Prince Harry to return to UK without Meghan Markle

Friend says Harry and Meghan are in ‘extraordinary situation’ as duke prepares to return to UK
Prince Harry is returning to the UK alone at the end of September

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Prince Harry’s friend and fellow mental health advocate Bryony Gordon has said that he and Meghan Markle are an “ordinary couple” in an “extraordinary” situation.

The writer opened up about her almost decade-long friendship with the Duke of Sussex for his 40th birthday, telling the Daily Mail that people are often “disappointed” by the truth when they ask about the couple.

She said: “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people.

“A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”

This comes as Harry is set to return to the UK at the end of September for the WellChild Awards without Meghan Markle.

The Times reports the Duke of Sussex is believed to be making the brief visit to his home country without his wife and children.

He recently told ITV that he will not bring Meghan to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid attack”.

Harry will attend the London-based event in his capacity as patron for the charity, which provides support to seriously ill British children and young people.

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Friend says Harry and Meghan are in an ‘extraordinary’ situation
Prince Harry’s friend and fellow mental health advocate Bryony Gordon has opened up about the Sussex’s “extraordinary” situation.

Writing to mark the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday, she explained that they are an “ordinary” couple and described Harry as “pretty damn normal” after an almost decade-long friendship.

She told the Daily Mail: “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people. A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”

Ms Gordon added: “This is not what people want to hear, but it is what I’ve found, time and time again.”

Prince Harry’s friend has said there are ‘no airs and graces’ about the Sussexes.
Prince Harry’s friend has said there are ‘no airs and graces’ about the Sussexes.
Friend claims Prince Harry is ‘pretty damn normal’
Prince Harry’s friend has claimed that people are always disappointed when she tells them that the Duke of Sussex is “pretty damn normal”.

Writer and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon explained that the pair struck up a friendship around eight years ago, and she has received many questions about the duke’s character ever since.

She told the MailOnline: “When I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of ‘well, you would say that, you know him,’ as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them.

“I’ve heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man I’ve come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and who’s done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in [the UK].”

Prince Harry discusses mental health and self-care during a virtual panel with BetterUp.
Prince Harry discusses mental health and self-care during a virtual panel with BetterUp.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, is said to have had a low-key celebration with his family on the day itself before he heads off on a weekend getaway in California with friends.

Lady Victoria Hervey claimed to GB News: “He wanted to do a big party and she did not want that.

“I think she’s so worried about him straying and seeing his old friends and spending time with them and remembering his old life, that she’s got him in this cage where all he knows is this life that he has with her.”

Harry turned 40 on Sunday, 15 September.

Prince Harry is said to have wanted a ‘big party’ for his milestone birthday.
Prince Harry is said to have wanted a ‘big party’ for his milestone birthday.
The heir to the throne, 42, is promoting the cause through his Homewards project, which operates in the city.

As part of the visit, he will meet with staff at the city’s Shelter Scotland offices to learn more about how homeless people and those at risk of homelessness are being supported.

It read: “My wife and I are profoundly saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe.

“Many people in the United Kingdom have strong, enduring ties to the region and, together with them, my wife and I send our deepest condolences.”

A message from The King regarding the ongoing floods in Central Europe. pic.twitter.com/gI0z1xSAu9

Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday, recently told ITV that he will not bring the duchess to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid” attack.

The Times said that he is therefore thought to be travelling alone to the WellChild Awards on 30 September.

In his capacity as patron, he is scheduled to present an award and give a speech.

The Duke of Sussex and his family moved to California in 2020 after stepping down as working royals.
The Duke of Sussex and his family moved to California in 2020 after stepping down as working royals.

Harry’s event, which he is attending in his capacity as patron, is taking place on 30 September.

The father and son have not seen each other since February, when Harry flew to the UK following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. They met for a reported 45 minutes.

Harry did not see his father when he visited the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in May.
Harry did not see his father when he visited the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in May. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Emma Guinness19 September 2024 09:18
10 hours ago
Prince William writes foreword for new book
Prince William has paid tribute to the “legend of rugby league” Rob Burrow in a foreword to a new memoir penned by his wife Lindsey.

The sporting star, 41, passed away from motor neurone disease (MND) in June after spending the past two years raising awareness of the devastating illness.

A promotional statement about the book read: “Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis.

“Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who couldn’t move or talk, and could only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND.”

Tributes have been paid to Rob Burrow at an event to celebrate his life (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Tributes have been paid to Rob Burrow at an event to celebrate his life