess Anne has long been known for the insights he provides about life behind closed doors for the Royal Family on his own podcast, and appears as a guest on other shows.

This revelation came as the former England player made a guest appearance on Oh My Dog, during which he had a candid discussion about his family pets with the hosts Seann Walsh and Jack Dee.

Per The Express, Mike and Zara and their three children - Lena, Mia, and Lucas - have three dogs, two of which are black labradors called Storm and Pepper, and another dog called Blink - which is a brindle boxer.

They used to also have a dog called Cawley, who is Storm's mother, and Storm herself is Pepper's mum. Tindall admitted that the only time he had ever really found himself in tears was regarding his beloved pets.

"The only times I've ever cried, well really ever cried, [was] when I had a bull Mastiff called Misty who died and then Cawley, who was Storm's mum when she died as well," he explained.

Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall (Getty Images)

Prince Harry 'blinked through tears' during 'cold and distant' final outing as royal

Commonwealth Day is one of the rare occasions all senior royals join together for a grand service at Westminster Abbey.

And Monday's ceremony will be a poignant one as it will mark the first King Charles has attended as monarch.

He will be joined by wife Queen Camilla as well as eldest son Prince William and the Princess of Wales - but not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

In fact, the event in 2020 marked their last royal engagement before quitting as senior royals to carve out new lives for themselves in North America.

They attended the service alongside other members of the Firm - and many remarked on the tension between the family members.

And according to a book, Harry appeared to be "fighting back the tears" following what they perceived to be a "snub".

Before the ceremony, 2,000 orders of service had been distributed detailing that William and Kate would enter the Abbey with the main royal party.

However, there was no mention of Harry and Meghan being in the procession, with the Daily Mail reporting the couple was "quite sensitive and emotional about it".

Meghan Marke and Prince Harry stepped back as senior royals in 2020 (AFP via Getty Images)

New PR guru to bolster Meghan's team ahead of mystery launch

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hired a UK-based public relations executive to bolster their team, it has been claimed.

They will handle UK and European media and report to the couple’s US-based communications team.

The new member joins ahead of the launch of a new commercial venture that the Duchess has been working on for many months, reports The Telegraph.

The initiative, billed as a lifestyle and wellness brand, had been expected to launch last autumn but was delayed.

There is some speculation it will be a version of Goop, Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow’s multimillion-dollar lifestyle business, but aides insist that is not the case.

They say the venture is highly personal and “genuine to who she is”.

Meghan Markle (Getty Images)

Late Captain Ian Farquhar is dad of Prince William's first girlfriend

The late Captain Ian Farquhar is the dad of Prince William's first girlfriend.

The Prince of Wales, 41, briefly dated Rose Farquhar in 2000 after he finished his A-Levels at Eton.

Farquhar, 78, is understood to have passed away at King Charles' Highgrove Estate.

He served as the Queen Mother's equerry and in the Queen's Own Hussars, a cavalry regiment of the British Army.

Farquhar and Charles reportedly became close friends when William and Rose were dating.

Captain Ian Farquhar (PA)

Key sign Kate is 'doing her best' to return as soon as possible, claims expert

Little has been seen of Kate in recent weeks, as she takes time away from the spotlight to recover from abdominal surgery in private.

Kensington Palace said in January that based on medical advice she was unlikely to return to official royal duty until Easter, but because of huge amounts of speculation regarding the status of her health and whereabouts online, they have been forced to reinforce this expected timeline, despite initially saying they would only make further statements if there was a "significant updates".

When the Ministry of Defence advertised and began selling tickets to watch Kate review troops - as part of Trooping the Colour - in June, the palace noted they had not confirmed that she would be appearing yet, creating further doubt about whether she is likely to return to public life anytime soon.

But one expert has said that a key move Kate made recently signals she is "doing her best" to get back to work as soon as possible.

Sign Kate trying to return soon, claims expert (PA)