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Welcome to my Royal Newsletter.
When I disclosed last month that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had bought a home in Portugal, the reasons behind the purchase remained shrouded in mystery.
Now, things may have become clearer: they could have been seeking an escape route if Donald Trump returned to the White House.
A royal source told me earlier this year that Prince Harry and Meghan were making increasingly ‘desperate’ efforts to extend olive branches across the Atlantic.
It followed a string of hostile comments from the Trump family.
And, after Trump’s win, the same insider said: ‘We can expect to see more of Harry back in Britain in years to come.’
During a visit to the Trump International Golf Links in Scotland in August, the President-elect’s son Eric called the Sussexes ‘spoiled apples’ and echoed his father’s claims that Harry could be deported if the Republicans won.
Donald Trump had previously suggested that Harry – who has lived in California since 2020 – would not get ‘special privileges’ and indeed may be deported if he is found to have falsified information on his visa form.
In his memoir, Spare, the prince revealed that he formerly took drugs including cocaine, cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms – which under US law would typically be grounds for a visa application to be rejected.
There is, of course, previous between the Trumps and Meghan.
When she was still an actress, Meghan described Trump Snr as ‘divisive’ and a ‘misogynist’.
Someone who worked for the royals while the couple were still part of ‘The Firm’ told me in August: ‘It seems quite clear that the Sussexes are desperate to start healing the rift [with the Royal Family].’
If the Sussexes find life in California too uncomfortable under Trump, then Portugal – which overthrew its monarchy in 1910 – could soon find itself hosting a new royal court.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should be worried about Donald Trump’s re-election as US President argues the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden on Palace Confidential.
He says the news could be ‘a real problem’ for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as America could now be seen as a ‘much more hostile environment’ for the pair, after previous comments about the President and the recent row over Prince Harry’s US Visa application.
The Mail on Sunday’s Charlotte Griffiths argues that the result will leave Harry ‘keeping his head down and burying it in the sand and possibly even running away to Portugal’.
Meanwhile, we hear from Robert Hardman who reveals some of the secrets of his updated book Charles II: New King. New Court. The Inside Story. including how the legal reasons why the King hasn’t been so keen to speak to Prince Harry this week and why he has had cut his brother Prince Andrew off financially.
The Mail on Sunday’s Natasha Livingstone updates the show on the controversy over land owned by the monarch and Prince of Wales being rented by the taxpayer to store ambulances.
Plus Rebecca English sends us her video diary from Prince William’s memorable visit to Cape Town in South Africa – and don’t miss our montage from the tour!
Just click the video above to watch.
King fears Harry will drag him into security court case
His Majesty is said to be reluctant to make amends with the Duke of Sussex as he could find himself in ‘legal jeopardy’.
Charles finally cuts off Andrew’s cash: King severs brother’s ‘£1million-a-year’ allowance – plus read more Harry and Meghan revelations in landmark new book serialised exclusively by the Mail
‘The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King,’ – A source reveals His Majesty has instructed his finance director to sever his beleaguered younger brother’s annual personal allowance.
Kate’s been amazing this year and is doing really well, says William as he walks the green carpet in vintage jacket and £130 eco-trainers
The Prince of Wales gives insight into how Kate is doing during her tough year of cancer treatment.
Queen Camilla is forced to withdraw from weekly engagements including Olympic reception and Remembrance event after falling ill with a chest infection
Her Majesty is said to be recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being monitored by doctors.
Inside Charles’s battles with The two Difficult DUKES
Read an extract of Robert Hardman’s landmark royal biography where he documents King Charles’s difficult relationship with both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry.
Moves to drop ‘Empire’ from King’s Honours
Reappraisal of the British Empire’s legacy means the word can soon be dropped from the prestigious royal accolade.
William tackles climate issues… and youngsters… on African trip
VIDEO: Prince of Wales joins a charity rugby event in Cape Town, where he is tackled by two young players.
Has Kate’s illness led her to new interest in religion?
Royal biographer Robert Hardman suggests the Princess of Wales became more invested in her Anglican faith amid her battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Wills signs Beckham’s PR whizz to lead charity
Prince William appoints new head of communications for his landmark Homewards initiative to help end homelessness. Read this exclusive story from my social diary, Eden Confidential, which is published daily from Tuesday to Saturday.
How Edward & Sophie Avoided the Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Trap
Join me as I delve into the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s journey, and how they managed to sidestep the challenges that ultimately complicated the path of Harry and Meghan.
