A FORMER royal security guard has blasted Harry for making "excuses"not to attend Philip's memorial – a decision he could "live to regret"
Richard Griffin, who was responsible for the Queen and Prince Philip's safety for 14 years, was a guest at today's Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
However, the former royal security detail is angry and disappointed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex missed the service – due to a "pathetic excuse" over security for the couple.
Speaking to Sky News, Richard said Harry's absence "was a big disappointment for everybody."
He continued: "Certainly around where I was they thought he should have been here. All this nonsense about he couldn't get protection, as far as I'm concerned that was a pathetic excuse, he should have been here to honour his grandfather.
"At the end of the day, if he was that worried about security he could have stuck with his brother and father who have got wonderful security. He would have been more than safe."
Meanwhile, the Duke was criticised by experts for not attending Philip's service today.
Speaking ahead of the service, Royal author Phil Dampier said: "It's very sad that Harry and won't be at Prince Philip's memorial service and I think one day Harry might regret it.
Read our Meghan Markle live blog for the latest news and gossip…
- Joseph Gamp
Thomas Markle makes dig at Meghan in second YouTube episode
Thomas Markle’s second YouTube episode with Karl Larsen has come out, entitled ‘Remarkable Friendship’. The pair sit behind a picture of Her Majesty and the Union Jack.
Starting off the show, Meghan Markle’s dad and Karl Larsen discuss how their YouTube has really bloomed.
However, Thomas then makes a dig at Prince Harry and Meghan’s new Spotify deal saying that, “so far Meghan and Harry have not completed anything they’ve started to do.”
“I can’t think of anything”, he added, shaking his head.
- Joseph Gamp
‘My pal Prince Harry has DE-FRIENDED me for jokingly calling him Ginger Nuts’
JACK Whitehall says he is “banned” from seeing his old pal Prince Harry after making a cheeky gag about him.
The comedian, 33, claims a tongue-in-cheek joke at the Royal Variety Show in 2015 where he called Harry ”Ginger Nuts” is the reason he’s been blacklisted.
Jack revealed the news this week at The London Palladium as part of his How To Survive The Summer Holidays tour alongside his mum Hilary, 59, and dad Michael, 81.
Mocking the ex-royal and his wife Meghan Markle, Michael teased: “Jack I read a book recently and it changed my life and I put this book down and I thought I must become a writer myself. This book is called The Bench and it’s written by Meghan Markle.”
Upon its release in June last year, the book sold just 3,212 copies with the former Suits actress claiming the book “began as a love letter to my husband and son”.
In a dig at the Prince – who insiders say is attending the Oscars in Los Angeles this weekend after being asked to present the Best Picture Award – he added of the children’s book: “She presumably wrote it for Harry.”
Putting on a mock patronising voice, Michael continued: “Yes darling just read it OK. There are only three lines per page Harry… Harry it’s all right.”
Taking yet another swipe, Michael added: “That is your friend Harry. Except you are not allowed to see him anymore. You have banned… been ostracised from the Sussexes.”
Smirking, Jack replied: “I think I have been banned because I called him ‘Ginger Nuts’ at the Royal Variety”.
- Joseph Gamp
Jamaican PM on hosting Kate & William
On Wednesday before the couple left, Prince William and Kate Middleton met with Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and his wife, who said the country was “very happy” to host the couple on their royal tour.
However, Mr Holness added their trip was an “opportunity for issues to be addressed” as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge faced vocal protests in the country’s capital ahead of their arrival.
Mr Holness also added: “The people are very expressive and I’m certain that you will have seen the spectrum of expression yesterday, which as you would know is unresolved.
“Your presence gives an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, put front and centre, and to be addressed as best as we can.”
- Joseph Gamp
Spotify drama
The Sussexes were given a bumper pay-out by the streaming giant back in late 2020.
But in January 2022, The Sun revealed Spotify was taking the project “into its own hands” as content from the couple failed to materialise.
Initially, a “full-scale” launch of shows was promised in 2021. However, the year came and went without any further update.
Bosses then stepped in and began recruiting in-house staff to help.
Harry and Meghan’s only podcast effort had been a 35-minute ‘holiday special’ in December 2020, featuring celebrity pals Elton John and James Corden.
It meant they’d been paid £500,000 for each minute of content.
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan’s treatment still ‘fresh wound’ in Jamaica
Jamaicans are ‘very torn up’ over the treatment of Meghan Markle in the Royal Family.
Bert Samuels, Jamaican attorney and reparations advocate, said Prince William needed to apologise “for the treatment of a black woman who had to run out of the place with her husband”.
Speaking to Newsweek Bert Samuels said: “Jamaicans were very torn up to hear about Harry and Meghan’s issue, and Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, and that has torn us. That’s William’s brother, that’s his nephew, and for Harry to have been treated the way he was, and worse yet Meghan.”
Mr Samuels said Jamaicans have a “strong wound” over the treatment which is still a “fresh wound”.
- Joseph Gamp
Thomas Markle blasts Prince Harry
Thomas markle has blasted Prince Harry’s choice not to return to the UK for Prince Philips memorial service.
In the most recent episode of Remarkable Friendship with Karl Larsen, Thomas has claimed that Harry’s decision is ‘the most hateful mean spirited, unforgivable thing anyone can do’.
He said: “I think it’s disrespectful for a man to abandon his country.
“Do I think it’s disrespectful for a man to abandon his grandmother and then refuse to attend his grandfather’s memorial ceremony and to also refuse to let the Queen see her grandchildren.
“It’s the most hateful, mean spirited unforgivable thing anyone can do.
“I send that right out to Harry, if you think you’re doing something good, You’re crazy.
“You’ll never be forgiven for what you’re doing.”
- Joseph Gamp
Harry ‘has backed himself into a corner’ with security row
Prince Harry has “backed himself into a corner” over his decision to take the British Government to court over his security when in the UK, argues a royal expert.
Royal expert Russel Myers told Today: “I mean he’s definitely on a bit of a sticky wicket.
“He has taken the British government to court about his security and he’s claiming that it’s too dangerous to come to the UK to bring his family back with him.
“But I mean it’s frankly a ludicrous argument because, I mean, he’s going over to Europe.
“He’ll be at the Invictus Games, which is a fantastic event that has been delayed for a couple of years and he won’t be able to come over and see his granny and the rest of the family.
“So he’s backed himself into a corner, unfortunately, and it’s not a good look.”
- Joseph Gamp
Charles hails importance of peace during trip to ‘majestic’ Ireland
The Prince of Wales last week paid tribute to the friendship between Ireland and Britain, telling of his joy at returning to the “majestic land”.
Charles restated his ambition to visit every county in Ireland, as he and the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed their first official joint visit to County Waterford.
Using a few sentences spoken in the Irish language, he told a crowd gathered for a mayoral reception at Waterford City Hall that it was good to be with old friends again.
The couple enjoyed blue skies and bright sunshine as they were greeted at the start of their visit with a Viking re-enactment – a nod to the past of Ireland’s oldest city.
The pair smiled and looked intrigued as two actors embarked on a mock battle with swords and shields in front of a Viking longboat, something Charles later said will “certainly live long in our memories”.
While Waterford’s official foundation as a permanent settlement dates back to 914 AD, historians say there are a number of references to Viking encampments as early as 860 AD.
Charles and Camilla, who were given a tour of the city’s medieval museum, met members of the local community on a walkabout, as well as first responders who have helped throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan Markle compared to Wallis Simpson
Senior members of the British royal family have compared Meghan Markle to a a modern-day Wallis Simpson, according to reports.
Since Megxit, Meghan has been likened to as the American socialite, comparing Harry and Meghan’s relationship to that of Wallis and the Duke of Windsor.
Wallis and Edward VIII married in 1937 after he gave up the title of King over to his younger brother, Queen Elizabeth’s father.
The pair, like Harry and Meghan, relocated to the United States and stepped away from royal responsibilities.
- Joseph Gamp
Charles blushes as panto dame calls him ‘absolutely marvellous’
The prince officially opened the Grand Opera House in Belfast last week following its restoration and met pretty-in-pink May McFettridge — real name John Linehan.
After watching May on stage, Charles told her: “You’re very funny.
“Well done, you’re absolutely marvellous.
“It is a hard thing always having to come up with new jokes.”
The prince and Camilla also saw a dance performance by teenagers before speaking to them and unveiling a plaque to commemorate the theatre’s restoration.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan have only delivered 35mins of Spotify content so far
Harry and Meghan’s only podcast effort so far has been a 35-minute ‘holiday special’ in December 2020, featuring celebrity pals Elton John and James Corden.
It means that, so far, they’ve been paid £500,000 for each minute of content.
Matters looked as if they could be derailed again two months ago, when the pair came under pressure to ditch their mega-deal after Spotify was accused of hosting anti-jab content by US host Joe Rogan.
But they decided to stick with the company instead, telling fans they were committed “to ensure changes to its platform are made to help address this public health crisis”.
The move attracted criticism, with TV firebrand Piers Morgan blasting: “So a proven liar is now satisfied nobody else is lying? Beyond parody.”
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan’s series focusing on women is called ‘Archetypes’
In a trailer for Meghan’s series, which was released today, the mum-of-two said: “This is how we talk about women: the words that raise our girls, and how the media reflects women back to us… but where do these stereotypes come from?
“And how do they keep showing up and defining our lives?”
The duchess, previewing the type of guests who will feature, adds: “This is Archetypes – the podcast where we dissect, explore, and subvert the labels that try to hold women back.
“I’ll have conversations with women who know all too well how these typecasts shape our narratives.
“And I’ll talk to historians to understand how we even got here in the first place.”
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan Markle to release solo podcast this summer
MEGHAN Markle’s first solo podcast will be released this summer, it has been announced – a year-and-a-half after she and Harry signed an £18million deal with Spotify.
The Duchess of Sussex revealed today she’ll be looking into labels and stereotypes “that try to hold women back” for the series.
She’ll host the show, Archetypes, and interview experts and historians during episodes.
The Sussexes were given a bumper pay-out by the streaming giant back in late 2020.
But in January 2022, The Sun revealed Spotify was taking the project “into its own hands” as content from the couple failed to materialise.
Initially, a “full-scale” launch of shows was promised in 2021. However, the year came and went without any further update.
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan and Harry blasted by ex-BBC journalist
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been blasted by ex-BBC journalist John Sergeant, when he appeared on GB News.
John Sergeant, a former chief political correspondent at the BBC, slammed the Sussexes as “just awful” and went on to argue “we should never hear” from the couple again.
He said: “I think we should never hear from them again.
“I would just like to wake up and for someone to say, who do you mean there.
“It’s just awful, the pointless damage they’ve done.
“It’s one thing to say they were treated unfairly, you know they weren’t.”
However, Twitter users were divided at Mr Sergeant’s statement.
One person wrote: “Spot on John Sergeant. Oh to never hear from them again.”
A second added: “All UK media should ban any interaction with them or their PR reps the end.”
While a third disagreed with what was said, saying: “You seem to care about them an awful lot for not wanting to hear about them.”
- Joseph Gamp
George and Charlotte make rare public appearance
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have made a rare public appearance in honour of their great-grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The eight-year-old future king and his six-year-old sister joined their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at the memorial service for Philip in Westminster Abbey on Tuesday.
The occasion gives the youngest generation of royals the chance to remember their much-loved great-grandfather, after they were unable to attend his funeral due to Covid restrictions.
George – who will one day be monarch – and Charlotte’s appearance marks a key moment in their public lives, being the first major televised church service they have attended.
Charlotte, in a black coat, held Kate’s hand, and George, in a suit and tie, held William’s as they entered the Abbey.
Charlotte gave a small smile as her mother, who was wearing a high-necked black dress with white polka dots and a wide-brimmed hat, looked down at her.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: The Queen and Prince Charles listen intently to Philip Service of Thanksgiving
The Queen and Prince Charles are pictured listening intently to service.
Shortly after the state trumpeters heralded her arrival – Her Majesty the Queen took her seat in the abbey.
She walked to her seat – assisted by Prince Andrew.
- Joseph Gamp
Oscars bosses were so keen for Harry & Meghan to present
ACADEMY Awards bosses were so keen for Prince Harry and wife Meghan to present the gong for Best Picture that they approached the couple last year.
Sources told how chiefs pulled out all the stops to make the offer attractive.
A source said: “Netflix were incredibly keen for their two big-name signings to be involved with this year’s Oscars.
“For the first time ever, streaming services, especially Netflix, have a chance of cleaning up and winning some big gongs.
“What better endorsement than for Meghan to be up there on stage?
“Quite a way to justify their £112million salary.
“Meghan is a huge supporter of women, and championing them, so Best Actress was an obvious category for her.
“Sadly, though, as soon as Kristen Stewart got the nod, she couldn’t possibly go on stage and risk handing over an award to the woman who played her husband’s late mother.
“So that idea was scrapped.”
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan and Harry blasted by ex-BBC journalist
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been blasted by ex-BBC journalist John Sergeant, when he appeared on GB News.
John Sergeant, a former chief political correspondent at the BBC, slammed the Sussexes as “just awful” and went on to argue “we should never hear” from the couple again.
He said: “I think we should never hear from them again.
“I would just like to wake up and for someone to say, who do you mean there.
“It’s just awful, the pointless damage they’ve done.
“It’s one thing to say they were treated unfairly, you know they weren’t.”
However, Twitter users were divided at Mr Sergeant’s statement.
One person wrote: “Spot on John Sergeant. Oh to never hear from them again.”
A second added: “All UK media should ban any interaction with them or their PR reps the end.”
While a third disagreed with what was said, saying: “You seem to care about them an awful lot for not wanting to hear about them.”
- Joseph Gamp
Spotify drama
The Sussexes were given a bumper pay-out by the streaming giant back in late 2020.
But in January 2022, The Sun revealed Spotify was taking the project “into its own hands” as content from the couple failed to materialise.
Initially, a “full-scale” launch of shows was promised in 2021. However, the year came and went without any further update.
Bosses then stepped in and began recruiting in-house staff to help.
Harry and Meghan’s only podcast effort had been a 35-minute ‘holiday special’ in December 2020, featuring celebrity pals Elton John and James Corden.
It meant they’d been paid £500,000 for each minute of content.
- Joseph Gamp
Philip would be ‘angry’ that Harry is skipping memorial
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Philip would be extremely angry that Prince Harry has decided to skip his memorial service.
Ingrid Seward, author of Prince Philip Revealed, A man of his Century, believes that the Queen knows her late husband would “expect” her to be of attendance.
The expert said that: “Even someone as unassuming as the Queen might have expected some better luck during the culmination of her 70-year reign.
“Instead, she has had nothing but trouble. Her once strong physique is decidedly frail after hurting her back in October 2021. This year she has had to cancel all her public appearances including the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey because in her own words, “I can’t move!”.
“She is determined to be at her late husband’s memorial on Tuesday however hard it is for her to get there.”
Seward added: “She knows he would expect it as much as she knows he would be angry and disappointed Prince Harry has chosen not to go.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen likely to avoid cameras as she makes way to Abbey
BBC cameras are likely to avoid filming the monarch as she makes her way through the back of the Abbey via Poets' Corner – a shorter route to place in the Lantern.
Traditionally, the Queen used to arrive at the Great West Door, and walk the length of the church, through the Nave and the Quire.
But, in October, when she attended the Royal British Legion centenary service using a walking stick, she arrived at Poets' Yard, entering via Poet' Corner.
The monarch has only attended one major event with the public since concerns were raised about her health in October when she spent a night in hospital undergoing tests and she was put on doctors' orders to rest.
- Joseph Gamp
What will happen in the Prince Philip memorial service?
Prince Philip's memorial service is expected to include several tributes to the late Duke's extensive charitable work.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The service will give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh's dedication to family, nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the armed forces.
"The service will in particular pay tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life."
- Joseph Gamp
What time is Prince Philip memorial service on TV?
Prince Philip's memorial service will be televised live from Westminster Abbey on TODAY (March 29. 2022) from 10.30am until 12.15pm.
Westminster Abbey was the backdrop to where the Queen and Philip's wedding took place in 1947, as well as the Queen's coronation in 1953.
The announcement of the Thanksgiving service was made in 2021.
A statement from Buckingham Palace at the time read: "The Queen has agreed that a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will take place in the spring of 2022 at Westminster Abbey.”
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Andrew to attend memorial service
Senior royals, including the disgraced Prince Andrew, will be attending, along with William and Kate, fresh from their Caribbean tour.
But all royals — including Andrew, who was stripped of his military affiliations over sex abuse claims — will be wearing lounge suits and not military uniforms as they did for April’s funeral, insiders revealed.
Prince William was yesterday seen driving into Windsor Castle — his first chance to give an update on the tour since arriving home.
Today’s memorial is set to have the grandeur of a state funeral, with 27 royals flying in from around the globe and hundreds of guests.
- Joseph Gamp
Philip's missing funeral requests to be honoured today
The Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered as a "man of rare ability and distinction" at a poignant memorial service featuring elements he planned for his own funeral which were forbidden due to Covid-19 restrictions.
It is understood some of Philip's older great-grandchildren may attend, giving the youngest generation of royals the chance to honour their much loved great-grandfather.
Missing gestures from Philip's pre-pandemic arrangements will see Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award holders and members of the youth UK Cadet Force associations line the steps of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive.
The duke's express wishes for the congregation to join and sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for the clergy from Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part will finally be granted on Tuesday.
Prayers will be said for the duke's "gifts of character; for his humour and resilience; his fortitude and devotion to duty" by the Chapels Royal's Sub-Dean, while "his energy and spirit of adventure" and "strength and constancy" will be heralded by royal estates' clergy – known as the Queen's domestic chaplains.
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