The Sussexes were blasted by an expert (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again found themselves at the centre of a debate over security, while Earl Spencer has opened up about the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s death in his new memoir.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced renewed scrutiny over their return to the UK, with royal commentator Angela Levin accusing the couple of attempting to influence the outcome of a review into their state-funded security arrangements.
Levin made the comments during an appearance on TalkTV, claiming the couple were effectively using their security position as leverage.
She said: “It’s blackmail, isn’t it? That’s what I think.”
Levin also questioned why public money should be spent on Harry and Meghan, arguing that the couple are no longer carrying out royal duties.
The comments came amid reports that Harry and Meghan could return permanently to the US if the latest security review does not produce the outcome they want.
The Sussexes returned to Britain last month with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking their first time living in the UK since leaving in 2020.
Earl Spencer shares emotional reflection on Diana
Almost three decades after Princess Diana’s death, her brother Earl Spencer has opened up about the grief he continues to carry.
His new memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, was released this week, ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in 2027.
In the book, Spencer reflects on the enduring impact of losing his sister.
“You never get over it,” he writes, according to the BBC.
The memoir has attracted considerable attention, with Spencer also discussing his childhood, his relationship with Diana and memories surrounding the Royal Family.
Princess Diana died in 1997 (Image: Getty)
William and Catherine follow unusual travel rule
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, reportedly follow a number of security protocols when travelling.
Helena Ford, a former British Airways flight attendant and former Love Island contestant, discussed one of those alleged arrangements during the Private Parts podcast.
According to Ford, William and Catherine are not permitted to travel in the highest cabin available.
She told Hello! magazine: “I think there is a thing in place where they can’t fly in the highest cabin, so if there’s a first class, they have to sit in business, and if there isn’t a first class, they have to sit in Traveller Plus.”
There are a number of safety precautions in place for when senior royals travel (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry faces questions over UK return
Harry was also questioned about his decision to return to Britain with Meghan and their children.
The couple’s move has generated considerable speculation about their long-term plans after they stepped down as working royals and relocated to the United States six years ago.
Harry recently travelled to the US and Canada for several engagements connected to causes he supports, where he was asked about life back in Britain.
The Duke has continued to maintain public links with both the UK and North America since the family’s return.
The prince has been living in the UK again for around a month (Image: Getty)
Royal family member reportedly visits Harry and Meghan
Reports have also emerged about an alleged visit from a member of the Royal Family since the Sussexes returned to Britain.
According to HeatWorld, Princess Beatrice and her family are believed to have visited Harry and Meghan at their new home, reportedly in the Cotswolds.
The Sussexes are said to have arrived at Birmingham Airport at the end of August with Archie and Lilibet.
Harry has reportedly spoken with King Charles since returning, although details of any wider family contact have remained limited.
Princess Beatrice has reportedly seen Prince Harry recently (Image: Getty)
Why Harry and Meghan chose the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has become the reported new base for Harry and Meghan, and privacy is often cited as one of the area’s attractions.
However, HELLO! reported that the couple also have personal connections in the region.
A source claimed they have friends nearby, including Meghan’s connections with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, while Simon Cowell is also said to have links to the area.
The Cotswolds is also home to Soho Farmhouse, a private members’ club where Meghan is reportedly still friendly with Soho House executive Markus Anderson.
The couple’s previous rented property in the area was said to be too small for their family now, meaning they would need a larger home.
Next year will mark 30 years since Princess Diana’s death (Image: Getty)
Harry warned over possible Diana documentary
Harry has reportedly been considering a documentary to mark the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death next year.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said the Duke has every right to commemorate his mother in whatever way he chooses, but warned that such a project could potentially create further tension between Harry and Prince William.
The brothers have maintained a strained relationship in recent years, and reports suggest William is keen to avoid being placed alongside Harry in competing tributes to their mother.
King Charles has received a letter (Image: Getty)
William reportedly declines Diana tribute projects
The Sunday Times reported that Prince William has declined several approaches to participate in films commemorating Diana’s life and death.
The report suggested that William does not want to become involved in a project that could place him and his younger brother against each other.
The issue comes as preparations and speculation build ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in 2027.
Meghan’s friend discusses her return to Britain
Meghan Markle’s close friend has also spoken about the Duchess’s return to the UK and how she has reportedly been received when out in public.
Harry and Meghan moved back to Britain with Archie and Lilibet last month, marking their first return to living in the country since 2020.
Their relocation has prompted continued interest in how the family will divide their time between Britain and the United States.
Harry gives update on Archie and Lilibet
During an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV in Toronto, Harry offered a rare glimpse into family life since returning to Britain.
The Duke said his children were “happy” and described it as “great” to be back in the UK.
The brief comments offered one of the few recent public updates from Harry about Archie and Lilibet since the family’s move.
Charles Spencer reportedly explores new business venture
Earl Spencer has also reportedly taken steps towards launching a lifestyle business.
According to reports, he has trademarked the name Spencer Farms for goods, prompting comparisons with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The reported move comes shortly after the publication of Swan Song, which has placed Spencer back in the spotlight.
Earl Spencer’s memoir sparks fresh royal debate
Spencer has defended his memoir as an honest account of his life and a tribute to Diana rather than an attack on King Charles.
The book has nevertheless prompted discussion about the relationship between the Spencer family and the Windsors.
Buckingham Palace rarely responds directly to claims contained in books, but a statement concerning the memoir noted that the King was “mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise.”
The statement added another layer to the attention surrounding Spencer’s account of his sister and their family’s history.
Why Harry and Meghan reportedly returned to Britain
Speculation continues over the Sussexes’ reasons for establishing a home in Britain again.
Charlotte Griffiths, editor-at-large at the Mail on Sunday, suggested on TalkTV that the move could be connected to a new Netflix arrangement.
According to Griffiths, Harry could potentially make a documentary about his mother as part of the deal.
There has been no official confirmation of such a documentary.
For now, Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain, the ongoing security debate and the renewed focus on Diana’s legacy continue to dominate royal coverage, with further developments expected as the family prepares for the 30th anniversary of the Princess of Wales’s death.