PRINCE WILLIAM'S secret battle with coronavirus has been revealed, as his brother Prince Harry was slammed for 'abandoning' his royal duties amid the pandemic.
The Duke of Cambridge kept his diagnosis a secret because he didn’t want to alarm the nation.
He caught the virus in April days after dad, Prince Charles, and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, were struck down.
William told one observer at an engagement: “There were important things going on and I didn’t want to worry anyone.”
The 38-year-old was reportedly left "struggling to breathe" and was "hit pretty hard" by the virus.
Meanwhile, his brother has been accused of "abandoning" his royal duties during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking to the Express, the Good Morning Britain host said: “I think the way the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have conducted themselves during the pandemic has been starkly at odds with the Sussexes, and to their great credit.
“They understand what to do. I thought Harry understood that but he has got no interest in duty.
“He has been completely bamboozled in a way that we saw the last time American lady entered the Royal Family.”
Follow all the latest news on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry below…
- Chiara Fiorillo
PRINCE CHARLES SAD AS HASN'T SEEN ARCHIE FOR A YEARPrince Charles and other members of the Royal Family are reportedly sad as they have not seen Archie for a year.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were planning to visit the UK for Christmas, but according to reports they will not do so.An insider told the Daily Mail: “The Prince of Wales enjoyed popping into Frogmore Cottage to see his youngest grandchild and is sad that he hasn’t seen him for so long.”He has missed much of his development since he is now growing up in the USA.”
- Claire Hubble
WILLIAM'S SECRET CORONAVIRUS BATTLE
Prince William “struggled to breathe” after being struck down by Covid-19, and kept his diagnosis a secret because he didn’t want to alarm the nation.
The heir to the throne, 38, caught the virus in April days after dad, Prince Charles, and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, were struck down.
William told one observer at an engagement: “There were important things going on and I didn’t want to worry anyone.”
A source said: “William was hit pretty hard by the virus – it really knocked him for six.
“At one stage he was struggling to breathe, so obviously everyone around him was pretty panicked.
“After seeing medics and testing positive – which was obviously quite a shock given how fit and healthy he is – William was determined it should be business as usual though.
“He was determined to fulfil his engagements.”
- Claire Hubble
WILL HARRY BE BACK FOR XMAS?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to snub the Queen for the second Christmas in a row and spend it with Harry's “surrogate” dad David Foster, according to sources.
The pair are not ready to come back to the UK for Christmas as they're enjoying life in California.
An unnamed source told The Mirror: “Meghan very much wants to host the first Christmas at their new home with her mum.
“She’s really excited and is planning on doing all the traditions she grew up with as a child, including the cooking.
“They’ve also invited David and Katherine to spend it with them.
“David had mentioned Harry and Meghan going to theirs but Meghan wants it at home.
“They want to get on with their new lives. Christmas with Harry’s family is not in the plan.”
- Claire Hubble
THOMAS MARKLE OPENS UP ABOUT ILLNESS
The Duchess of Sussex's estranged dad Thomas Markle claimed he has had a cold for FOUR YEARS as he reveals a list of illnesses – and warned his daughter's case gives him “anxiety”.
The 76-year-old warned “I could die tomorrow” as he protested against Meghan Markle's application to delay her privacy battle for almost a year.
The Duchess of Sussex's application was approved for a “confidential” reason heard behind closed doors – meaning the January trial will now be pushed back to autumn next year.
Meghan could take the stand to give evidence if the trial goes ahead – with her estranged dad also saying he would be willing to travel to London from his home in Mexico for the showdown.
And the 76-year-old said he wanted to get the trial done “as quickly as possible” due to his ailing health that included a cold that had lasted three to four years.
In a statement to the court, the dad said: “I am a realist and I could die tomorrow. The sooner this case takes place the better.”
- Claire Hubble
HARRY 'TREATED AS A SPARE' AND 'PUSHED OUTWARDS'
Robert Lacey, royal biographer and author of Battle of Brothers – which unpacks William and Harry’s relationship – said Harry received poorer treatment growing up.
Robert made the claims on the Pod Save the Queen podcast, in one of his latest interviews since his bombshell biography was released.
He said: “I would say William has been more kindly treated than Harry has been, but that has always been the fate of the spare.
“Harry follows, sadly, in the tradition of Princess Margaret or Prince Andrew as number twos in the system, who are treated harshly by the logic of the royal system which actually favors the main bloodline.
“When they are born and are young and children, the spare is always so close to the centre of things and it is their destiny, through life, to be pushed ever outwards.
- Claire Hubble
MEGHAN'S BACK TO BUSINESS PONYTAIL
Meghan Markle has shown off a sleek ponytail on a number of Zoom calls recently, which stylist to the stars Lucas Armitage says is her way of sending a message to the public.
He explained: “Looking at this hair style I would say Meghan approaches business affairs with a girl boss attitude but retains her carefree attitude.”
- Claire Hubble
HARRY 'DIDN'T KNOW OF UNCONSCIOUS BIAS'
Prince Harry says he didn't know unconscious bias existed until he married Meghan Markle and 'walked a day in her shoes'.
In a new interview, the royal said it wasn't until he was “living a day or a week in my wife's shoes” that he was able to understand the term.
The Duke of Sussex, 36, spoke about racism in an interview with BLM activist Patrick Hutchinson for GQ magazine.
- Claire Hubble
FEUDING SISTERS-IN-LAW MIGHT BE REUNITED AT BECKHAM'S WEDDING
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton might come face-to-face at Brooklyn Beckham's wedding.
Both sisters-in-law are associates of his mum Victoria Beckham.
It's thought Victoria, 46, is close with the Duchess of Sussex, and the Royal is often seen sporting her designs.
Meanwhile the Spice Girls singer is said to be mates with Kate attended her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
Brooklyn is due to wed American actress and heiress Nicola Peltz in 2022.
- Claire Hubble
MEGHAN CLAIMS SHE DIDN'T TEXT HER DAD BEFORE WEDDING AS HE DOESN'T OWN A PHONE
Meghan Markle has claimed she never sent a text message to her dad before the Royal Wedding – because he doesn’t own mobile phone.
The Duchess of Sussex is currently locked in a privacy battle with Associated Newspapers, the publishers of the Mail on Sunday, after a letter she wrote to her estranged father Thomas Markle was released.
Her lawyers today were refused permission to appeal the decision to allow the biography to be used in the privacy case.
Yet in a twist, legal documents submitted by the 39-year-old's lawyers suggest the Mail on Sunday's claims that “much of the information in the book could only have originated from Meghan and Harry” were “seriously flawed”.
They claim references in the book to her texting her dad Thomas before the Royal Wedding weren't true because “he doesn't own a mobile phone”.
- Claire Hubble
HARRY AND MEGHAN LIED TO PROTECT ARCHIE
Upon becoming parents to baby Archie in May 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kept Archie's birth a secret.
The couple did not even releasing a public announcement that Meghan was in labour until after she and Harry were already safely home with their newborn.
Archie was born at 5:26 in the morning on May 5, 2019, but the Palace didn't announce anything about the birth until 2 p.m. that afternoon.
Royal author Robert Lacey, who penned upcoming tell-all book Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, wrote of the couple's secret cover-up.
He said: “Harry and Meghan were resolute that their newborn baby's first sight of the world should not bet he same insane and lethal camera-flashing that had attended — had actually brought about — the death of Diana,” Lacey writes in the book.
- Claire Hubble
HARRY'S SECRET HURT OVER 'UNFAIR' TREATMENT
Royal expert Robert Lacey has claimed Prince Harry grew “resentful” of his “party boy” image felt his partying was judged more harshly than his brother, Prince William.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, he said: “He and William both misbehaved but Harry was blamed for everything.
“He became resentful of the stereotyping in the media.”
What's more, the expert claims Meghan Markle opened his eyes to the “injustice” of the situation.
He added: “I think Meghan helped him to see the injustice of that, put it in words and react against it. Her arrival was a crucial moment.”
- Claire Hubble
HARRY AND MEGHAN ARE 'EMBRACING EVERY MOMENT' WITH BABY ARCHIE IN LOCKDOWN
Many people are struggling to cope with the 'new normal', but the Sussexes have apparently seen a silver lining to the situation.
The Duke, 36, and Duchess, 39, of Sussex, said in a chat with Time100: “We are trying to embrace all the quality time we get with our son and embrace every moment of his growth and development.”
Harry added that they’re “good”, and said: “This is an opportunity to spend more time as a family than we probably would otherwise.”
- Claire Hubble
HARRY AND MEGHAN HAVE 'ABAONDONED DUTY' SAYS PIERS
Piers Morgan has launched a scathing attack on Harry and Meghan – accusing them of “abandoning their duty” during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking to the Express, the Good Morning Britain host said: “They understand what to do. I thought Harry understood that but he has got no interest in duty.
“He has been completely bamboozled in a way that we saw the last time American lady entered the Royal Family.”
- Claire Hubble
HARRY'S DESPERATE FOR BABY NUMBER 2 SAYS BODY LANGUAGE EXPERT
WE can hardly believe it's been 18 months since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed baby Archie into the world – and if the Duke's body language is anything to go by, the royal couple might be thinking about having another one soon.
Body language expert Judi James looked at images from a recent video call between the Duke and activistPatrick Hutchinson for GQ magazine.
She says the Duke seemed happy and relaxed during the discussion – while also making it clear the subjects resonated with him a “very personal way”.
Judi explained: “Harry takes on the body language and role of interviewer at the start of this chat, leaning forward in his chair to stare into the camera to simulate eye contact, with his elbows on his thighs in a symmetric pose that suggests keen and encouraging listening and agreement.
“He even lowers his own body to lower his own signals of status, making it look like two guys chatting together.”
However, this all changes when Patrick tells Harry he has four children – suggesting the Duke is “in awe” of parents with big families and considering having another himself.
- Lydia Hawken
ARCHEWELL WILL 'BE AN ESCAPE' FOR PRINCE HARRY, EXPERT CLAIMS
Earlier this month, Meghan and Harry unveiled their new website for Archewell – and an expert has claimed the charitable foundation will be an important “escape” for Prince Harry.
Speaking to the Express, royal author Nigel Cawthorne said: “For Prince Harry, Archewell will be a way to escape the curse of being the royal spare that has plagued his uncle Andrew after he left the Navy.
“Archewell will allow Harry to focus on what sets him apart through his achievements, the things he feels passionate about, rather than the royal pedigree he shares with his family.”
Earlier this year, it was said that the non-profit would aim to offer “classes, lectures, seminars, conferences, workshops, and retreats on a variety of topics,” run a mentoring scheme, or conduct and host “events and exhibitions for cultural, sporting, health, mental health and entertainment purposes.”
Archwell would also provide the potential to self-publish articles, magazines, books, music, podcasts, television shows, and computer software.
It was announced back in April that the couple would be launching their charitable endeavour under the name Archewell – which also inspired the name of their son Archie.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN MARKLE'S COURT CASE COULD BE 'VERY DAMAGING' FOR ROYAL FAMILY'S REPUTATION
Meghan Markle's court case against the Mail on Sunday could be “very damaging” for the Royal Family's reputation, an expert has claimed.
Speaking to the Daily Star, editor of Majesty magazine Ingrid Seward said: “I hope Meghan is advised to settle the case, I think it has the potential to be very damaging for the Royal Family if it were to go ahead.
“Certainly in the public’s opinion it could be damaging, the Royal Family does to some extent rely on public opinion and what people think of them to function.”
Referencing the public interest in Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's recent court case, the expert said it can be a “deeply unpleasant experience with no real winners”.
Last week, Meghan Markle WON bid to delay court fight for almost a year over a “confidential” matter.
The Duchess of Sussex is suing Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday, for releasing a letter she wrote to her estranged father Thomas Markle.
- Lydia Hawken
KATE MIDDLETON FELT SHE 'DIDN'T HAVE MUCH IN COMMON' WITH MEGHAN MARKLE
They might have married into the same family – but Kate Middleton felt she “didn't have much in common” with her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, according to a bombshell biography.
The book Finding Freedom – which has been serialised in The Times this weekend – claims Meghan and Kate never progressed beyond "distant politeness".
In the biography, co-authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand claim: “Meghan would agree with the assessment that the duchesses were not the best of friends.
“Their relationship hadn’t progressed much since she was Harry’s girlfriend.”
However, sources close to the Cambridges claimed last night that Kate invited Meghan to her family's home in Norfolk where she made the Suits actress a vegan meal.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN AND HARRY 'WANTED TO BE DISCREET' ON ECONOMY FLIGHT
They're two of the most famous in the world – which means it's pretty difficult for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to travel unnoticed.
Back in 2018, the couple reportedly flew to France to celebrate the New Year and sat in economy.
Appearing on Lorraine, royal expert Victoria Murphy said: “We understand that the couple went to the south of France and they went economy and everybody was like freak, horror! Why did they go economy though, when they could have chartered a private jet?
“You know the royals do fly economy, particularly the young royals. They do like to take scheduled flights, sometimes William and Kate have flown economy up to Scotland from time to time.
“When they take shared flights, they like to be as discreet as possible, so maybe kind of skulking at the back, in economy, which is what they did.”
In 2019, Harry and Meghan faced fierce backlash when they took four private jets in 11 days to visit Elton John in the South of France with baby Archie.
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN ADMITTED SHE'D 'NEVER FELT SO CLOSE TO SOMEONE' AT START OF ROMANCE WITH HARRY
Meghan Markle admitted she'd “never felt so close to someone in such a short space of time” at the start of her romance with Prince Harry, a new book has claimed.
In their biography Finding Freedom, co-authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand said the couple “were in their own little world” on their first date at a private member's club in London.
Their whirlwind romance began over a low-key beer and a martini at Soho House's Dean Street — and three hours later Harry “was in a trance”.
Meghan reportedly told a friend afterwards: “I’ve never felt that safe, that close to someone in such a short amount of time.
“Do I sound crazy when I say this could have legs?”
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN AND HARRY RISKED 'ECLIPSING' OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, EXPERT CLAIMS
They might have stepped down as senior working Royals in March – but at the height of their fame, an expert claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were at risk of "eclipsing" other members of the Royal Family.
Speaking on Yahoo’s Royal Box, royal author Katie Nicholl said: “I think it's fair to say that Meghan and Harry have really occupied the spotlight. Since the royal wedding they are rarely off the front pages.
“I think there is a risk that they could eclipse other members of the royal family.
“We are already seeing more column inches dedicated to Meghan and Harry than we are to the Cambridges and certainly to the Prince of Wales.
“You only need to look back in time to Diana and the phenomenon that she was and actually the negatives that came with eclipsing her husband it did have, at points, a negative knock on effect to the monarchy.”
- Lydia Hawken
MEGHAN GUSHES OVER 'WATCHING ARCHIE GROW' IN LOCKDOWN
Since moving into their new £11m Santa Barbara mansion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been keeping themselves busy with Zoom conference calls and recently signed a £112m deal with Netflix to work as documentary producers.
But when they're finished with work, the couple revealed they've been lucky to spend lockdown watching their one-year-old son Archie grow and take his first steps.
During a video call with Malala for International Day of the Girl, Meghan said they mostly spend their days on Zoom conference calls.
The proud mum said: “It's just fantastic because I think in so many ways we were fortunate to be able to have this time to watch him grow.”
- Lydia Hawken
PIERS MORGAN SAYS HARRY AND MEGHAN 'CAN'T HAVE IT ALL' AS HE CALLS FOR THE COUPLE TO BE STRIPPED OF ROYAL TITLES
Piers Morgan is never one to mince his words – especially when it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Good Morning Britain host has slammed the couple for weighing in on US politics and called for them to be stripped of their titles.
He told the Express: “If they want to be truly free and independent they have got to drop their titles.
“It seems to me they want to have their royal cake and eat it.
“They want to have all the commercial buyer power of being the Duke and Duchess of Sussex without any need to do any of the dirty little jobs on a wet Wednesday in Stoke when they have to visit an old people's home or something. And I think that’s not on their agenda.
“They want to be in Hollywood drinking tea with George Clooney so I think you can’t have it all. If you want to go off and be celebrities like the Kardashians then drop the royal titles.”
- Lydia Hawken
VICTORIA BECKHAM 'WORRIED ABOUT INVITING MEGHAN AND KATE' TO BROOKLYN'S WEDDING
There's no denying that Brooklyn Beckham's wedding to Nicola Peltz is set to be THE celebrity wedding of 2022.
And according to the Mirror, Brooklyn's mum Victoria is helping to organise the guest-list – and is worried about inviting the Fab Four to her son's special day.
An insider said: “Vic’s been helping Meghan with her move to LA and Meghan has helped promote Victoria’s fashion line.
“But Vic’s been worried about inviting Meghan and Harry alongside Kate and William to the wedding.
“She is not only worried about how they all might feel about being thrust together but also at how the attention will no doubt be diverted off Brooklyn and Nicola.”
- Lydia Hawken
ARCHIE IS A 'LIVELY BABY AND HAVING A GREAT TIME' IN CALIFORNIA HOME
It's been six long months since we saw baby Archie on his first birthday – and according to an insider, the adorable royal tot is loving his new home in California.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the insider said Archie is a “lively” toddler.
The source said: “They are now in their own family home, which they haven’t had properly before. It’s theirs, it’s their forever home, where they are going to base themselves.
“Archie is moving about and is lively and they’re having a great time.”
Last month, Prince Harry said Archie had had his "first steps, first run and first fall" in lockdown.
- Lydia Hawken
PRINCE CHARLES SHARES SADNESS AFTER 'NOT SEEING ARCHIE FOR A YEAR'
The coronavirus crisis means we've all not been able to see our loved ones as much as we'd live – and this applies to the Royal Family too.
According to the Daily Mail, Prince Charles has spoken of his sadness after “not seeing Archie for a YEAR” after Meghan and Harry left for Canada last November.
An insider told the publication: “The Prince of Wales enjoyed popping into Frogmore Cottage to see his youngest grandchild and is sad that he hasn’t seen him for so long. He has missed much of his development since he is now growing up in the USA.
“Other members of the family are very sad at not seeing him. Everyone really misses Archie – they feel it’s particularly sad for the Queen and Prince Philip.
“Harry always said he looked forward to raising his family with William’s – which of course is not now happening.”
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