Through his legal team, Prince Harry has confirmed that he does not feel safe returning to Britain.

On February 18 the Duke of Sussex’s lawyer made a statement to the High Court in London in a preliminary hearing to address the question of police protection for the Sussexes. “This claim is about the fact that the claimant does not feel safe when he is in the U.K. given the security arrangements that were applied to him in June 2021 and will continue to be applied to him if he decides to come back,” attorney Shaheed Fatima said at the Royal Courts of Justice, per The Guardian.

Fatima continued, “And, of course, it should go without saying that he wants to come back: to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart. Most of all, this is, and always will be, his home.”

Prince Harry, Meghan Meghan, and their son Archie first lost their taxpayer-funded police protection when they stepped away from being working royals in 2020 and have spoken about the need for security on multiple occasions. (When the family first relocated to California, they stayed at one of Tyler Perry’s properties because he also gave them the use of his security team.)

In 2020, Prince Harry reportedly offered to pay for U.K. police protection from his own funds when in Britain, citing threats from neo-Nazis, but was not allowed to do so. In January 2022 his legal team sought another judicial review to allow the royal to pay for his own security team while in the U.K. At the time Prince Harry released a statement alluding to “compromised” security during his last visit to the U.K., to unveil a statue of his late mother, Princess Diana.

The statement from January referenced an incident in which the royal was “chased by photographers” as he left a charity event. Notably, a chase from photographers also contributed to the death of his mother, and Harry has previously spoken about his fear of history repeating itself.

“While [Prince Harry’s] role within the Institution has changed, his profile as a member of the Royal Family has not,” the statement emphasized. “Nor has the threat to him and his family.”

Despite garnering her first Oscar nomination for playing Prince William and Prince Harry’s mother Princess Diana in the critically-acclaimed biopic, Spencer, Kristen Stewart doesn’t keep up with current-day royals drama. In fact, she didn’t even realize the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had made a permanent move to California.

In a new interview for Vanity Fair‘s annual Hollywood Issue, the Twilight star reacted to the news by saying, “That’s so funny. I wonder where.” It’s not that Stewart is actively avoiding royal gossip over a sense of moral superiority. She adds, “I’m no better than anyone! Of course, I want to know.”

Still, the actor says she couldn’t even bring herself to watch Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s now-famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in full when it aired in March 2021. “It was almost too hot to touch in terms of how personal it was for me at that time,” Stewart explained. The actor had finished filming Spencer less than a month before. 

After being told that the couple settled in Santa Barbara (Montecito, to be more specific), Stewart said, “That makes sense. It’s really nice up there.” 

Kristen Stewart did, of course, do a lot of research into Princess Diana’s life and marriage to Prince Charles, the demise of which is the focus of Spencer. “One of the remarkable things is that she was so friendless,” Stewart said of the late Diana. “I’m constantly going, ‘Where was your fucking homie?'”

In the bombshell Oprah interview, Prince Harry spoke openly about his late mother’s dissatisfaction with royal life, and the strength he found in Markle. “I’m just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you with my wife by my side because I can’t begin to imagine what it must’ve been like for [my mother] going through this process by herself all the years ago,” he said at the time. “It’s been unbelievably tough on the two of us, but at least we have each other.”

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As a father of two, Prince Harry has learned to strategize. In a virtual event with Serena Williams held on February 3, the Duke of Sussex opened up about finding time for himself after wrangling 2-year-old Archie Harrison and 8-month-old Lilibet Diana.

“The self-care is the first thing that drops away. I’m happy to admit that — as a husband, as a dad,” he said during BetterUp’s Inner Work Day, per People. Luckily, the former senior royal usually manages to swing 30-45 minutes of alone time each morning while Archie is at school and Lilibet is down for a nap.

“Okay, one of the kids has gone to school. The other one’s taking a nap. There’s a break in our program,” he said. “It’s like, right, it’s either for workout, take the dog for a walk, get out in nature, maybe meditate.”

Prince Harry, a well-known mental health awareness advocate, also spoke about that calling in relation to his job as a full-time dad. “It’s work, but out of all the work that we do and all the work that we get pulled towards, it is the most fulfilling work,” he said. “Apart from being a dad.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their son back in May 2019 and announced the birth of their daughter in June 2021. Lilibet Diana was named after Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Harry’s mom, Princess Diana. 

“Two is definitely a juggle,” Prince Harry told Ed Sheeran at the 2021 WellChild Awards back in July, adding that he and his wife had been “very lucky so far.” He told Sheeran, “[Lilibet is] very chilled and seems happy to just sit there while Archie is running around like crazy.”

The queen reportedly chose to have a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex removed from her desk during the taping, while displaying a large photo of the Cambridge family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. 

“The queen hasn’t decided what to do about [Prince Harry’s decision to leave],” Andersen told Us Weekly. “There’s a point at which—just before she gives a speech to the director on set—[she is] asked which photographs she wants in the shot next to her.” The queen reportedly pointed to a photo of the Sussex family and said, “We won’t be needing that one.” 

The omission of his family was reportedly painful for Prince Harry. “I think that was a hurtful [thing for him to see],” Andersen continued. “A friend of Harry’s told me that he felt that he was being erased in a sense from the family. And it was right after that, that they made their [decision to leave the U.K.]. I think that was one of the things that prompted them to issue the statement that they were stepping back from royal [life for a] full-time real life.”

He continued, “It seems very subtle, but when you think about it, when somebody cuts you out of the family album, so to speak, it’s a pretty strong message.” 

This year, the only photo featured on the White Drawing Room desk at Windsor Castle was of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. 

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As ready as we are for this crazy year to end, we are devoted to making the most of Christmas 2021. Look us in the eye and tell us you don’t need a little holiday sparkle! And while the Omicron variant has made big parties an iffy idea at best, many families will be able to have intimate celebrations with vaccines, boosters, and testing. Hey, even Kris Jenner was willing to cancel her big annual holiday bash.

Of course, Hollywood’s A-List still wanted to get into the holiday spirit, and tons of celebrities made the most of the season with gifts, trees, decorations, and seasonal treats. From the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch dropping her first single (who saw that coming?) to Octavia Spencer’s genius idea for making 2022 great, it’s truly been a creative and unexpected X-mas.

Here’s how your favorite celebrities celebrated Christmas 2021:

The Kardashian-Jenners

Kris Jenner reportedly canceled her annual holiday party because of rising Covid numbers, but that didn’t stop the matriarch from partnering up with her daughter Kourtney Kardashian and son-in-law-to-be Travis Barker to record her own version of “Jingle Bells.” Kooky fun!

“Kris will still get her daughters and grandkids together on Christmas Eve, but that’s it,” a source also told TMZ.

On December 24, Kim Kardashian shared some adorable Christmas photos featuring Kris, Khloé Kardashian, Khloé’s 3-year-old daughter True, Rob Kardashian’s 5-year-old daughter Dream, and Kim’s children: 8-year-old North, 6-year-old Saint, 3-year-old Chicago, and 2-year-old Psalm, according to People. 

Khloé shared a few more:

While that part of the Kardashian-Jenner clan was decked out in PJs, Kendall Jenner shared a more glam series of photos, wearing a full-on gown in front of two Christmas trees.

Kate Middleton and Prince William

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a message on Christmas after the Queen canceled the Royal Family’s gathering in Sandringham. “This Christmas will be different to what so many of us had planned,” they wrote in an Instagram post on December 25. “From those who are alone or having to isolate away from loved ones, to the incredible people supporting our NHS and caring for those most in need — we are thinking of you. W & C.”

Reese Witherspoon

On December 23rd, the Legally Blonde star called her Big Little Lies co-star Laura Dern to wish her a Merry Christmas and, we assume, co-ordinate Secret Santa for all the Power Ladies of the industry. Except Dern didn’t pick up. Dernit.

Laura Dern

The very next day, Dern called Witherspoon back…and Reese didn’t pick up! Dern also revealed she was enjoying some cookies with her sister. Oh, you ladies.

Kelly Clarkson

The “Wrapped In Red” singer told followers she was looking forward to spending the holiday with her kids.

Alex Rodriguez

The former Yankees slugger revealed that his December 24th plans included yoga and hanging with his family and friends, plus eating some traditional Dominican dishes. Yum!

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

Based on a recent Instagram post, it appears Legend and Teigen took the kids to spend the holidays in a very cozy cabin where they’ve been taking some “very cold strolls” and toasting marshmallows. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wished fans a happy holiday by sharing a family photo featuring their 2-year-old son Archie and six-month-old daughter, Lilibet Diana. It was the first image they have shared of their newest addition, who was born in June.

“This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family,” they wrote underneath the photo taken by Alexi Lubomirski. “As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families – from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave.”

The couple finished their holiday message, writing, “Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours! As ever, Harry, Meghan, Archie & Lili.”

Jennifer Garner

Kerry Washington

Billie Eilish

Hugh Jackman

Kate Hudson

Kim Cattrall

Mariska Hargitay

Octavia Spencer

Angela Kinsey

Ashley Tisdale

Gwen Stefani

Tia Mowry

Jennifer Coolidge

Content

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All I want for Christmas is to listen to Jennifer Coolidge read The Nightmare Before Christmas about 100 more times. Thank you, Netflix.

This post will be updated.

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The first photo of baby Lilibet is here, courtesy of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 2021 holiday card.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared their holiday well-wishes on Thursday, December 23, with a family photo featuring their 2-year-old son Archie and six-month-old daughter, Lilibet Diana, who was born in June. 

“This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family,” they wrote underneath the photo taken by Alexi Lubomirski. “As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families – from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave.”

After a series of links to organizations they support, the couple finished their holiday message, writing, “Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours!

The card was shared by Team Rubicon, a veteran-run disaster response organization supported by the Archewell Foundation. “We’re grateful to Archewell Foundation and Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their support of our efforts to welcome Afghan families into communities across the country,” a statement on their website read. “We are honored to be amongst the organizations featured in their family’s holiday card this year.

The statement continued, “Our team was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet The Duke and Duchess of Sussex earlier this year at one of the sites we supported, Task Force Liberty, in New Jersey. Afghan family resettlement is a deeply personal mission for our volunteers and with this generous donation, it is our privilege to be able to support them as they transition into their new homes in the new year.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry first announced Lili’s birth back in June, though they did not share any photos of their newborn daughter until now. “Lili was born on Friday, June 4, at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. She weighed 7 lb. 11 oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home,” the statement read, per People. “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”

The statement continued, “This is the second child for the couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.”

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It sounds like Christmas of 2019 wasn’t completely merry for Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family.

According to royal biographer Christopher Andersen, who spoke to Us Weekly, Queen Elizabeth made a last-minute decision to exclude Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and baby Archie from her annual Christmas broadcast after learning of her grandson’s wish to step back from his senior royal title. (The couple didn’t announce their decision until January 2020.) 

The queen reportedly chose to have a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex removed from her desk during the taping, despite their prominent placement the year before. Notably, a large photo of the Cambridge family—Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—was featured.

“The queen hasn’t decided what to do about [Prince Harry’s decision to leave],” Andersen told Us Weekly. “There’s a point at which—just before she gives a speech to the director on set—[she is] asked which photographs she wants in the shot next to her.” The queen reportedly pointed to a photo of the Sussex family and said, “We won’t be needing that one.” 

Andersen describes the moment as a “turning point” in Prince Harry’s relationship with his grandmother. “There are all sorts of subtle messages that are conveyed in this, kind of soap opera that goes on,” the author explained. “In 2018, she sat there in front of a Christmas tree. She gave her Christmas address and there were the family photos…including Archie and Meghan and Harry, very prominently displayed.”

Of course, the blatant omission of his family would be painful for Prince Harry. “I think that was a hurtful [thing for him to see],” Andersen continued. “A friend of Harry’s told me that he felt that he was being erased in a sense from the family. And it was right after that, that they made their [decision to leave the U.K.]. I think that was one of the things that prompted them to issue the statement that they were stepping back from royal [life for a] full-time real life.”

He continued, “It seems very subtle, but when you think about it, when somebody cuts you out of the family album, so to speak, it’s a pretty strong message.” 

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For World AIDS Day (Wednesday, December 1), Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, wrote an emotional letter continuing his mother’s fight against the disease. (Princess Diana was at the forefront of the effort to break the stigma experienced by people affected by HIV and AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s.) 

His letter is addressed to Tedros Adhanom, the director general of the World Health Organization and Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. In the letter Prince Harry emphasizes the importance of World AIDS Day. 

“We honor those whose lives have been cut short and reaffirm our commitment to a scientific community that has worked tirelessly against this disease,” Prince Harry wrote. “My mother would be deeply grateful for everything you stand for and have accomplished. We all share that gratitude, so thank you.”

Prince Harry went on to compare the AIDS crisis to the  COVID-19 pandemic. “It is striking to now see the world’s leading AIDS activists are also leading the call for COVID-19 vaccine equity,” he wrote. “Vaccinating the world is a test of our moral character and we are experiencing a spectacular failure when it comes to global vaccine equity. Similar to the AIDS crisis, we’ve yet again revealed over the past year, that the value of life depends on whether you were born and/or live in a rich nation, or a developing country.”

In 1987, Princess Diana opened the United Kingdom’s first HIV/AIDS unit at London’s Middlesex Hospital. On her first visit, she made a point of shaking hands with a terminally ill AIDS patient without wearing gloves. At the time, so much was unknown about the disease that people were afraid to touch those who had it. Prince Harry continues what she started. 

“It’s time to draw from the lessons we learned throughout the HIV/AIDS pandemic, where millions died unnecessarily due to deep inequities in access to treatment,” Prince Harry wrote in his letter. “Are we really comfortable repeating the failures of the past? Everything I’ve learnt, from the youth of Sentebale, tells me not. They see how repeating these mistakes is destructive and self-defeating; it is a betrayal of the next generation.”

The royal family would like to remind us not to believe everything we read (or watch), thank you very much. 

A two-part BBC documentary about the notoriously vicious British press’s relationship to princes Harry and William has prompted a rare joint statement from three generations of the monarchy, and speculation that the royal family might boycott the network.

The Princes and the Press, the first part of which aired November 22, looks at the way the two princes were reported on during their young adulthood and culminates with the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Per the BBC, it’s as much about the brothers as it is about the way the media treated them, and “the film examines some of the illegal activities engaged in by some newspapers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including hacking and ‘blagging,’ and how these techniques were used to target members of the royal family and their associates.” Part two, which will air on November 29, covers 2018 to 2021.

None of the royals have participated in the documentary but were, according to BBC guidelines, asked for comment. And part one reportedly ends with a joint statement from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Clarence House (a.k.a. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William), saying, “A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy. However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”

We’re pretty sure that’s British for “cut it out.” There had been reports in the Daily Mail that the family was so unhappy with the direction of the program that they might “boycott” the channel. But as we’ve just been reminded, unnamed sources aren’t the most reliable, so take that rumor with an enormous grain of salt.

There is at least one interview in the doc that the royals should be happy about, though: Gavin Burrows, an investigator at News of the World in the early 2000s, apologizes in the film for his “ruthless” pursuit of Prince Harry and then girlfriend Chelsy Davy. “There was a lot of voicemail hacking going on, there was a lot of surveillance work on her phones, on her comms,” he admits, per Sky News, saying he was “very sorry” and admitting, “I was greedy, I was into my cocaine, and I was living in a fake state of grandeur.” Continues Burrows, “I was basically part of a group of people who robbed him [Harry] of his normal teenage years.”

A decent mea culpa, and better late than never?

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been plenty busy fighting for paid family leave in the U.S., but she still found time to stop by Ellen for an exclusive interview. She shared stories of living in L.A., bad hair days, and being on the Time 100 cover, and she even brought a new picture of her two-year-old son, Archie, with her. 

In the picture Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is playing with the family’s chickens while wearing the sweetest little pair of yellow rain boots and holding a basket, presumably for feeding said chickens. How cute!

See it for yourself, below, around the 3:50 mark. 

Meghan Markle shared the picture while talking about her newly released book, The Bench. It’s a children’s book showcasing the softer side of masculinity and fatherhood. On the first page is a drawing of Archie being held by his father, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on the titular bench. Prince Harry isn’t shy when it comes to showing love for his son—just look at his laptop case.

“I wrote this [book] originally just as a poem for my husband on Father’s Day,” Markle explained. “It was just about my observation of him and him being a dad, which was the most beautiful thing to watch. That was really the intention of it. Once it was shared with a couple of friends and people that we were close with, they said, ‘No, this resonates for me too, because it feels really inclusive and there’s representation.’ It’s just a sweet love story between a family.”

Apparently, Archie loves seeing himself in the pages of the book next to the family’s dogs, Pula and Guy. The Duchess of Sussex says her role as mother to Archie and Lilibet Diana has inspired her fight for paid parental leave, which, yes, should be a national right.