The Duke of Sussex during a visit to the World Central Kitchen Food (Image: PA)
Harry and Meghan’s trip had all the hallmarks of an official royal visit (minus the travelling media, as only the independent Press Association were invited) as they sought to highlight the humanitarian effort to support the health and wellbeing of Syrians and Palestinians who have sought sanctuary in Jordan over many decades.
They even emulated the tactics of the Prince and Princess of Wales by taking part in a penalty shootout in a perfectly curated photo op. It was a departure from their normal pictures from their previous quasi-royal tours to Nigeria and Colombia, and perhaps shows them taking a leaf out of the tried and tested royal rule book.
Read more: Princess Kate beams in maroon as she and Prince William mark St David’s Day
The Duchess of Sussex kicking a football on a trip to a refugee camp (Image: PA)
The Duchess of Sussex meets Maria, 14, a burns victim from Gaza (Image: PA)
Harry and Meghan’s messaging over the past few years can at best be described as confused. They seek to portray themselves as philanthropists supporting important causes, yet attend parties with A-listers and attempt to break into the influencer space. It’s clear that Harry yearns for the job and fulfilment life as a senior working royal brought, but without the protocol and strict rules that came with it.
Meghan, meanwhile, appears to be content being photographed and promoting herself in an attempt to be seen as a woman with the same kindness and compassion as her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Images of her crouching down and holding hands with a 14-year-old burn victim from Gaza certainly had that effect.
Buckingham Palace was informed of the Sussexes’ politically sensitive trip in advance as a courtesy, but it was not undertaken with official permission or guidance from the British Government. As a result, the couple trod a fine line as their aides sought to emphasise that they were not taking sides in the Gaza conflict. “They are pro-family, pro-children and pro-peace and decency,” they said.
Their trip shows that no matter the terms of their infamous Megxit agreement, there is no stopping them from undertaking pseudo-official tours. It highlights the blurred lines that still exist. Against a backdrop of the Andrew scandal, for once, Harry and Meghan appear to be better off.
They were two people undertaking an important trip in a bid to highlight children affected by war, displacement and injury. In many ways, their visit provided a welcome contrast to the Andrew scandal, as Harry sought to remind both his family and the public that he still has an important role to play.
Queen Camilla greets Paddington Bear and Marisha Wallace during a reception at Windsor Castle (Image: Getty)
Queen Elizabeth having tea with Paddington Bear in the adorable sketch from 2022 (Image: BUCKINGHAM PALACE/AFP via Getty)
Reminders of happier times
It was a welcome sight, seeing the Queen beaming from ear to ear as she met Paddington Bear last week. The charming photographs show Camilla clasping hands with the duffle-coat-wearing bear, in images that reminded us of the late Queen’s heartwarming sketch with the iconic teddy four years ago.
The famous bear tipped his red hat as he was introduced to Her Majesty after he performed at the Grand Final of BBC 500 Words, the country’s most celebrated children’s writing competition.
Paddington took tea with the late Queen at Windsor Castle during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and Wednesday’s meeting reminded us all of the heartwarming encounter that saw the monarch take a marmalade sandwich out of her handbag. It reassured the nation then, after she pulled out of the Jubilee concert because of her health, and it’s reassured the nation now that the Royal Family is still here to do good, even in the unlikely form of sharing tea with a beloved storybook bear.
The Duchess of Edinburgh visits the women-led and owned Hodhan Business Group in Wajir (Image: PA)
Sophie shows us how it’s done
The Duchess of Edinburgh has received high praise for highlighting the challenges faced by women in Somalia and Kenya. She undertook a colourful four days in the two countries, as she continued to highlight causes close to her heart, namely conflict-related sexual violence. Quietly undertaking her royal duties without fanfare, Sophie visited villages, hospitals and community initiatives. She truly is such an asset to the Firm.
Meghan Markle’s cooking show is marking it’s first anniversary on Wednesday (Image: Netflix)
With Love, Meghan
Wednesday marks the first anniversary of Meghan Markle’s cringefest TV show, With Love, Meghan. The lifestyle/cooking series sees the duchess prepare food for celebrity guests. But sadly for Meghan, the videos mocking her vain attempt at hosting racked up more views than the actual show did.
Official figures show the second season (filmed at the same time as the first) was the 1,224th most-watched programme on Netflix between July and December 2025 – not exactly something to boast about. Unsurprisingly, there are no plans to film a third season. But the streaming giant hasn’t ruled out one-off specials like her Christmas episode. I’m sure she’s itching to tell us all how to decorate boiled eggs and create chocolate nests ahead of Easter next month.
Princess Kate received a very warm welcome to Wales (Image: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)
Walesmania
Rain certainly didn’t rain on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s parade on Thursday, as they spent almost as long outside greeting members of the public as they did touring the places they were visiting. Catherine gave children hugs and handshakes, and even played a game of rock, paper, scissors as she sheltered under her large umbrella (which wasn’t quite big enough to keep her gorgeous maroon coat from getting soaked).
William wasn’t far behind, chatting to well-wishers and cracking jokes about the great British weather. For them, it was a welcome reminder of their enduring popularity and a gear change from the heckles of previous weeks about a family member they’d rather forget.