The picture featured the three Princes of Wales, posing in confidence and displaying support signals.

Royal author believes that the precision of this portrait sends a “no way back” message to Harry and Meghan.

Following the Palace’s release, the Sussexes shared their personal photo, leading Angela Levin to note that they are in competition with the royals.

Following the Queen’s death, the world witnessed unity among the royal family. Everyone, from far and wide, irrespective of the strained relationship, gathered to honor the Queen.

Simultaneously, either working or inactive royals paused their routines to join in the mourning. This included Meghan and Harry.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Reprezent 107.3FM on January 9, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The Duchess of Sussex had begun a Spotify podcast, “Archetypes,” in August. Its guest list, past, and future, is made up of game changers and big names in the entertainment industry, including Hollywood and sports.

However, out of respect for the Queen, Meghan paused new releases. According to the details on Spotify’s page, the program was scheduled to continue in October 4, 2022.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 3, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

“Archetypes” was the leading podcast in the US, displacing Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from the top position. The couple agreed to produce content for Spotify in 2020.

While their podcast may be at the top of a list, their names are nearly at the bottom of the Royal Family Website. Reportedly, the former senior royals have been “demoted” and placed second-to-last on the Members of Royal Family Page.

King Charles III and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at the “Our Planet” global premiere at the Natural History Museum on April 04, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Fans would remember that before the Megxit, Harry was sixth in line to the throne, following William’s kids.

However, now that he is no longer an active senior royal, his name is on rock bottom, close to his uncle, Prince Andrew, who was relieved of his duties due to an alleged sex scandal.

Expectedly, the top on the list included active senior royals in order of succession. It started with King Charles III, the Queen Consort, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the town hall during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 – One Year To Go events on September 06, 2022, in Dusseldorf, Germany. | Source: Getty Images

Royal fans reacted to this order that relegated Harry to the bottom. One person explained that it was appropriate since they were no longer members saddled with royal responsibilities. However, other fans refused to agree with Harry’s demotion. The commenter noted:

“no matter what you may think of them it is irrefutable that Harry is son of the King – shuffling lists cannot change that.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the arguments this treatment may have provoked, each member of the royal family, active and inactive, has resumed their individual businesses.

The Royal Family’s Most Recent Portrait

Buckingham Palace released a historical photograph on October 4 to kickstart the new chapter. This picture, also King Charles’s first official portrait, was taken on the eve of the Queen’s death.

Exactly forty-eight hours after the Palace released the official portrait of the royals, fans got to see a new release of snapshots showing the Sussexes too.

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort on October 3, 2022 in Dunfermline, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

It featured the reigning monarch decked in a black suit, and matching colored tie, while he stood, partly embracing his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort. Camilla donned an all-black ensemble, from her dress to her socks and shoes.

Next to King Charles was his son towered above him in his signature navy blue suit. But, as expected, the Princess of Wales etched herself next to her husband—Kate was styled in a black long-sleeve dress.

The foursome had posed in front of a framed image of George IV, a former Prince of Wales, who was given the title following his birth in 1762.

King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Pageant on June 05, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

This image was taken during the Buckingham Palace reception that welcomed guests, including heads of state and other dignitaries who flew to honor the Queen.

It explained their reason for choosing black as the dominant color for the shot. While they greeted the prominent figures, the senior members still remembered that they were mourning the Queen.

Amid their time of grief, the royals were all smiles in the photo as they posed close to each other. The King tucked one hand in his pocket, looking seemingly relaxed, while his son showed confidence in how he stood. The women also had wide-eyed grins, and this did not seem shy or stripped of confidence.

Royal expert Richard Kay’s theories about the photo hinted that pictures speak a thousand words. The author explained that their gestures showed support signs and confidence.

He added that the monarchy tried to pass a message, exalting royal business: they had posed in front of King George, the longest reigning monarch in history, to show the continuation and perseverance of the monarchy. In his words:

“The message, if one was needed, was clear: the business of monarchy never rests, even at times of great personal sorrow, and its enduring strength lies in its continuity.”

King Charles lll and Queen Consort, Camilla after their wedding ceremony, April 9, 2005 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

After touching on the glaring message, Kay pointed out that it also bore an undeniable connection to the Sussexes who had been present in the country when it was shot. He mentioned:

“There is a finality about this photo that suggests there is no way back for a couple who could have been at the epicentre of royalty, but are now at its margins.”

The Sussexes Shared Their Photo

Exactly forty-eight hours after the Palace released the official portrait of the royals, fans got to see a new release of snapshots showing the Sussexes too.

The images were shared by photographer Misan Harriman who took the shots as they prepared to attend the One Young World opening ceremony last month in Manchester, England.

In the shared post, Harry looked dapper in his suit and tie, while his wife complimented his appearance in stylish pants paired with a matching top.

They posed together, yet differently. While their hands remained intertwined, the couple’s faces bore unique expressions. Meghan opted for a serious look, but the Duke settled with a gay appearance.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Cardiff Wales 2018. | Source: Getty Images

More than once, the Sussexes have shown their unity, strength, and support by holding hands. For example, the couple held hands during their trip to the UK while participating in the Queen’s funeral processions.

Shortly after their images were released, some royal fans bashed the couple for sharing their shots in close proximity with the royals.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are seen on September 05, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

A royal expert, Angela Levin, did not mince her words when she took to Twitter to call out their behavior. In response to Richard Eden, who shared a sarcastic message about the Sussexes’ timing, she wrote:

“They are in competition with the real royal family.”

For now, there are only speculations that they are in competition with the royals; however, the most obvious thing is that either side is getting on with their businesses and not allowing the strained relationship to affect their devotion to work.

 

These four real-life stories from Reddit show where grandmothers had to make tough choices between helping their families and preserving their personal time.

Grandma Refused to Babysit Grandkids Because of Daughter-In-Law’s Strict Rules

In July 2020, a grandmother faced a dilemma. Her son, father to a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, needed her to babysit for a week due to his wife’s return to work.

A woman laughing while at work sitting behind a desk | Source: Pexels

This meant OP would look after the kids nine hours a day. The arrangement, however, came with a list of strict rules from her daughter-in-law (DIL): a vegetarian diet without provided food, no TV, enforced enrichment worksheets, and a stringent schedule. “I do understand naps but I think the rest of it is too much when I would be doing them a favor,” said OP.

Most burdensome was the prohibition of visitors, isolating the grandmother from her daily social interactions. OP, who admitted she would rather babysit for her other son, penned:

“I see my friends almost every day. […] She thinks my friends are bad people and she is very strict about the influences on her kids.”

Two elderly women reading the newspaper together | Source: Pexels

“I told my son that that’s way too much to ask of anyone and they need to find a professional,” OP stated, highlighting the unreasonable expectations placed upon her.

OP’s son tried to persuade her otherwise, but she refused to change her mind. Meanwhile, the DIL called her in tears, pleading with her to look after the couple’s children while emphasizing the importance of the job opportunity. But, the grandmother stood her ground, advocating for her own comfort and boundaries.

A woman on the phone while looking unhappy | Source: Freepik

Grandma Refused to Babysit Newborn Grandchild While Daughter Goes Back to Work

Meanwhile, in June 2022, a 29-year-old woman revealed on Reddit that she reached out to her 64-year-old mother for help with her newborn, only to be met with refusal. OP had to return to work at the time.

Unfortunately, her mother, having been out of the workforce since 1992, declared she was too old and had already completed her parenting duties. She suggested a “traditional” family model, which was not feasible due to financial constraints.

A woman holding a baby standing beside an elderly woman | Source: Pexels

However, she explained to her mother why it would not work for her family. Firstly, she earned more than her partner, she had multiple debts to her name, and while the partner made less money, they had debt, too.

All in all, OP was the highest-earning breadwinner, so she needed to keep her job because her salary kept her family afloat. Faced with the harsh realities of debt and the need for dual incomes, OP proposed a compromise, which her mother countered with a demand for $20 per hour for babysitting.

A black envelope with banknotes inside | Source: Pexels

OP shared, “Plus late fees if we are late for pickup, and must provide her with a car seat, stroller, bottles, and pretty much double of everything we have at our home to compensate for taking the baby to her house. She will not step foot in my house for her own personal reasons.”

This proposition added financial strain leading OP to consider daycare a more viable option. She emphasized the need to resolve her finances with her spouse first. Hence, she wanted her mother to babysit for free. But the mom still refused to understand her reasons.

An elderly woman talking to a young woman | Source: Pexels

Grandma Gets Her ‘Petty Revenge’ While Babysitting Her Grandchild

That same month, a humorous yet telling anecdote emerged from a situation where a grandmother was unexpectedly tasked with babysitting. Another Redditor narrated a story of petty revenge executed by her mother-in-law.

“My mother-in-law recently performed such a beautiful, but small petty revenge, I had to share it here. My sister-in-law had a surprise baby a year and a half ago. Both parents work, and the kid is in daycare during the school year,” OP wrote.

Kids playing at daycare | Source: Unsplash

Once it was summer break, the child’s daycare would close. Instead of finding another summer daycare, the couple randomly dropped off their kid at the grandmother’s house without asking or announcing it first.

OP recounted, “The other day, grandma had a couple of errands to run. As she was about to leave, sister-in-law arrives with the kid. Now, my mother-in-law is the sweetest, gentlest woman in the universe. So, she takes the kid without complaining.”

She prepared lunch for the child and let the child take a nap. Instead of allowing the kid to sleep for the usual half-hour, the kid slept for over three hours.

A child sleeping on the bed | Source: Unsplash

“The result? Tired parents had to deal with a kid who refused to go to sleep until 1am. Delicious,” said OP. The grandmother’s method of “petty revenge,” allowing the child to oversleep and thus disrupt the parents’ nighttime routine, serves as a light-hearted commentary on the often overlooked contributions of grandparents.

Grandma Refused to Babysit Her Grandson So She Could Rest

Fast forward to September 2023, a 56-year-old grandmother made a tough decision to prioritize her own rest over babysitting her 14-month-old grandson during her vacation.

Her 26-year-old daughter became a single mom after her husband left her when the couple’s son was only three months old. Seeing OP’s child had struggled to support herself financially, she allowed her to move in with her.

“I have a hectic routine where I do my things (work, gym, etc.) until 5 PM, and from 6 PM to 8 PM, I stay with my grandson until my daughter arrives,” OP further divulged.

A woman walking with a young child | Source: Unsplash

She helped pay for expenses at home while her daughter focused on spending on baby stuff and daycare. This means OP’s daughter has enough disposable income, which meant she could save up to move out. OP revealed:

“I decided that I would take a month off next month to rest, without necessarily traveling. When my daughter found out about the vacation, she talked about the possibility of saving money on daycare to save up to move since I could stay with my grandson.”

A woman leaning against the monument while smiling | Source: Unsplash

OP instantly refused but offered to help her in the morning, adding the afternoon was off-limits. Despite her daughter’s emotional plea for help to save on daycare costs and gain financial independence, the grandmother remained firm.

“[… I can’t help but feel guilty about my daughter’s situation. I love my grandson, but it is also my rest,” OP expressed.

Read four more real-life stories about fathers who refused to pay for their children’s weddings.

In a solemn revelation that has resonated throughout the world, Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has courageously confirmed that she is grappling with a cancer diagnosis. As she embarks on her treatment journey, the collective thoughts of a nation, and indeed fans around the world, wrap around her and her loved ones in a warm embrace of support.

Press reports indicate that Princess Kate is recuperating at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, England, the country residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.

We’re pushing aside the rumors, however, to do what we do best: talk about houses. Anmer Hall is a

royal residence
filled with history—and, of course, style. Let us begin, shall we?

Anmer Hall is in the quaint village of Anmer in Norfolk, a coastal county in northeastern England about a three-hour drive from London. The 10-bedroom Georgian pile, built in 1802, is part of Sandringham Estate, a sprawling 20,000-acre property dotted with churches, parishes, and country houses, that has been connected to the royals since 1862. The estate’s grand residence, Sandringham House, is the country bolthole of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, where royal Christmases are famously hosted. Anmer Hall is just a five-minute drive away.

bbc children in need and comic relief ‘big night in’

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children clap on the steps of Anmer Hall in a segment for the charity special Comic Relief in 2020.Comic Relief – Getty Images
While you can book tours of Sandringham House and even

rent properties
on the greater estate, Anmer Hall is a private family residence. The village of Anmer includes a church and quaint cottages, many of which were built in the early 20th century for Edward VII, according to

an architectural guide to Norfolk
by Nikolaus Pevsner and Bill Wilson. The U.K.’s

National Office for Statistics
states that Anmer parish had a population of about 250 in 2017.

What’s the History of Anmer Hall?
Anmer Hall was the seat of the Coldham family until Prince Albert Edward (aka the future Edward VII) purchased it in 1896 to be a part of the Sandringham Estate, Pevsner and Wilson note. The two-story house’s “charming” brick facade, made from red and brown brick, features 13 bays and dormer windows in the attic. The house underwent renovations in the years following Edward VII’s purchase.

Over the next century, the house was leased to numerous members of the British aristocracy, including the Duke and Duchess of Kent from 1972 to 1990, and Hugh van Cutsem, one of King Charles III’s best friends. Following the expiration of van Cutsem’s lease, the property was rented to timber company owner James Everett.

anmer hall, 1973

Anmer Hall, as pictured in the 1970s when it was the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Kent.Leonard Burt – Getty Images
In 2013, two years after William and Kate’s marriage, it was rumored that the royal couple would be moving in. The pair had been renting a farmhouse in Anglesey, off the northwest coast of Wales, while Prince William worked as a helicopter pilot and while they were expecting their first child, Prince George. “[Anmer Hall] would seem to be an ideal choice in that it’s close to Grandma—but not too close,” former royal correspondent Michael Cole told the BBC. Later that year, it was confirmed that William and Kate would be moving into their new “baby bunker” with Prince George. But they wouldn’t physically move in until two years later, when Kate was expecting their second child, Princess Charlotte, to allow time for a $2 million refurbishment, which included a new roof, additional trees for privacy, and interior improvements.

anmer hall in norfolk

Anmer Hall undergoing renovations in May 2014. Chris Radburn – PA Images – Getty Images
In 2017—back in the halcyon days of the “fab four”—Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stayed with William and Kate at Anmer Hall, “because the sovereign still won’t permit unwed couples to sleep together under her roof Sandringham,” according to the book Notorious Royal Marriages by Leslie Carroll.

Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales spend most of their time at their two primary royal residences—one at Kensington Palace and the other at Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle—but they use Anmer as a country escape. The family also spent the Covid lockdown at Anmer Hall.

How Are Anmer Hall’s Interiors Designed?
As part of the property’s improvements, the Prince and Princess of Wales tapped architect Charles Morris for the renovation and designer Ben Pentreath—the designer who overhauled Kate and William’s apartment at Kensington Palace, per House & Garden—for the interiors.

Pentreath’s firm describes its approach as one “that draws inspiration in equal measure from the great English practitioners of the 18th and 19th centuries, and from the 1960s and ’70s…but always infused with a fresh, modern sensibility”—and the same aesthetic can be seen in snippets of Anmer Hall that eagle-eyed viewers have spotted in the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media feeds. The home—with its high ceilings and decorative moldings—is painted in soothing, neutral colors (though the dining room is reportedly a deep green hue) and accessorized with houseplants, antiques, and gilt-framed art.

Kate took some heat from the British press for her overhaul of Anmer Hall’s kitchen while also adding a second one at her Kensington Palace digs, garnering her the epithet “Three Kitchens Kate.”

Additional amenities on the property include a pool and a tennis court; Anmer Hall also hosts its own honeybee colony. And one last bonus: The home is even said to be haunted by its own ghost.

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In fact, longtime actor Ryan Reynolds recently hung up his acting hat to take on the role of his wife’s hairdresser. And said wife, Blake Lively – ever a woman of the people – decided to document the root touch-up sesh via Instagram with the touching caption: “That time I f*d my hairdresser.”

Working in sections like a true profesh would, Reynolds began at the crown of his wife’s head, carefully applying the hair-lightening concoction to her roots, while a rolled up towel neatly clipped at Lively’s hairline protected the actress and her skin from any rogue splatters of bleach.

Once it was time to truly get down and dirty, Reynolds preferred a hands-on approach, disseminating colour through the back sections of Lively’s hair, ensuring even saturation from root to tip. Hey, we’ve got to hand it to him, the man was thorough.

Ever an eye for detail, Reynolds looked on while his wife attempted to finish the job, applying the hair lightening solution to the strands around her face. He interrupted briefly to touch-up the areas she had missed.

Looking at the impressive results, we suspect Reynolds may be seriously considering a career change as Blake Lively’s personal hair stylist. An honour, I’m sure.

Maybe Ryan could help out fellow celeb George Clooney with his hairdressing choices. George Clooney has been using this weird device to cut his own hair for YEARS.