British viewers are not sufficiently ‘classy’ to enjoy Meghan’s Netflix series and are ‘too cynical’ unlike Americans: Incendiary claim of Harry’s friend revealed by RICHARD EDEN… and he doesn’t stop there!

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The British television critics frequently referred to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s series “With Love, Meghan” as a self-indulgent display and unlovable TV, garnering plenty of ridicule from Netflix viewers.

With the American streaming service set to air a second season of the popular lifestyle and culinary program, an old acquaintance of the Duke of Sussex shares insights on why the British audience didn’t fully embrace it.

According to his assertion, we apparently lack the sophistication and possess too much skepticism to appreciate the glamorous series set in Montecito, the affluent California neighborhood that is home to Prince Harry and Meghan in their £19.5 million mansion boasting a wine cellar, cinema, gym, spa, pool, tennis court, wood-fired stove, barbecue, and 13 (and a half) bathrooms.

“Alex Rayner suggests that it might be tailored a tad more towards the U.S. market compared to ours,” stated Alex Rayner, who embarked on a charity trek to the North Pole with Harry in 2012.

Our approach leans towards a slightly skeptical perspective. Instead of focusing on polished presentations, we prefer the authentic charm of an elderly lady like Mrs. Miggins, who makes marmalade by the Aga. In contrast, American culture tends to favor a more refined and polished approach, aiming for something more.

46-year-old Rayner, an alumnus of schools such as Eton College, where Harry was also educated, strongly believes that the duchess’s product line associated with the series, marketed under her ‘As Ever’ brand, deserves appreciation. He opines, “I think she receives undue criticism about it. The quality of food she offers through As Ever is simply remarkable.

He notes: ‘Harry and his father share a strong interest in eco-friendly, farm-to-table practices. Interestingly enough, this is also a core value of Meghan, yet she often faces criticism for it.’

A great deal of interest and backing is shown for Harry and Meghan, just as it is for any other member of the Royal Family, due to their fame.

Earlier this year, Rayner raised some eyebrows when he took up the duke’s cause in a dispute regarding his charity Sentebale. He implied that Sophie Chandauka, the organization’s chairwoman, may have neglected Meghan by feeling slighted because she was not the most prominent woman of color at a polo event, rather than being fully supportive during criticism directed towards her.

 

Originally celebrated as a national treasure and tasked with creating Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday portrait, he ultimately met an unfortunate end in disgrace. Per his final wishes, he passed away without any financial assets.

However, as so often with Rolf Harris, matters were not quite what they seemed.

In fact, it’s worth mentioning that Harris, who is skilled in various instruments such as the wobble board, piano accordion, Stylophone, and didgeridoo, had managed to save approximately £400,000 across two investment companies, Myfanwy Investments and RHE Investments.

After his death at age 93 in May 2023, they received a tax refund of £128,000. Later in that same year, shareholders received £662,000. An additional £135,000 was distributed in January. Now, following the firms’ winding up, another payment of £392,000 has been made as the final sum.

The identity of the shareholders remains unclear, however it’s previously been noted that Harris’s wife Alwen, who passed away recently and left an estate worth £4 million, and the Alwen Harris 2012 Family Trust, which is expected to primarily benefit their single child Bindi, who altered her name after Harris was imprisoned for physically abusing girls as young as eight years old, were among the original shareholders.

 

The smart set’s talking about… how Lord Ashcroft plays a long game 

Michael Ashfort is determined to show that he won’t be putting his feet up any time soon.

As a seasoned lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that the influential entrepreneur and erstwhile deputy chairman of the Conservative Party has extended invitations for his milestone 80th birthday bash, scheduled for March next year. The theme? None other than ‘All To Play For’, promising an unforgettable evening filled with celebration and camaraderie!

George Bernard Shaw, a playwright, once said, “As we age, we don’t stop enjoying life and having fun; rather, we grow old when we cease to find joy in living.

Anticipation builds among visitors as they eagerly await to find out who will be providing the evening’s entertainment at the Grosvenor House hotel, situated in the fashionable district of Mayfair.

At his 70th birthday celebration, singers like Katherine Jenkins and Michael Bublé took the stage, along with an assortment of other guests. The guest list boasted quite a mix, as Boris Johnson was found next to the current titleholder of Miss World.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Celebrating my 60th, the legendary Sir Cliff Richard took the stage and serenaded me with “Congratulations” before my dear friend Denise van Outen made a grand entrance from an impressive birthday cake to join in on a lively rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Quite an unforgettable moment!

 

Dua Lipa is booking her next holiday – by consulting the stars.

The artist, aged 29, finds astrocartography intriguing – a concept that correlates the placement of planets at your birth with specific global spots believed to be favorable for your success. She expresses this by saying, ‘Given my interest in astrology, it does seem logical.’

The idea that our personalities might be drawn to certain places more than others? I’m into it.’

 

Madonna’s boy Banda in da house! 

David Banda, who was adopted by Madonna, previously played soccer for Benfica’s youth team in Portugal. Now, he’s focusing on the nightlife of London clubs.

The young record producer, along with his closest friend Bertie Adam (son of Piers Adam, who was Best Man at Guy Ritchie’s wedding to the Pop Queen in 2000), co-organized a night at the club together.

This week’s gathering took place at The Rex Rooms, located on King’s Road in Chelsea, a venue that was once a popular spot for Madonna.

The guest shared that the atmosphere was quite lively, mentioning that David joined Bertie on the decks. Everyone seemed to be enjoying Apres Provence rosé wine until 3 am.

 

Issy’s getaway with her love-struck Romeo, Sam

Isabella Knopfler felt overjoyed when she landed the role in the upcoming fantasy TV series titled “The Wayfinders.” In this show, she stars alongside Samuel Buchanan as they portray teenage friends who find themselves unintentionally whisked away to a mysterious and ominous medieval realm.

However, Mark Knopfler’s 27-year-old daughter, a renowned figure in her own right, didn’t anticipate encountering love amidst the film set.

It’s rumored that she and Sam, who portrayed Amy Winehouse’s manager in the 2024 biopic Back To Black, are currently involved in a fiery relationship. From what I’ve heard, they’ve been sharing pictures from their vacation in Portugal. Interestingly, Issy, who first appeared on TV in Silent Witness three years ago, had previously dated another co-star, Charlie Field, who played Prince Harry in the 2019 TV film Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal. They crossed paths while working together on the 2021 film Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men, featuring Lesley Manville.

 

James reveals his big TV break 

James Norton really has been has been in the wars.

A notable actor from Happy Valley sustained a broken collarbone during a daring stunt for the upcoming BBC series titled “King and Conqueror,” an epic set in the context of the Battle of Hastings.

Norton, aged 40, who plays King Harold, shared with me during the global premiere at BFI Southbank in London: “During rehearsals, I took a tumble from the horse and landed on my shoulders. The discomfort persisted for the second part of filming, and in some of those battle sequences, you’ll hear me let out quite genuine yelps.

In addition to our leading character, the eight-part drama features Emily Beecham, age 41, portraying Harold’s wife, Edith Swanneck. About their fictitious relationship, she shares, “Developing it with him was thrilling due to its volatility.

Go ahead, hit me hard!” This left him with noticeable reddening.

 
 

(Very) modern manners 

Diane von Furstenberg could very well be recognized for shaping fashion with the invention of the wrap dress, yet it remains uncertain if her most recent style will gain widespread popularity.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation I witnessed when the illustrious Belgian designer, now 78 years young, shared an image of herself online. Clad in a black balaclava, she seemed like a different person – and not just because of the disguise. This protective gear is her choice swimwear in the pool, a strategic move to shield her skin from those harmful rays of sun.

‘In this photo, you can see the determination that comes from enduring hours of swimming, yet also adhering to your dermatologist’s advice about avoiding too much sun exposure for your skin.’ She added this caption to the picture.

City Council Member Gregory Jones, head of the Hampstead Heath committee, stated: “Our goal is to find top-notch operators who will cater to the needs of the local community and align with the objectives of our open-space charity organizations.

 

 Branching out, Wood’s now a dad

Adventurer Levison Wood, known for traversing the Arabian Peninsula, the entire Nile, and the Himalayas via foot, is about to embark on his most significant journey yet – fatherhood, following an incident where a car’s brakes malfunctioned, causing him to take flight off a cliff.

A woman named Ana Protasio, who was previously the girlfriend of a former member of the Parachute Regiment, recently gave birth to their first child together – a baby girl.

‘Her name is Maya,’ Levison tells me, adding that being a dad suits him.

He says: ‘I’m really enjoying it – she’s very cute.’

Ana, the model and yoga instructor, who is shown with Wood, recently welcomed a new addition at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Currently residing in Devon, 43-year-old Wood will be conducting a one-day workshop titled “The Art Of Exploration” later this month.

He portrays the West Country as a peaceful, serene, and tranquil locale ideally suited for a newborn. It offers an opportunity for the family to acclimate to rural living temporarily.

 

Benedict Cumberbatch has a three-pipe problem: How to save his favourite local cafes.

The famous actor from Sherlock Holmes series has taken part in a movement to preserve two locally-owned restaurants situated close to his residence in north London, on Hampstead Heath. “In these economically challenging circumstances,” he says, “it is crucial that we support those who operate businesses that benefit our community.

‘They understand their customers and know them by name. This is about people and not profit.’

The City of London Corporation, responsible for managing the parks, is seeking fresh management for the long-standing family-owned cafes within them.

Gregory Jones, who chairs the City’s Hampstead Heath committee, stated that their main goal is finding top-quality service providers who can cater to the local community and align with the objectives of charities dedicated to preserving open spaces.

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2025-08-16 04:05