She’s about to celebrate 70 years on the throne, and last week, the Queen proved she’s not a monarch to be messed with as she dramatically stripped son Prince Andrew of his military titles, royal patronages and use of HRH over his ongoing sexual abuse scandal.
Andrew, 61, has been accused of assault by Virginia Giuffre, who claims he had sex with her in 2001, when she was 17, despite knowing she was a minor. She had been trafficked to the UK by now-deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his recently convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
Although Andrew denies the allegations, it was announced last week that the case will go to a civil trial in New York, prompting the Queen to take drastic action to distance the family from Andrew, removing his HRH and ceremonial military titles. And we’re told that, while this has been a very stressful time for the royals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be feeling vindicated.
It’s been two years since the couple quit their roles to start a new life in US, and they have been very vocal about how unhappy they were. In their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey last March, they even accused an unnamed family member of racism, which the royals refute. But following the news about Andrew, sources say Meghan in particular feels she has been proven right about the toxic environment they had to live in.
Check out: the most shocking celebrity breakups of the decade
Most shocking breakups of the decade - slider
1 of 30Louise and Jamie Redknapp
They were the British A-list couple that we thought would last but the world was stunned in July 2017 when Louise and Jamie Redknapp confirmed they'd split after 19 years together. Months later Louise opened up about the end of her marriage and following the end of the Redknapp marriage, it was reported that celebrities were refusing to sign up to the BBC show because of the Strictly curse.
2 of 30Cheryl and Ashley Cole
Cheryl and Ashley Cole first met in 2004 and quickly became an A-list couple. Two years later they tied the knot in an extravagant wedding. However, in 2010 following cheating allegations that were splashed across the media, Chez split from her footballer husband.
3 of 30Lisa Armstrong and Ant McPartlin
Lisa Armstrong and Ant McPartlin had been together for 23 years and married for 11 but in January 2018, the TV presenter confirmed he was filing for divorce following his rehab stint.However after a drink driving arrest, a second visit to rehab and liking a lot of shady tweets – the pair officially divorced nine months after splitting.
4 of 30Lenny Henry and Dawn French
At the beginning of the decade, Dawn French and Lenny Henry announced they were splitting after 25 years of marriage.
5 of 30Paul and Alex Hollywood
Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood and his wife Alex split after 20 years together. They'd previously split in 2013 after the GBBO star had an affair with his American co-star but they managed to patch things over and make things work. For a while.
6 of 30Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
We still can't believe Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split in 2016 after ten years together and two years marriage. The couple are parents to six children; Maddox, 18, Shiloh, 13, Pax, 16, Zahara, 14, Vivienne, 11, and Knox, 11. Even George Clooney was stunned at the news; well, to be fair he did find out during an interview.
7 of 30Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green
We thought they'd be a real-life Romeo and Juliet (minus the death) but Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green called it quits after being married for three years. We weren't the only ones who thought they were a power couple; remember when Craig Lawson joked he'd be the next Pro Green and Millie with Camilla Thurlow? Yeah, that didn't last.
8 of 30Bruce and Kris Jenner
They're the head of the Kardashian/Jenner household but in 2013 the world was shocked when Bruce and Kris Jenner announced they had separated after 23 years of marriage. A year later, Kris filed for divorce and cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason. A month after their divorce was finalised, Bruce publicly came out as a transgender woman – Caitlyn.
9 of 30Katy Perry and Russell Brand
One of the most heart-breaking celebrity break ups was definitely Katy Perry and Russell Brand, after all, she found out their 14-month marriage ended via TEXT. Their entire split was shown on her documentary Part of Me and remarkably Katy still performed on stage just hours after Russell announced he wanted to end their marriage.
10 of 30Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom had only known each other for three weeks before they tied the knot. Yes, really. They lasted four years before the Keeping Up with The Kardashians star filed for divorce. However, in 2015 she withdrew the file after Lamar suffered a drug overdose and she had to take control of his health decisions. There were reports that the pair would reunite but in 2016 their divorce was finalised.
11 of 30Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries
Kim appeared to have followed in the footsteps as her younger sister Khloe when she got engaged to Kris Humphries after just seven months. She documented her 'dream' wedding on Keeping Up with The Kardashians but their relationship didn't last and they split just 72 DAYS after their wedding. Their breakup was also documented on their show.
12 of 30Stormzy and Maya Jama
We're still devastated about Stormzy and Maya Jama splitting, tbh. They were the dream team and had been together for four years – despite being very private they appeared in Vogue magazine together and the grime artist dedicated a song to her. However in August 2019 they called it quits and the TV presenter unfollowed him on Instagram.
13 of 30Seal and Heidi Klum
Seal and Heidi Klum renewed their wedding vows every year on their anniversary however after a seven-year marriage they called it quits. The A-list couple are parents to four children; Leni (who Heidi had from a previous relationship, but Seal adopted) and during their relationship they also welcomed Henry, Johan and Lou into the world.
14 of 30Gary Lucy and Natasha Gray
After dating for 10 years and then being married for four, Gary Lucy and Natasha Gray called time on their marriage. The pair confirmed the news in a statement saying, "This was a very difficult decision, but was reached mutually and amicably. No other parties are involved."
15 of 30Liam Payne and Cheryl
We're pretty sure the world was shocked when Liam Payne and Cheryl announced they were dating. However they then went on to welcome baby Bear Grey Payne into the world and despite breakup rumours they posed together at the Brit Awards in 2018. Unfortunately a few months later – and a total of two years together - they split.
16 of 30Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
This break up is still a bit weird and we're not really sure why it happened because – spoiler alert – they're not real people. Anyways, in 2015 the puppets announced the end of their relationship in a lengthy statement.
17 of 30Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick
Another KUWTK break up – this one more surprising than the others – was Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick. The pair had been together for nine years and during that time they welcomed Mason, Penelope and Reign. They'd split a few times throughout their relationship – which included Scott doing to rehab and cheating allegations. However in 2015 they split for good.
18 of 30Cheryl and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini
Cheryl literally surprised the world when she announced on Instagram that she had eloped with Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini after three months of dating. The pair seemed totally in love until Cheryl raised concerns among fans after losing a lot of weight and slammed any split rumours by revealing her father in law had died. Unfortunately their romance wasn't to last and after 18 months of marriage they split.
19 of 30Perrie Edwards and Zayn Malik
Little Mix's Perri Edwards and One Direction's Zayn Malik were X Factor sweethearts. They supported each other's career, posted adorable snaps and even got a puppy together. The singers then got engaged but two years later – following cheating accusations and after Zayn quit One Direction – it came to light that he ended their relationship. While she claimed he dumped her via text, he denied it.
20 of 30Adele and Simon Konecki
She's notoriously private with her life but in 2019 is came to light that Adele and her husband Simon Konecki had split. Awhopping £145m is the figure being talked about in relation to their divorce. In 2012 they welcomed their only child into the world – Angelo.
21 of 30Chris Pratt and Anna Faris
Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced they were splitting back in 2018 and a few months later their divorce was finalised. At the time they released a statement, saying: "We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed. "Our son has two parents who love him very much and for his sake we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward."They went on to say they "still have love for each other".
22 of 30Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
Step Up stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan called it quits after being married for eight years. At the time they insisted they'd "lovingly chosen to separate as a couple". During their relationship they welcomed their daughter Everly into the world.
23 of 30Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk
We were devastated in June 2019 when one of the hottest A-list couples – Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk – split after four years together. Apparently the parents to their daughter Lea De Seine hadn't "been good for a few months".
24 of 30Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes dated for seven years and were married for six but in 2012 it came to light that she had filed for divorce. He later spoke out and admitted he "did not expect" the turn of events.
25 of 30Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux
Friends star Jennifer Aniston and her husband Justin Theroux called it quits after being married for two years. At the time they said the "decision was mutual and loving" and it appeared to be the truth because a year later to paid tribute to his ex-wife to celebrate her 50th birthday.
26 of 30Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom
Victoria's Secret model and Hollywood actor Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom broke up after six years together. After being married for three years they announced they'd been "amicably separated for the past few months" before confirming their relationship had ended.
27 of 30Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth lived a real-life story after falling in love on the set of The Last Song. However after four years together they split. They were then on/off but decided to call it quits AGAIN after eight years together. Their relationship didn't end there though because they reunited and got married but eight months after their wedding they split again.
28 of 30Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
Another couple who took the world by surprise were Twilightstars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. They met on the set of the vampire phenomenon back in 2009 and fell in love. While we all thought it would last, it didn't. Their relationship hit a rough patch in 2012 when Kristen's affair with her married director Rupert Sanders was exposed by paparazzi. Robert forgave her and they tried to make it work but they split a few months later.
29 of 30Fergie and Josh Duhamel
After eight years together Fergie and Josh Duhamel announced their split. Fast forward two years and Fergie filed for divorce.
30 of 30Matt Leblanc and Aurora Mulligan
In news that shocked Friends fans the world over, In February 2022 it was reported that Matt LeBlanc - best known for playing Joey Tribbiani on the show – had split from his girlfriend of six years, Top Gear producer Aurora Mulligan.
“Although it’s a very delicate subject and Meghan’s thoughts are with Andrew’s alleged victim, she can’t help but feel this shows they were right to get out,” an insider tells heat.
“She feels she and Harry have been unfairly criticised and painted as villains. She’s glad they quit when they did and feels pleased that she no longer has to deal with all the toxicity she believes is still there. Obviously, she and Harry have the utmost respect for the Queen and know it would’ve been hard for her to make that decision about her son, but when people ask if Meghan has regrets, she can safely say ‘No’.”
READ MORE
Olivia Attwood calls out Bradley Dack’s ‘lies’ after cancelling wedding
But, the insider adds, the couple do have concerns about the implications this may have for them. Although they are no longer working royals, they know it’s important for their image and brand in America to still have links to the right members. They are closest to Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and there is now a lot of uncertainty over those relationships, and the Sussexes’ future roles in the family.
“Meghan and Harry are very fond of Beatrice and Eugenie, who have been their link between them and the royals,” we’re told. “They want to support them, but they are also aware any link to Andrew won’t look good. They need to distance themselves from him. It’s also shown that the Queen is taking no prisoners, so they may have to be careful in the future with what they say, as they don’t want to lose their Duke and Duchess titles after having their HRH taken away when they quit.”
And with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee coming up, it’s left Meghan, 40, and 37-year-old Harry with a dilemma. Last week, events for the momentous occasion (the first British monarch to mark 70 years on the throne) were announced, including a four-day weekend, street parties, concerts and celebrations up and down the country. The upcoming plans have left Harry concerned, as he’s unsure whether he, Meghan and their two children, Archie, two, and seven-month-old Lillibet, will fly over for the celebrations in June.
“He so wants to be there, but knows with everything that’s gone on, it may not be possible,” we’re told.
“He and Meghan are still undecided about whether to go, but he has told her he wants her and the children to attend and try to repair relations. He is determined to be there, ideally with his family, but Harry knows he needs to show his face. He may have issues with some family members, but adores his grandmother and wants to be there for her. And Meghan is aware that appearing at the celebrations will add to their brand in America.”
Things between Harry and dad Prince Charles are said to be very strained. But it’s his relationship with brother Prince William that has reportedly been most damaged. Now, with the Jubilee coming up and all the stresses of the Andrew affair, we’re told William’s wife Kate is acting as peacemaker.
“She has been calm and compassionate throughout this whole post-Megxit firestorm between William and Harry,” says our source.
“She’s been a consistent voice of reason, even when the brothers were most at odds. Of course, her main loyalty is to William, but she also has a great affection for Harry, too, and it broke her heart to see him and William fighting, especially with things playing out so publicly like they did. It goes without saying she’s also hugely committed to the family as a whole, and she’s reminded William and others countless times that it does the royals no good whatsoever to be seen as divided or bickering with each other.
“It’s down to Kate’s influence that they’ve stayed on civil terms, and she’s determined to build on this to bring them together during Her Majesty’s very special year. She has offered for Harry to stay with them if he comes over, as well as Meghan and the children.”
Kate – who is mum to George, eight, Charlotte, six, and three-year-old Louis – recently celebrated her 40th birthday, and although her day was low-key (apart from the stunning portraits released to commemorate it), she is keen for the Queen to have a weekend to remember. William, 39, is said to have told a friend about his wife, “Catherine is a peacemaker. She’s much better than me, she wants everyone to be aligned.”
And, we’re told, she’ll be making sure that’s the case for the jubilee.
WATCH: 'Hero is on his own journey' Ralph Fiennes is one proud Uncle.
“At a bare minimum, she wants to reduce the awkwardness as much as possible between the brothers, so they can stand shoulder to shoulder and show their grandmother that blood is thicker than water,” our source says.
“Both of them have insisted that the last thing they need is a referee, since they’re brothers who will always have each other’s backs. But there’s no doubt that Kate’s positive influence has been a huge help and has stopped matters from getting out of hand.”
The source continues, “The bottom line is that she wants them to swallow their pride, remember who they are and make a fuss of their grandmother this year. And it’s thanks to her that’s almost certain to happen.”