Royal news live: Friend says Harry and Meghan are in ‘extraordinary situation’ as duke prepares to return to UK

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 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].”

A British aristocrat has claimed that Prince Harry was “banned” by his wife Meghan Markle from having a large 40th birthday celebration.

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 William is set to visit the Scottish city of Aberdeen to raise awareness of the homelessness sector.

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.

King Charles has issued a statement this morning on the devastating floods sweeping through Central Europe.

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.”

The Duke of Sussex is reported to be travelling to the UK at the end of the month without his wife Meghan Markle.

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 is unlikely to see his father King Charles when he travels to the UK at the end of the month for the WellChild Awards.

The monarch has a prior engagement in Scotland marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament on 28 September and is believed to be spending an additional few days in the country.

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.

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.”

The royal family have thanked well-wishers who have sent them over 100,000 letters to Buckingham Palace alone in the past year.

In a post shared to Twitter/X, it was revealed that the messages came from all over the world.

“Thank you to everyone who has written to the Royal Family in the past year,” the post read. “To find out more about our Correspondence Team, visit http://Royal.uk.”

The Duke of Sussex has said he is honoured to attend the 2024 Wellchild Awards in London later this month.

Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday (15 September), will attend in his capacity as a patron of the charity, which supports seriously ill British children and young people.

He said in a statement: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”

The MailOnline reports that Harry will give a speech at the event and present the Award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six).