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Meghan Markle's best friend says Duchess of Sussex is a 'glorious human' despite 'painful' nasty headlines

Meghan Markle has plenty of support in her corner. 

Weeks after a scathing Vanity Fair report not only described the Duchess of Sussex as "cold and withholding" to her staffers, but dubbed her and Prince Harry as the "local villains" of their ritzy Montecito neighborhood, actress Abigail Spencer, who has been close friends with Markle since their reign on "Suits" in 2011, said that the negative press can sometimes be difficult to read for those closest to the mom of two. 

"It’s very painful as a friend," she told Page Six at an American Heart Association event in New York City on Thursday. "But she is the most glorious human being on the planet, and so we just have to get behind her and support her."

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Markle is no stranger to negative press. 

Last month, the Duchess caught heat for postponing her new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," amid the LA wildfires. 

"It would have been wrong to launch her new show while the wildfires continue to rage through L.A.," royal photographer Helena Chard recently told Fox News Digital. "I have to say it’s a first, her giving some thought to the release date of her series. She usually releases her work at the most inappropriate time, to the dismay and wrath of the general public."

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"The public have understandably constantly berated her for being tone-deaf. She is hoping the public see her in a new light as a caring, helpful and kind person, thus changing their current perception of her."

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Spencer said Markle's new show will highlight the person she actually is. 

"What I love about it is, you know, Meghan is one of my best friends, and I feel like the whole world is going to see, like, an authentic, very cool, very lovely insight into who she actually is as a person," she teased. "You’re also going to learn a lot! I’ve learned a lot from her myself."

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This isn't the first time Spencer has voiced her support for Markle. 

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In 2021, the actress penned a lengthy description of Markle, two days after Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that it was launching a probe into accusations that Prince Harry's wife had bullied a staff member.

"She’s modeled nothing but generous professionalism on sets and an even more generous friendship in private. And on that night, she took my friends as her own. I've learned so much from Meg. The power of a handwritten note. The loveliness of surprise flowers. That she has a perpetual Rolodex in her brain of recommendations for the heart, soul, & body," Spencer wrote.

The "Rectify" actress went on to share her memories of Markle supporting her through good times and bad, and specifically recalled a time she "physically held me in my darkest hours after my dad died."

"After a gut-wrenching break up she brought me into her home & nursed me back to health. Soup & salad waiting in the kitchen, just, if I needed it. She’s taken my son in as her own. I can’t tell you the value of having another working mother I can lean on when with the pressures of visibility & child-rearing woes become overwhelming," Spencer continued.

She referred to Markle as a "safe harbor" and "someone I can fall apart in front of."

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright and Ashley Papa contributed to this post.

King Charles’ slimmed-down monarchy forces Princess Anne to keep working for scandal-ridden royals: expert

Princess Anne, known as the "hardest-working royal," has no plans to step down.

In a new interview with the Press Association, King Charles’ sister said she isn’t scaling back on her royal responsibilities in the coming years. Anne, 74, revealed that when it comes to retiring "it isn’t really an option."

"I don’t think there’s a retirement program on this particular life," said the Princess Royal, as quoted by the BBC. "It really isn’t written in, no."

Several royal experts told Fox News Digital they’re not surprised, as Charles’ idea of a "slimmed down monarchy" has been plagued with problems.

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"How can Princess Anne retire? The slimmed-down monarchy needs her," said British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard. 

"Her quick mind is perfect for her work with the 300+ charities, organizations and military regiments in the U.K. and overseas. She gives great value to all and has done so since her first public engagement at age 18."

"Princess Anne has made it clear she disagrees with the concept, associated with King Charles, of a slimmed-down monarchy," noted royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.

"Her point was that it was already slimmed down without the Sussexes and Prince Andrew. It is certainly no surprise that the member of the royal family who usually is the hardest-working royal has no plans to retire. Senior working members of the royal family rarely do."

Anne’s commitment to "The Firm" is seen as a sign of good news for the royal family, which was buffeted by health concerns last year. 

The medical odyssey began last January when royal officials announced that the king, 76, would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate and his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, would undergo abdominal surgery.

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Then in February last year, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The strain on the royal family was severe. With two of the most visible royals out sick – and Prince William taking time off to support his wife – the other members of the House of Windsor had to take care of the never-ending whirl of public appearances that the British public demanded.

But even before the health saga began, several royal members had already made their exit. 

In 2019, Prince Andrew was forced to step down because of his controversial friendship with late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Then in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals, citing unbearable media intrusions and a lack of support from the palace. They moved to California that year.

Despite her dedication to duty, Anne has been put to the test in recent years.

The Princess Royal was sidelined after she suffered a concussion in a horse-related incident in June 2024. Anne said she had no memory of the accident that put her in the hospital.

Things are finally starting to turn around for the royals.

Charles and Kate slowly returned to duties after receiving treatment. In September, the Princess of Wales had completed her chemotherapy treatment. William described 2024 as "brutal" and probably "the hardest year" of his life.

Royal experts believe that Anne, the ever-reliable royal, was determined to make a swift recovery and "carry on."

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"When she had her unfortunate accident with a horse, many pundits thought this would be the end of her service," said royal expert Ian Pelham Turner. 

"But miraculously, after taking an absence of leave to recover, she is back hitting the trail again as strong as ever. The shiny example [of] this work ethic was her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. She has fulfilled many roles with her brother, the king, mainly out of action."

"She is a no-nonsense royal who does not suffer fools gladly," he shared. "She is an inspiration to other royals, setting the bar very high on work ethics."

Three weeks after Anne was hospitalized, she returned to work. She kicked off the New Year by making a two-day visit to South Africa, her first international working trip of 2025, from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22.

Chard claimed that William, 42, is very close to his aunt who "he greatly admires and respects." He has allowed Anne to be a role model for his only daughter, Princess Charlotte.

"Princess Anne is a trusted family member and offers sound advice to the family, especially to Princess Charlotte who she has taken under her wing," Chard claimed. "They share a close bond, have a lot in common and have fun together. Princess Charlotte is [also] likely to inherit Princess Anne's title The Princess Royal."

"Anne knows only too well what will be expected of Charlotte in years to come," said Chard. "Anne sees her younger self in Charlotte. She is the perfect person to train and steer Charlotte in the right direction. Charlotte will be her brother Prince George's right-hand woman, just as Princess Anne has been to her brother King Charles."

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Many experts believe Anne is driven by the memory of her late parents. Her father, Prince Philip, retired from public engagements at age 96 in 2017. He passed away in 2021 at age 99. The queen’s last engagement took place two days before she died in 2022 at age 96.

"Anne is determined not to retire," said British royals expert Hilary Fordwich. "None of the young royals dare mess with ‘Auntie Anne.’ The younger royals could learn a lot from her dedication to duty. It was what [made] Queen Elizabeth II so popular. 

"Her popularity stems from her rock-solid dependability, a trait highly valued by the British. She is [the]… unpretentious rock of the royal family."

Chard noted that Anne had dedicated her life to service and that was not expected to change. It’s a model, she noted, that the younger roles need to take note of.

"She conscientiously and devotedly supports the monarchy with an exceptional work ethic," said Chard. "Her dedication to a life of service has provided steadfast and reliable support for her brother, King Charles, and is held in high esteem by all. I feel she goes above and beyond what’s required of her.

"The fact of the matter is that the younger generation has a different approach to the work they carry out. For example, the Prince and Princess of Wales are looking at a longer-term vision and creating an impact. So, they’re devoting their hard work to fewer projects. This can be perceived by some as not working as hard as the speedy, dependable Princess Anne."

While she doesn’t have the status of Charles or the glamor of William and Kate, Anne is known for her businesslike approach to a busy schedule of public appearances.

Anne took part in 457 royal engagements last year, compared with 425 for the king, 172 for William and 123 for Kate, according to statistics compiled by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge ‘in a shocking state’ as disgraced duke maintains garden to pinch pennies: report

Prince Andrew is getting his hands dirty as his Royal Lodge home reportedly continues to crumble.

The disgraced Duke of York has been attempting to maintain the 21 acres of garden that surrounds his home, the UK’s Daily Mail reported on Friday. According to reports, the 64-year-old is trying to develop a green thumb in hopes of pinching a few pennies after his brother, King Charles III, paid his rent.

"It is in a shocking state," Todd Longstaffe Gowan, the Historic Royal Palaces gardener, told the outlet.

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"I won't be knocking that into shape! It is impossible!" he declared. "I've been at Kensington Palace for 30 years, and I think Royal Lodge would be quite impossible."

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Insiders claimed that Andrew’s efforts were no match for the royal garden. According to the report, the 30-room mansion is surrounded by shrubbery and woodland, as the flowers that once bloomed are nowhere to be seen.

It’s not the only drastic change that has been occurring on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Over the last few weeks, Charles has reportedly ordered precious artifacts to be removed from Andrew’s home, due to maintenance and security concerns. Now, only empty shelves are reportedly seen where the pricey relics were once proudly displayed.

Charlotte Griffiths, the Mail on Sunday’s editor-at-large, originally reported in November that the monarch was extending a generous olive branch to his scandal-plagued sibling and paying his rent. It's believed that's what their late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, would have wanted.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of "My Mother and I," agreed with Griffiths' scoop. She believes there’s a good reason why the king would still be coughing up the bill for his younger brother, despite the fact that several royal experts claimed to Fox News Digital that the relationship between Charles, 76, and Andrew had soured.

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"There’s absolutely no doubt that Charles is the one who is providing the money for Andrew, because the [late] queen wouldn’t have left Andrew bereft," Seward previously explained to Fox News Digital.

"She would’ve made a provision for him, and maybe that provision came through his elder brother as monarch," she shared. "When the king dies or the queen dies, the money goes to the next monarch. Everything goes to the next monarch. So, she either would have made provisions for Andrew before she died, or she would’ve made provisions through Charles."

"I believe that Charles is helping him," Seward continued. "I don’t see who else would. I’m sure [Andrew’s ex-wife] Fergie would help him. I know Fergie does very well with her books, but I [can’t] imagine she would make enough to run Royal Lodge on her own."

"I certainly think that the only person who could really be doing this is either monies from the queen or monies from the king," she said.

Griffiths claimed that, according to "multiple sources," the king "has personally cleared his errant brother’s bills for his upkeep and promised his Royal Lodge woes would be taken care of, enabling him to stay there for the foreseeable future."

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The editor also claimed that someone at a "glamorous — and usually ultra-discreet — dinner table" told her that "Charles has paid for it all."

"The King has cleared it. It's all done," the source claimed.

The palace insider, "who's been a guest at Royal Lodge in years gone by," claimed that not only did Charles handle the finances, but none of the funds came from taxpayer money.

The Sunday Times previously reported that Andrew raised enough money to live in Royal Lodge. The estate is worth a reported $38 million. According to the outlet, the prince's funds were approved by the Keeper of the Privy Purse as coming from "legitimate sources."

"The Duke of York, or Prince Andrew as we like to call him, always lived in a palace," said Seward. "He was in the navy, yes, but apart from being in the navy, he’s always lived in a palace. He lived in Buckingham Palace, and then his home was Royal Lodge, which is a very grand home — and he doesn’t want to leave it."

"I think King Charles . . . said to him, ‘Andrew, it would be so much better if you moved out of Royal Lodge and moved into Frogmore Cottage . . . because it’s been modernized inside. It’s been beautifully done up. It’s easy to run. It’s not expensive to run. And you’re within the security of the Windsor Castle compound, so it’s not going to cost millions in security.' But Andrew said, ‘No, I want to stay here.’"

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Seward stressed rigorous upkeep — and plenty of funds — are required to keep the royal property in tip-top shape.

"It’s not just a little house in the middle of nowhere," said Seward. "It is huge and therefore needs a lot of upkeep. But I think that there’s no way he and Charles would’ve had a row about it, because Charles isn’t like that."

"He wouldn’t have said, 'You’ve got to get out,'" Seward insisted. "He would’ve suggested why it would be easier to get out. And Andrew said, ‘No, I want to stay.’ So, Charles said, ‘Fine, but I’m going to have to remove this very expensive security, and we’ll need to find an alternative.'"

It's also believed that Charles tried to use a loophole to get Andrew out of Royal Lodge. 

London's Sunday Times previously reported that the king would have covered his brother’s living expenses if he had moved into Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After Andrew reportedly refused to downsize, the king axed his allowance.

Andrew has been living on the estate since 2004. He resides there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

According to reports, he has spent over $9 million on repairs and renovations and $1 million to take it over. His annual rent is a reported $337,000. The property requires an estimated $503,000 annually for upkeep.

The Sunday Times reported that the king didn’t renew the contract for Andrew’s private security team. The monarch was paying for Andrew’s security after the prince lost his police protection in 2022. The security team is said to cost Charles nearly $4 million annually.

At the time, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital that the palace wouldn’t comment on "security matters."

"The Crown Estate would’ve loved to get Andrew out of Royal Lodge, because they could rent the whole thing," said Seward. "It needs to be seen as making money. And as long as Andrew lives in Royal Lodge, that’s preventing them from making as much [money] as they could. It’s just too bad that he is the late queen’s second son."

While the duke secured a real estate win, Seward noted, "I don’t think the future holds anything for Prince Andrew."

"He has to do something, but for the last five years he’s been doing absolutely nothing," she said.

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"If he was my son, I’d say, ‘I’m going to give you a beautiful farm in Scotland. Go up there and go into farming, and just disappear from life as we know it.’ You can still have a wonderful life, but Andrew doesn’t want to do that."

"There’s an old-fashioned expression, which is ‘hoist with your own petard,’ which means you’re strangled by your wishes," Seward added.

Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after his Newsnight interview.

During the disastrous televised sit-down, he attempted to address his connection to late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was also stripped of his honorary military titles.

A lawsuit filed in 2020 by Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually exploiting her on three occasions in 2001 when she was 17. Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

In 2022, a U.S. judge dismissed the sex abuse lawsuit against Andrew, who settled with Giuffre. The prince made a substantial donation to his accuser’s charity and declared that he had never meant to malign her character.

Prince Harry 'chose exile' in California after verbally annihilating family: experts

Prince Harry is said to be lonely five years after moving to California.

Several royal experts made the claim, believing that the Duke of Sussex has been feeling isolated across the pond as he continues to try to carve out a relevant role for himself in America.

"Harry is in exile – he chose it," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital. "It’s lonely, and he will undoubtedly miss his friends and family. There is no sign whatsoever of the rift in the royal family healing. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales have, to put it mildly, other priorities."

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"I think Meghan is undoubtedly the dominant person in their relationship," said Fitzwilliams. "I don’t doubt he wishes they had managed to arrange a half-in, half-out arrangement [with the royal family], especially as his military links meant so much to him."

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital there’s no turning back for Harry, especially after he wrote his explosive memoir, "Spare," and revealed personal details about his family.

"A self-assured, self-titled, angry Prince Harry thought it was completely OK to publicly verbally annihilate his family," said Chard. "It is said he was naïve and didn’t realize it would upset his family. . . . He didn’t realize that his actions would cause such a fallout with his family and the public."

The statements were made after Vanity Fair published a scathing cover story about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life in California. A spokesperson for the couple didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment about the lengthy feature.

The 40-year-old has had a troubled relationship with the royal family since the couple quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to the wealthy, coastal city of Montecito. According to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media prompted the move.

Since they departed from royal life, the couple has aired their grievances. But it was Harry’s 2023 tell-all that royal experts believe further isolated him from his family.

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In great detail, he discussed his issues with his family, calling Prince William both his "beloved brother" and "arch nemesis." He also accused the offices of his father, brother and stepmother, Queen Camilla, of making leaks to the media in an attempt to burnish their reputations.

According to Vanity Fair, someone privately asked Harry in 2023, after the book was published, whether he had heard from his family. He hadn’t. When the person asked the prince whether he thought he was going to, he said he hoped so.

"That’s . . . what made me so sad," the source told the outlet. "His hope seemed very genuine. And I was just . . . like, ‘Oh, no.’"

The source believed that Harry hadn’t realized the damage he had caused with "Spare."

"The power of the written word, and the power of the narrative . . . I don’t know if that’s something he understood while he was doing it," said the source.

And it seemed that Harry didn't have many people in California to confide in.

One person claimed to the outlet that Meghan Markle "was up-front about the fact that Harry hadn’t made many friends yet."

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"I think Harry doesn’t know what he wants, because he grew up in a fishbowl, and so he doesn’t know what real life really is," said the source. "I think he probably wants to be left alone and be able to go kiss babies every once in a while but not have to worry about money. I don’t think he wants to be famous the way Meghan wants to be famous."

Chard claimed to Fox News Digital that "signs of paranoid upset" have become evident in Harry. She said that he "gradually phased out close friends who he deemed not woke enough or friends he accused of violating his privacy by leaking stories to the press."

Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast, told Fox News Digital that Harry’s life in California is "incredibly reserved."

"He is socially awkward when it comes to developing new and meaningful relationships," she claimed. "He was heavily sheltered growing up and developed his best friendships in school. But those people are hundreds of miles away, in different time zones, and focused on their own young families."

"Sport remains Harry’s comfort zone," Schofield shared. "He continues to play polo, loves riding his bike and has taken up surfing. But he is lonely. He is surrounded by Meghan and all her girl boss friends. . . . That’s a lot of estrogen in the room."

"He has sacrificed everything," Schofield reflected. "I do think he still feels a loss."

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One source who worked closely with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Vanity Fair that Meghan, 43, is "the one who makes things happen" in their relationship.

"I can picture him meeting Meghan and being just a deep breath of, like, ‘I’ve been so exhausted, and you make everything so easy,’" said the source. "I don’t want to be like, oh, it’s an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she’s reparenting him in a way."

Sources also told the outlet that the couple initially struggled to find a compelling idea for a podcast on Spotify. There were discussions of a "This American Life"-style show where Harry and Meghan would take turns talking to "interesting civilian guests." 

Bloomberg reported that Harry wanted to host a series where he interviewed powerful men like Mark Zuckerberg, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

"I have very bad childhood trauma. Obviously," a source recalled Harry saying. "My mother was essentially murdered. What is it about me that didn’t make me one of these bad guys?" 

The source admitted the project would have been "a booking challenge."

But time was ticking, and the audio giant began applying pressure for the couple to produce something – anything – that audiences would want to hear. 

An idea was pitched of Harry reviewing a hot chocolate every week while chatting with a different friend. There was also the possibility of Harry fixing something every week, "ranging from a flat tire to global warming."

"He wanted to do a podcast about disabled people who compete in the Invictus Games," said the former Spotify employee.

One potential employee claimed to the outlet that Harry’s attitude was, "Well, why should I do this?" and "Why are we doing this?"

"Didn’t Spotify pay you a lot of money to do this?" the source wondered.

Another person inside the couple’s circle noted, "He looks like the kind of guy who would, frankly, happily work for charities for the rest of his life and would be very happy if Meghan made all the money, and he didn’t need to."

Schofield wasn’t surprised.

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"Meghan does enable Prince Harry," she claimed. "He was not such an isolated character prior to meeting Meghan. . . . I am told that Prince Harry blames the royal family for his and Meghan’s professional failures. . . . Harry still feels like the palace is working against them and turning the public against them, making it harder for them to make a living, which is simply not true. The royal family has moved on."

"Harry misses certain members of his family more than others," Schofield shared. "He would tell you that some in the ‘others’ category make it harder for him to reconnect to the members who are important to him. 

"I know he misses the popularity he experienced in the last few years as a working member of the royal family. He misses the respect he received because of his proximity to the crown and some of the old traditions. He misses the lack of responsibility. . . . This is a man who only learned how to pay his phone bill five years ago."

"He desperately misses his old school friends who he didn’t have to impress and certainly didn’t judge him," Schofield added.

Chard said that becoming a Hollywood star is not on Harry’s to-do list. Instead, he wants to fully immerse himself in the projects and causes he wants to champion – the ideal work he would have done alongside the royal family.

"Meghan takes charge and almost mothers Harry," Chard claimed. "Harry allows and enjoys this. . . . I don’t feel he is keen on Hollywood life. He doesn’t enjoy or feel the need to hobnob with the rich and famous. He loves nothing more than being with his family at his Montecito home."

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Schofield said that if Harry focuses on his solo engagements and philanthropic projects in the year ahead, "people will be less judgmental."

"The more Meghan leans into Hollywood and red carpets . . . the more resentful the public becomes," Schofield claimed. "Harry's distance from the frivolous and shallow is his strength."

Prince William, Kate Middleton prioritize 'duty' as Meghan Markle focuses on Hollywood image: expert

Prince William and Kate Middleton are taking the high road as Meghan Markle continues to make headlines in ritzy Montecito.

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that the Prince and Princess of Wales are putting duty first as the Duchess of Sussex gears up to launch her lifestyle series in March.

"Prince William and Catherine are known to be glad to retain a distance from Meghan Markle, thereby avoiding any potential entanglement in future controversies," Fordwich explained. "Stability and service are paramount to the couple as they anticipate their lives being dedicated to both. There isn’t anything furthering either of those values in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s deal with Netflix."

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Fordwich’s comments came shortly after palace insiders claimed to the U.K.’s Daily Mail that Meghan’s decision to postpone her series was "a final blow" to Queen Elizabeth II.

They claimed that the 43-year-old "didn’t think twice" about delaying the launch of "With Love, Meghan" due to the Los Angeles fires. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex allowed their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey to air in 2021 as Prince Philip was ill. Harry’s grandfather died four weeks later.

While Fordwich called the Sussexes "a huge liability" for "what the monarchy stands for," other experts felt Meghan’s decision to delay her series was justifiable.

"What utter nonsense — and just one more indication of how the U.K. tabloid press grasps at straws to crucify Meghan and Harry," Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," told Fox News Digital about the Daily Mail's report.

"There may be plenty of things to criticize about the Sussexes, but this isn't one of them," he said. "Trying to compare the Oprah interview, the release of which the Sussexes had no control over, to their decision to postpone Meghan's lifestyle show because of the LA fires is drawing an egregiously false equivalence. Prince Philip had been frequently hospitalized over the final years of his life; at 99 years of age, going in and out of the hospital had become fairly routine."

"Giving lifestyle and cooking tips while thousands of their neighbors' homes were burning to the ground wouldn't have gone over well, to say the least," Andersen pointed out. "Postponing the roll-out of their new Netflix series was not only the right decision, but it was also the only decision Meghan could make."

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Still, Fordwich claimed that the Prince and Princess of Wales are choosing not to give Meghan’s latest project any oxygen. Instead, they’ll be focusing on raising their three young children and supporting King Charles III, who is still seeking treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

"For the royal family, this further reinforces Prince William’s instincts to retain the distance from the couple," Fordwich claimed.

It is believed that William’s relationship with his younger brother is nonexistent.

Kinsey Schofield, host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, claimed to Fox News Digital that it was the streaming giant, not the duchess, who chose to hit the pause button on her series. "With Love, Meghan" was originally scheduled to premiere on Jan. 15.

"My sources tell me that it was Netflix that was eager to postpone Meghan's show to try to avoid harsh criticism," she claimed. "I would not be surprised if they used the entire month and a half… to make some much-needed edits to the final product."

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"The royal family recognized that Meghan wasn't out for anyone but herself a long time ago," Schofield claimed. "They set boundaries to protect their emotional wellbeing well before Megxit. Meghan constantly prioritizes herself at their expense and the only solution is to keep her at a distance. It's not about being cruel, it's about recognizing that the relationship is toxic and one-sided."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California. Since then, they’ve made headlines for airing their grievances. 

After detailing their struggles with royal life to Winfrey, they unveiled their controversial Netflix docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," in late 2022. Then, in early 2023, Harry’s memoir, "Spare," was published. 

Each launch highlighted new allegations about their time as royals.

"With Love, Meghan," promises to take a different approach. It will showcase the mother of two’s love for cooking and gardening alongside her celebrity pals. However, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that the royal family "has not forgotten" the couple’s past tell-alls.

"The decision to postpone was taken by Netflix," claimed Fitzwilliams. "To show it at this time… was simply impossible. She had no option other than to request that they postpone it. The online reaction to it has been so negative that there’s always the chance it might be postponed again… It is saccharine and contrived."

"… When it comes to timing, the royal family will not have forgotten the shameful fact that the interview on Oprah went ahead when Prince Philip was in the hospital," he claimed. "The couple didn’t know this when it was originally planned, but it went ahead nonetheless… This was an utterly ruthless and shameful episode. The royal family has not forgotten. The royal family obviously has other concerns [today]."

"Their despicable timing of the Oprah interview, which caused Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip untold anguish, was totally and utterly unforgivable," Fordwich claimed.

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Andersen previously told Fox News Digital that Kate and Meghan were "never close." Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s exit, the Princess of Wales has kept her distance as she serves the crown.

"From the very beginning, Kate and Meghan were hardly what I would call a love match," Andersen explained. "Even before they had their famous, tearful row over the flower girls’ dresses at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the relationship between the two princesses was frosty. 

"After Megxit, Kate did what she could do to bring brothers Prince Harry and Prince William back together, but that proved impossible once the Sussexes let loose on the royal family during the Oprah interview and then in Harry’s blistering memoir ‘Spare.’

"Kate threw her hands up and essentially walked away, leaving it up to William and Harry to decide when — or even if — they will patch things up," Andersen continued. "All the while, Meghan has sailed above the fray, pursuing her projects in California and showing little interest in repairing relations with her royal in-laws."

Andersen also claimed that the Sussexes have "zero intention of apologizing for anything."

"Zero," he stressed. "They still firmly believe they are the wronged party in this royal saga. And while Kate might be capable of burying the hatchet and moving on, King Charles… and Prince William are not in a forgiving mood. Things have gone too far. The wounds are simply too deep." 

Earlier this month, Kate announced she is in "remission" from cancer and is focused on her future.

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to."

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry called local villains by neighbors in ritzy California town

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly are called local villains by neighbors of the ritzy California town the couple fled to after leaving their royal roles behind.

One Montecito resident, who has never met the couple but spoke to Vanity Fair, referred to the duo as the prince and "the starlet."

The neighbors of the quiet Santa Barbara area attribute many of the new annoyances to Markle and Prince Harry, including increased housing prices, busy streets and more. 

The neighborhood has seen much more tourist traffic since Markle and Harry's arrival in 2020, anonymous residents told the outlet. Vanity Fair also reported that several people they spoke with noted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have become local villains.

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Markle's latest business endeavor, American Riviera Orchard, is also located in Montecito, Vanity Fair reported. According to the outlet, a book published by the Southern Pacific Company rail lines in 1898 states, "The Montecito is known as the American Riviera." However, that honor reportedly now belongs to Santa Barbara. 

"It’s such a kind of hucksterism," a resident told Vanity Fair. "It’s just finding every way she can to monetize something.

"I still think they’re the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet," the resident added. "They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press, and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States."

Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

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Meanwhile, the couple's arrival has been praised by their celebrity neighbor, Sharon Stone.

"You know, the thing about them that is so great is they didn’t come here to live off of our community. They came here to be a part of our community," she told Access Hollywood in 2020.

"My friend said she was sitting in her car, and they bicycled across the street and waved at her while she was sitting at the red light," she recalled. "They’re a part of our community. They’ve become a giving, caring, participating part of our communityThey’re not here to be like, ‘Would you like to kiss my butt?'"

Montecito has been home to a handful of celebrities, including Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Levine, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Keaton and Oprah.

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Despite moving to the United States five years ago after stepping back from his senior roles in royal life, Prince Harry reportedly doesn't have a social life aside from his nuclear family.

"[Meghan] was up front about the fact that Harry hadn’t made many friends yet," a source, who previously interacted with Markle professionally, told Vanity Fair.

Markle and Prince Harry threw themselves into work and landed a bombshell Netflix contract months after establishing Montecito as their home in 2020. They first released their docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," in 2022. The show earned the biggest one-day audience for any Netflix series since monitoring began in October 2022. One year later, they followed up with the "Heart of Invictus" docuseries in 2023 and produced "Polo" in 2024.

However, multiple sources described Markle and Prince Harry as having "really great ideas" for shows that never got made.

"I think Harry doesn’t know what he wants because he grew up in a fishbowl, and so he doesn’t know what real life really is," an insider, who worked on media projects with the couple, told Vanity Fair. "I think he probably wants to be left alone and be able to go kiss babies every once in a while but not have to worry about money. I don’t think he wants to be famous the way Meghan wants to be famous."

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

King Charles remembers Jimmy Carter as 'committed public servant' in tribute to 39th president

King Charles III mourned the loss of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who died Sunday. He was 100.

A condolence message from the King was shared on X to President Biden and "the American people following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter."

The Carter Center confirmed the Nobel Peace Prize winner's death in a release shared Sunday afternoon with Fox News Digital. 

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"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king wrote. "He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.

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"His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977."

King Charles added, "My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter's family and the American people at this time."

Carter died at his home in Georgia surrounded by his family.

"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs."

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President Carter is survived by his children, Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith Carter, who died on Nov. 19, 2023, and one grandchild.

Public observances will be scheduled in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. Final arrangements are still pending for President Carter's state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes.

Kate Middleton makes rare cancer comment while speaking with public on Christmas Day

Kate Middleton remarked this week about how relatable going through cancer is for so many people while making a rare comment about her battle with the disease over the last year. 

"The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families," the Princess of Wales told a health care worker. She was speaking to the public in Sandringham after the royal family left their Christmas Day church service

The royals always spend Christmas at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. 

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The health care worker who spoke to the princess, who was identified as Rachel Anvil of Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital, according to the New York Post, called Kate an "inspiration" to cancer patients for the way she handled her own cancer battle. 

Anvil noted that she had started her career in a cancer unit, and added that having someone "so influential" be open about her own struggle was helpful to others dealing with the disease. 

"People like you are doing all the hard work out there," Kate demurred in a video posted to Instagram of the exchange by Anvil’s mother, according to the Post. 

The princess added that she was "hugely grateful" for the work people like Anvil do for patients. 

"We’re all behind you, never forget that," another person, identified by the Post as Anvil’s mother, told the princess — who thanked her. 

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The 42-year-old royal announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in March, two months after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January. 

She returned for her first public engagement since Christmas Day 2023 in June for the Trooping the Colour parade. 

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In September, Kate announced she had finished her round of preventative chemotherapy, although she said her path to full recovery would be long, and that she would take it day by day. 

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She added that she would undertake some limited engagements through the end of the year, which included her second annual "Together at Christmas" concert at Westminster Abbey earlier this month. 

The princess was accompanied on Christmas Day by her husband Prince William, their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, and her in-laws King Charles III and Queen Camilla. 

Charles announced earlier this year that he was also diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatments. 

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report. 

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