Omid Scobie’s Endgame set to explore monarchy’s internal struggles and claims of crisis

Royal journalist Omid Scobie, known for previously co-authoring a biography on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, clarified that he did not directly interview Meghan Markle for his upcoming book, Endgame, due to release on Tuesday. The book delves into the challenges and “fight for survival” faced by the royal family. Scobie, 42, explained to The Times that although he is not a personal friend of the Duchess, shared acquaintances have facilitated access to information and exclusive insights.

Among the book’s revelations, Scobie claims Harry and Meghan are “in a good place” and paints a picture of the royal family’s challenges with waning youth engagement and questions about the monarchy’s values post-Queen Elizabeth II. Notably, Endgame suggests a rift exists between King Charles and Prince William and presents instances like the King and Meghan Markle exchanging letters after her Oprah Winfrey interview, touching on sensitive topics such as alleged remarks on Prince Archie’s skin colour.

Other claims include Prince William allegedly being involved in unfavourable media narratives concerning his brother, and a reported communication lapse between the brothers during the late Queen’s final moments. Scobie’s work also mentions Meghan’s gestures towards the King, such as sending pictures of her children and recording a birthday video.

While Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, Scobie also reflected on personal challenges, sharing the toll taken by online abuse he attributes to “anti-Meghan social media trolls,” stating, “I’ve really struggled with it… I definitely felt at times like I wanted to just disappear.”

The YouTuber alNella Rose revealed that she contemplated quitting I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! following a heated disagreement with fellow contestant Fred Sirieix. The YouTuber, who lost both her parents, expressed frustration after Sirieix remarked that he was old enough to be her father, leading her to decide she no longer wished to interact with him or eat meals he prepared in camp. Speaking to campmate Grace Dent, Rose said, “If Jamie (Lynn-Spears) had left yesterday, I would have been right behind her… I just don’t want to be the first [to quit].” She admitted, “Whenever I feel uncomfortable or sad, I tend to leave, so lasting this long in the jungle is astonishing.”

The episode also captured a tense exchange between Rose and former Ukip leader Nigel Farage over his immigration stance. By the camp bath, Rose confronted Farage, referencing his reputation as “anti-immigrant” and questioning why many Black people dislike him. Farage responded by saying, “You’d be amazed, they do [like me],” and defended himself, arguing that criticism of immigration numbers was not inherently anti-immigrant.

The debate became more pointed as Rose highlighted her own status as part of the immigrant population in the UK. She countered Farage’s argument about the strain on GP appointments due to immigration by saying, “You’re not getting an appointment because the NHS is lacking funding.” She emphasised that many healthcare professionals in the UK are of immigrant descent, saying, “Most of your doctors are Asian, most of your nurses are African women… You want us gone, that’s all I understood.”

Despite their disagreement, Farage insisted that they could “agree to disagree.”so challenges Nigel Farage on his stance towards immigration

Horner claims Hamilton’s team explored moves, including serious discussions with Ferrari

Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, has made headlines by revealing that Lewis Hamilton’s representatives reportedly engaged in talks with both Red Bull and Ferrari earlier this year. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, Horner suggested that Hamilton’s team made inquiries with the reigning constructors’ champions and engaged in “serious talks” with Ferrari chairman John Elkann.

Horner disclosed, “There have been several conversations over the years about Lewis joining. Earlier in the year, they reached out to explore potential interest.” He noted that Hamilton’s camp had approached Red Bull on multiple occasions but highlighted that he could not foresee Hamilton and Red Bull’s top driver, Max Verstappen, successfully sharing the same team.

Horner stressed, “I can’t see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn’t fit. We are entirely satisfied with our current drivers.” Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028 after signing a substantial £200 million extension, remains Red Bull’s cornerstone driver. His teammate Sergio Perez’s deal runs through the end of next season.

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s future with Mercedes became more secure in August after he signed a two-year contract extension worth a reported £50 million per season, keeping him with the Silver Arrows until 2025. However, rumours of interest from Ferrari persist, with Hamilton acknowledging that informal discussions may have occurred in the past, though no formal offer was ever presented.

Ferrari’s current drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, remain under contract through the 2024 season, maintaining the Scuderia’s lineup stability for the time being.

A Night of Elegance: Royalty, Celebrities, and Politicians Dazzle at the State Banquet for South Korea’s President

Buckingham Palace glittered with glamour on 21 November as it hosted a spectacular state banquet for South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The event, which marked the beginning of their three-day visit to the UK, was a dazzling display of royal and celebrity style, with attendees including The Princess of Wales, the K-pop sensation Blackpink, and high-profile figures like Akshata Murty.

The Princess of Wales, known for her impeccable style, stole the spotlight by wearing the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a historic piece previously owned by the Queen Mother. Paired with the stunning Jenny Packham ‘Anemone’ gown, she added a touch of royal elegance, completing her look with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond earrings and a pearl-embellished clutch by Anya Hindmarch.

The star-studded evening also saw Blackpink members grace the event in designer gowns, further enhancing the glamour of the occasion. Jisoo wore a dramatic puffed Dior gown, while Lisa chose a turquoise caped creation by Georges Hobeika. Rosé shone in a black strapless dress by Pinkong, and Jennie made a statement in an off-shoulder white gown by Toni Matičevski.

In a striking red velvet gown by Fiona Clare Couture, Queen Camilla embraced the same bold colour that The Princess of Wales had worn earlier, accessorising with the ruby Burmese Tiara. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, honoured Queen Elizabeth II with a white Suzannah London gown, featuring hand-embroidered details inspired by the Queen’s Coronation gown.

Other notable appearances included Akshata Murty, who wore a claret-red silk-satin dress from Saloni, and Victoria Starmer, who selected a ruched velvet gown. Samantha Cameron, the wife of former Prime Minister David Cameron, championed her own fashion label, Cefinn, with a green metallic midi dress, adding another layer of personal style to the evening’s event.

Portugal Star Dismisses Move to Saudi Pro League and Focuses on Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, has addressed ongoing rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, insisting that he is fully committed to his role at Old Trafford. Despite the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment drive in recent months, Fernandes, 29, has confirmed that he is not considering a mid-season departure.

Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020, has become a central figure at the club, earning the captain’s armband earlier this summer after Harry Maguire was stripped of the role. Though the start to his tenure as captain has been challenging, Fernandes remains focused on his current commitments.

In an interview with Sport TV in Portugal, Fernandes stated, “I’m focusing on the national team and United. I’m happy where I am. I don’t pay attention to rumours. It’s easy to spread speculation in the media, but I prefer to concentrate on my goals.”

The midfielder’s comments come as he continues to play a pivotal role for both Portugal and Manchester United, despite the club’s difficult start to the season.

Angela Rippon bids farewell following a dance-off against Bobby Brazier

Angela Rippon, the 79-year-old broadcaster, became the eighth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing after a competitive weekend at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. In a dramatic dance-off, Rippon was eliminated by soap star Bobby Brazier, who performed a lively jive with partner Dianne Buswell.

Rippon and her partner Kai Widdrington danced an elegant American smooth to Tea For Two by Ella Fitzgerald. In contrast, 20-year-old Brazier and Buswell performed a high-energy jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!.

Reflecting on her experience, Rippon shared her gratitude, saying, “The last nine weeks have been the most terrifying, fantastic, and joyful of my career. It has been a true eye-opener, and the team spirit on the show is unlike anything I’ve encountered in my long career.”

Rippon also expressed heartfelt thanks to her partner, Widdrington, praising him as “an old soul on young shoulders” and commending his patience and guidance throughout their time together.

Widdrington, equally moved, said, “I’m so proud of you, Angela. It’s been an honour and pleasure to dance with you, especially here in this beautiful ballroom.”

Despite the elimination, the evening’s dance-off was followed by praise from the judges, with Craig Revel Horwood highlighting Brazier and Buswell’s “standout” performance. The evening also featured a performance from Madness and a routine by professional dancers to a Harry Styles medley.

The remaining six couples will continue their journey on Strictly Come Dancing, with the next live show airing on November 25.

Carmela Chillery-Watson, nine, embraces her passion for fashion despite health challenges

A remarkable nine-year-old girl, Carmela Chillery-Watson, has taken the runway at the Bristol Fashion Show, showcasing her strength and determination. Diagnosed with LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy, a condition that progressively affects muscle movement, Carmela has not let it hinder her dreams.

Carmela, who has been part of the show since she was five, walked the catwalk with the help of a walking frame. She described the experience as “exhilarating” and revealed her favourite moment was wearing dungarees adorned with bright, smiling faces.

Her mother, Lucy Chillery-Watson, shared the joy of the evening, describing the event’s buzzing atmosphere and how Carmela beamed with pride as the crowd cheered her on.

A portion of the show’s ticket sales was donated to Cure4Carmela, a Muscular Dystrophy UK Family Fund that helps fund crucial research. Since Carmela’s diagnosis, she and her family have raised more than £400,000 for the charity.

In recognition of her contributions, Carmela received a British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour in October for her positive impact on the community.

To learn more about Carmela’s journey and support her cause, visit Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Cure4Carmela page.

Italy’s Euro 2024 hopes on the line in crucial clash

Italy faces a do-or-die scenario tonight as they take on North Macedonia in a pivotal Euro 2024 qualifier. With their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the Azzurri need a win to keep their dreams of next summer’s tournament in Germany alive.

The match comes after Italy’s devastating failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, which included a shock loss to North Macedonia in the play-offs. Now, they find themselves trailing Ukraine by three points in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, although they have a game in hand.

A win against North Macedonia would set Italy up for a crucial showdown with Ukraine next week, where a point will secure their spot in the tournament. However, any slip-ups tonight would leave them needing a win in Ukraine to qualify.

How to Watch

TV Channel: The match will be broadcast live on Viaplay Sports 1 in the UK.
Kick-off: 7.45 pm GMT

Prisoner Left Unsuspected and Unchecked, Leading to Tragic Suicide

A former prison worker has been found guilty of misconduct after failing to carry out proper welfare checks on a high-risk inmate who later took his own life. Graham Evans, 66, was on overnight duty at HMP Hewell in Worcestershire in June 2018 when he was tasked with checking on vulnerable prisoner Mesut Olgun, who had been identified as at high risk of self-harm.

Evans was required to check on Olgun four times every hour but only carried out 15 checks, despite recording 33, which was later disproven by CCTV footage. As a result, Olgun, 30, who had a history of violent behaviour, was left unsupervised for extended periods of time, ultimately leading to his tragic death.

Evans, of King’s Heath, Birmingham, was convicted of misconduct in public office at Worcester Crown Court. He will be sentenced in January. Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS special crime division, condemned Evans’ actions, emphasising his responsibility to ensure the safety of Olgun, whose death remains a tragic loss for his family and friends.

BBC Appeal Raises Over £33 Million with Doctor Who Sketch and Star Appearances

David Tennant reprised his role as the Doctor in a special Doctor Who sketch to raise funds for the BBC’s Children In Need appeal, which has already gathered more than £33 million. The segment, written by series showrunner Russell T Davies, featured Tennant’s Time Lord unexpectedly landing at the “genesis of the Daleks” during the live fundraising event on Friday.

Tennant, who originally became the 10th Doctor in 2005, was seen humorously breaking a newly-created Dalek with his Tardis, as actor Mawaan Rizwan’s character brainstormed a name for the iconic creature. The sketch highlighted Tennant’s regeneration into the 14th Doctor, continuing from the BBC centenary special that concluded Jodie Whittaker’s era last year.

The appearance comes ahead of Tennant and Catherine Tate’s return for three special Doctor Who episodes airing on November 25, leading up to Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the next Doctor.

Children In Need’s show also featured a range of performances and celebrity appearances, including Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, who performed “My Love” with young dancers from a charity project. Presenter Vernon Kay celebrated raising over £5 million for the cause through an ultra-marathon challenge, while the Princess of Wales opened the event with a heartfelt message about supporting children’s well-being and development.