OHMYGOSSIP — Queen Elizabeth is very “disciplined” with her diet.
The 91-year-old monarch has the option to eat a lavish banquet every day but her former chef Darren McGrady – who worked for the royal family from 1982 through to 1993 – has admitted she’s not really “bothered” about food and likes to keep her meals to the basics – like grilled or poached fish with some vegetables and salad.
Speaking to CNN, he said: “The queen’s not really bothered about food. All she cares about are horses and dogs. She’s very disciplined like that. She could have anything she wanted, but it is that discipline that keeps her so well and so healthy.”
While he was working in the residence, he asked the queen numerous times if she wanted to buy some new pots and pans but she’d rather spend the cash on horses.
He said: “The chefs and food and kitchens come last. They’re still using pots and pans from the 1800s, with the Queen Victoria stamp on them, at Buckingham Palace. While working at the palace, I would ask the royals, ‘Don’t you want some new pots and pans?’ She’d say: ‘No, no, no, we need the money to buy horses and saddles.’ ”
And, although she doesn’t have a particular interest in food, she does love chocolate.
He explained: “She’s also a chocoholic. It has to be the dark chocolate, the darker the better. She wasn’t keen on milk chocolate or white chocolate.”
But she tries to keep fit by riding horses or walking her dogs around the Palace.
He said: “I don’t think she has a weight room at Buckingham Palace, but she loves horse-riding and walking the dogs.
“She’s 91 years young, and she still goes horse riding. She’ll walk for miles with the dogs or just around the gardens at Buckingham Palace.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Charles wants to ensure that no “treasured skills” are lost forever.
The 68-year-old royal has lamented the decline in craft skills in the UK after a landmark report warned that dozens of crafts including piano, fan, broom and parchment making are quickly becoming obsolete.
The report also stated that skills such as cricket ball making, saw and spade making, gold beating and sieve making have already disappeared as a result of falling demand and cheaper imports.
Prince Charles has called for a greater “appreciation” of the skilful crafts, as he pushes to make sure no more traditional craftsmanship ends up lost forever.
He said: “Traditional crafts are as much a part of our shared heritage as our wonderful historic landscapes, beautiful buildings, rare breeds of native farm animals and varied museum collections.
“I urgently believe that we must gather more information on the crafts identified so far to ensure that no more treasured skills are lost forever.”
The royal made his comments in the foreword to the Heritage Craft Association’s (HCA) first Red List of Endangered Crafts report, where he also stated that the resurgence of these crafts would help bring “genuine economic and cultural benefits” to the UK population for “generations”.
He added: “I very much hope that the Red List will encourage more interest and further research into this prized aspect of our heritage, expanding our shared appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and, of course, placing these crafts on a sustainable footing so that they can continue to bring genuine economic and cultural benefits to our communities for generations to come.”
Meanwhile, Ian Keys, Chair of the HCA, likened the dwindling craft trade to that of historical houses which are now protected, and said the skills needed “safeguarding”.
He said: “Craft skills today are in the same position that historic buildings were a hundred years ago – but we now recognise the importance of old buildings as part of our heritage, and it’s time for us to join the rest of the world and recognise that these living cultural traditions are just as important and need safeguarding too.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Princess Diana valued “human contact”.
The late royal – who tragically passed away in 1997 when she was involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France, aged 36 – shook the world when she was photographed shaking hands with an AIDS sufferer during the height of the disease’s epidemic in 1987 when people feared catching the illness.
Now her brother, Earl Spencer, has said she never enjoyed wearing gloves and said her move to shake the hand of the suffering man was intended to break down social barriers and smash the stigma surrounding the disease.
He told People magazine: “She was not really a gloves person. She was very real and very about human contact. And what really mattered that day was to get across a very clear message that, ‘I’m going to touch this gentleman — and you can all exist in a community with people who are suffering, and we must help.”
Meanwhile, Earl Spencer previously said his sister “deserves a place in history” and should be honoured as a “special person”, even by those who are too young to remember her.
Speaking in a clip released ahead of an American documentary ‘The Story of Diana’ – which is set to air on ABC in two parts in August – Earl Spencer said: “One of the reasons I want to talk now is because I think that after 20 years someone shifts from becoming a contemporary person, to one of history.
“And Diana deserves a place in history. And I think it’s important for people under 35 who probably won’t remember her at all to remember that this was a special person and not just a beautiful one.
“Obviously 99.9 percent of the people had never seen her, or met her, but they felt something in her that was fascinating and intriguing, and a force for good.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Princess Anne has visited a carers centre as part of her work as Patron of Carers Trust.
The 66-year-old royal paid a visit to Halton Carers Centre in Cheshire earlier this week in order to get a first-hand look at the work they do to support carers in the Runcorn and Widnes area.
In a series of professional photographs published to the Royal Family’s Instagram account, the Princess Royal can be seen shaking hands with members of the carer community, as well as unveiling a commemorative Carers Trust plaque at the site.
The caption of the images – which were posted on Tuesday (01.08.17) – read: “Last week, The Princess Royal visited Halton Carers Centre in Cheshire to see first-hand how the centre supports carers in the Runcorn and Widnes area.
“The Princess met many unpaid carers including a group of young carers who are supported by the centre and Carers Trust staff.
“3 in 5 people in the UK will become a carer at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that there are around 7 million unpaid carers in the UK with 2.1 million providing over 20 hours caring each week – 700,000 are under 18.
“Halton Carers Centre offers a wide range of respite therapies and activities for carers and is a place where they can go for advice, support and friendship.”
Whilst on her trip, Princess Anne also spoke to a number of carers, including 69-year-old Linda Mannion, who cares for her husband and said the royal was “lovely”.
She said: “The Princess was lovely. She asked about my caring role and I was able to tell her about the support from the carers centre where the staff always give us time.”
Anne was also treated to performance from ‘Les Miserables’ by the Ella Performance Group, which is an inclusive group for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has hired a new private secretary.
The 35-year-old royal suffered a loss to her team when her current private secretary Rebecca Deacon announced she would be stepping down from the position after over a decade of service, but the brunette beauty has now found Rebecca’s replacement in the form of Catherine Quinn.
Quinn will start her new role with her royal namesake – who has four-year-old Prince George and two-year-old Princess Charlotte with her husband Prince William – in October, alongside being the Chief Operating Officer and Associate Dean for administration at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Rebecca announced her decision to leave the role in March, after 10 years of service to the royal family, and four years in the private secretary position.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: “After a decade of service to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Rebecca Deacon will be stepping down as private secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge.
“She plans to leave the household in the summer. Their Royal Highnesses are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and support Rebecca has provided over the past ten years and wish her well in the next phase of her career.”
Meanwhile, Duchess Catherine’s new secretary won’t be the only employment change seen this year, as earlier this week Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt announced he too would be leaving his post, to be replaced by his successor Edward Young.
In a statement, Christopher said: “It has been my very great privilege to serve the Queen since the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and, especially, as her private secretary for the past decade. In that time, as throughout her reign, Her Majesty’s authority has brought stability, purpose and colour to country and Commonwealth alike.
“With the Duke of Edinburgh’s recent decision to draw back from public life, the Queen’s own unwavering commitment as sovereign has the full and active support of the entire royal family. It is therefore with every confidence, and with Her Majesty’s agreement, that I now hand over the responsibilities of the Queen’s private secretary to my successor, Edward Young.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Philip “deserves a rest”, according to royal author Phil Dampier.
The 96-year-old royal – who announced his upcoming retirement earlier this year – is gearing up to take part in his final royal engagement on Wednesday (02.08.17) where he will host a parade at Buckingham Palace in honour of the finale of the Royal Marines 1664 Global Challenge.
Now, royal author Phil Dampier – who has written several books about the Duke of Edinburgh – has said he completely agrees with the royal’s decision to step down from his duties, and thinks he has earned the right to “relax”.
Speaking to Sky News, Phil said: “At 96 I really do feel he deserves a rest. I don’t think he’s going to disappear completely, I’m sure he’ll turn up for various jobs with the Queen here and there but the nice thing is now he can pick and choose them, and relax when he wants to, and that’s good for the nation I think.”
Wednesday’s special parade marks the final stretch of the 1664 Global Challenge, in which marines from around the country have run 16.64 miles each day for 100 days, totalling a distance of 1,664 miles. The number is symbolic for the naval fighting force, which traces its roots back to the year 1664.
A palace spokeswoman said in a statement that the parade would “bring His Royal Highness’s individual programme to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time-to-time.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed earlier this year that Prince Philip would be stepping down from his royal duties after the summer.
A statement released at the time read: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision.
“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements.
“Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Princess Diana’s “indomitable spirit” will be showcased in the upcoming ‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ documentary.
The late royal – who tragically passed away in 1997 after being involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France, aged 36 – will have private recordings broadcast on UK network Channel 4 on Sunday (06.08.17) when the documentary airs, and whilst the decision to show the clips has come under heavy criticism, her former aide Patrick Jephson has defended the documentary.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Patrick – who worked for the Princess between 1988 and 1996 – said: “At a time when, to their great credit, both her children are encouraging us to remember their mother in a positive light, this film is well-timed, well-made and well-intentioned.
“It’s her irreverent, spontaneous and indomitable spirit that comes through loud and clear, despite the difficulties.”
The private tapes were recorded between 1992 and 1993 by her voice coach Peter Settelen during a number of meetings in Kensington Palace, and have broadcasters Channel 4 have been criticised for “exploiting” the late Princess.
Royal author Penny Junor – who has written studies on Diana’s ex-husband Prince Charles and their sons Prince William and Prince Harry – recently has condemned the release of the tapes as “deeply hurtful” to the royal family.
She said: “This is just another way of exploiting Diana. It’s not what Charles would want and it’s clearly not what the boys would want. It will be deeply hurtful to them.
“It seems to me a very bad idea to broadcast these tapes, especially at this difficult time for the family.”
‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ will air in the UK on Channel 4 at 8pm on Sunday (06.08.17).

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Charles has praised the “brave” soldiers that fought at the Battle of Passchendaele.
The 68-year-old royal made a visit to Tyne Cot, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s largest cemetery in the world, on Monday (31.07.17) to give a moving speech in honour of the centenary of the bloody battle which lasted 103 days and left 325,000 allies dead or wounded.
Standing before the Cross of Sacrifice built on the top of a captured German strongbox, he told the congregation: “We remember Passchendaele not only for the rain that fell, the mud that weighed down the living and swallowed the dead, but also for the courage and bravery of the men who fought here.
“After the end of the war almost 12,000 graves of British and Commonwealth soldiers were brought here from surrounding battlefields.
“Today a further 34,000 men, who could not be identified or whose bodies were never found, have their names inscribed on the memorial.
“Thinking of these men, my great grandfather remarked: ‘I have many times asked myself whether there can be more potent advocates of peace upon Earth through the years to come, than this massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war’.”
Meanwhile, Charles’ son Prince William, 35, gave a speech at the Menin Gate in Ypres on Sunday (30.07.17) where he paid tribute to the 54,000 fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known graves and who “sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.”
He said: “The battlefields of the Salient came to define the war for many British and Commonwealth soldiers.
“The defence of the city at such great cost meant that it became hallowed ground. Winston Churchill said of Ypres, ‘A more sacred place for the British race does not exist in all the world.’
“Today the Menin Gate records almost 54,000 names of the men who did not return home. The missing with no known grave. Members of our families, our regiments, our nations, all sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.
“At the memorial’s inauguration the British commander Field Marshal Lord Plumer spoke movingly to the assembled families, saying of their lost loved ones: ‘He is not missing, he is here.'”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Paul Burrell has slammed the ‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ documentary for “raiding the diary” of the late Princess Diana.
The late royal – who tragically passed away in 1997 when she was involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France, aged 36 – is set to have a number of private recordings broadcast on UK network Channel 4 when the controversial documentary airs on Sunday (06.08.17), and her former butler Paul has now spoken out against the decision to air the tapes.
He said: “I think those tapes were made privately for the Princess’ own use … I don’t think they should be broadcast. It’s almost like raiding her diary. That’s wrong … It can only upset [her sons] Prince William and Prince Harry. I understand that there is a thirst for new information but I think it’s a step too far.”
Paul, 59, went on to slam the tapes – which were recorded between 1992 and 1993 during lessons with her vocal coach Peter Settelen at Kensington Palace – as “seedy”, and called for the public to “remember the good times” rather than bring up things from the past.
He added to ITV Yorkshire: “We all need to draw a line underneath it, remember the good times … It’s not going back into the past and delving through laundry and seedy tapes and thoughts that were never meant to be made public.”
The tapes were previously broadcast in the US in 2004 but have not been aired since, and in 2007 the BBC bought a portion of the footage, but scrapped the project after deeming it to be in bad taste.
Channel 4 deputy chief creative officer Ralph Lee, however, recently said the conversations could not be considered private because they were done in a question-and-answer style with a camera running, and therefore “there’s nothing surreptitious” about the footage.
He said: “The idiom – that she’s sitting on a sofa – is very familiar. She’s very clearly talking to someone in front of a camera. There’s nothing surreptitious.
“The word that has been used is that the footage is somehow ‘ghoulish’. I simply don’t agree with that. She is self-consciously and clearly taking part in a filmed process. I don’t think viewers will feel greatly uneasy with that.”
‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ will air in the UK on Channel 4 at 8pm on Sunday (06.08.17)

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt has resigned.
The 91-year-old monarch has employed Christopher as her private secretary for the past decade, but he has now revealed he will be leaving the position in October after her husband Prince Philip’s decision to step down from royal duties means the Queen has “the full and active support” of the rest of the royal family.
Christopher – who has worked for the Queen in a number of roles since 2002 – will be replaced by Edward Young, who joined the royal household in 2004.
In a statement, Christopher said: “It has been my very great privilege to serve the Queen since the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and, especially, as her private secretary for the past decade. In that time, as throughout her reign, Her Majesty’s authority has brought stability, purpose and colour to country and Commonwealth alike.
“With the Duke of Edinburgh’s recent decision to draw back from public life, the Queen’s own unwavering commitment as sovereign has the full and active support of the entire royal family. It is therefore with every confidence, and with Her Majesty’s agreement, that I now hand over the responsibilities of the Queen’s private secretary to my successor, Edward Young.”
Prince Philip, 96, is set to retire on Wednesday (02.08.17) after he completes his final royal engagement at Buckingham Palace parade for the finale of the Royal Marines 1664 Global Challenge.
A palace spokeswoman said in a statement that the parade would “bring His Royal Highness’s individual programme to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time-to-time.”
It was revealed earlier this year that Prince Philip would be stepping down from his royal duties after the summer.
A statement released at the time read: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision.
“Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements.
“Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince William was left “teary” after the Passchendaele memorial service over the weekend.
The 35-year-old royal gave a moving speech during the service at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, on Sunday (30.07.17), and during a second ceremony at the Tyne Cot military cemetery on Monday (31.07.17), he admitted he had been moved to tears by the service.
According to the Daily Mail newspaper he told interns escorting relatives around the site on Monday: “It was phenomenal – a proper teary moment for me. At the end it was so amazing. It was very, very moving.”
During his speech at the memorial service, William paid tribute to the 54,000 fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known graves and who “sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.”
He said: “The battlefields of the Salient came to define the war for many British and Commonwealth soldiers.
“The defence of the city at such great cost meant that it became hallowed ground. Winston Churchill said of Ypres, ‘A more sacred place for the British race does not exist in all the world.’
“Today the Menin Gate records almost 54,000 names of the men who did not return home. The missing with no known grave. Members of our families, our regiments, our nations, all sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.
“At the memorial’s inauguration the British commander Field Marshal Lord Plumer spoke movingly to the assembled families, saying of their lost loved ones: ‘He is not missing, he is here.'”
After Prince William’s speech, Belgium’s King Philippe gave his own moving tribute in which he praised the “struggle” of the battle for allowing people to “enjoy freedom” today.
He said: “Passchendaele was a struggle for freedom, our common freedom, the freedom we enjoy today. At the time it was a fight for land, every possible metre of land. Blood soaked the earth.
“The bodies of the thousands of soldiers who remained here forever became one with the earth. So your graves on our soil have become our graves on your soil. In the same way your Menin Gate has become our gate.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, have helped launch the Battle of Passchendaele commemorations in Belgium.
The royal couple, both 35, paid tribute to the 54,000 fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known graves during a visit to the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, on Sunday (30.07.17).
In a touching speech given at the commemorative ceremony, Prince William paid tribute to those who “sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.”
He said: “The battlefields of the Salient came to define the war for many British and Commonwealth soldiers.
“The defence of the city at such great cost meant that it became hallowed ground. Winston Churchill said of Ypres, ‘A more sacred place for the British race does not exist in all the world.’
“Today the Menin Gate records almost 54,000 names of the men who did not return home. The missing with no known grave. Members of our families, our regiments, our nations, all sacrificed everything for the lives we live today.
“At the memorial’s inauguration the British commander Field Marshal Lord Plumer spoke movingly to the assembled families, saying of their lost loved ones: ‘He is not missing, he is here.'”
After Prince William’s speech, Belgium’s King Philippe gave his own moving tribute in which he praised the “struggle” of the battle for allowing people to “enjoy freedom” today.
He said: “Passchendaele was a struggle for freedom, our common freedom, the freedom we enjoy today. At the time it was a fight for land, every possible metre of land. Blood soaked the earth.
“The bodies of the thousands of soldiers who remained here forever became one with the earth. So your graves on our soil have become our graves on your soil. In the same way your Menin Gate has become our gate.”
William and Kate continue their Europe tour on Monday (31.07.17) with a visit to a special service at the Commonwealth War Grave’s biggest cemetery, Tyne Cot, where they will be joined by UK prime minister Theresa May, and William’s father Prince Charles.

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Harry has been told to “keep calm and carry on” in his relationship with Meghan Markle by fellow royal Prince Albert of Monaco.
The 32-year-old royal is currently in a relationship with the ‘Suits’ actress, and whilst all eyes are on them, Monaco’s Prince Albert – who is married to former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene – has offered the happy couple some words of wisdom.
Albert said: “They seem to be doing OK for now. The only kind of advice I can offer is the British expression ‘Keep calm and carry on’.”
Prince Albert, 59, also admitted his own relationship was “difficult” to manage in the spotlight when the pair wed in 2011, but thinks things will be tougher for Harry and Meghan with the increased use of social media.
He added: “It was difficult for Charlene to handle. I can’t imagine the difference now with the increased pace of news and social media.”
And Albert says Meghan, 35, will have to face the “full onslaught” of press if and when the pair get engaged, and admits he “can’t imagine” what sort of pressure that might put on their relationship.
Speaking to People magazine, Albert said: “Sooner or later she’s going to have to face the full onslaught. I can’t imagine how that will be on them, on her.
“Being an actress, in a way, gets you a little prepared but nothing really can prepare you for the constant pace of it. Particularly now that the pace has changed so much. It’s hard for anyone to handle.”
Prince Albert’s helpful tips come after it was reported earlier this month that the flame-haired royal could be planning on popping the question to Meghan as early as next month, in a proposal which could coincide with Meghan’s birthday on August 4.
A source said recently: “I’m told there will be a formal proposal, and it could be as soon as next month.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Harry has been “moved” by the generosity of the public following the Grenfell Tower disaster last month.
The 32-year-old royal made a private visit to British Red Cross volunteers who have been tirelessly sorting the donations made to the victims affected by the horrifying blaze which tore through the 24-storey apartment building on June 14 and killed at least 80 people.
During his visit, Harry reportedly spent almost an hour chatting to workers who are based at a Royal Mail site in Greenford, north-west London, as well as staff from Royal Mail who have facilitated the operation with the charity.
A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said of his visit: “Prince Harry wanted to visit the volunteers who have given many hours of their time to help sort through the huge number of donations made to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
“His Royal Highness was moved to hear how generous the public and businesses have been in donating all kinds of items to those affected; he thanked the teams from the British Red Cross and the Royal Mail who have worked tirelessly to sort through the donations.”
Prince Harry’s visit to the volunteers comes after his father, Prince Charles, made a similar visit to a relief centre in White City at the end of last month, where he met with the “fantastic” volunteers who had been offering their services to those who survived the horrific fire.
According to reports at the time, Charles, 68, repeatedly thanked volunteers outside Westway Sports Centre for their “fantastic” and “amazing” work in the wake of the tragedy.
In addition to meeting with volunteers, the royal also visited local residents and community representatives whilst at the shelter, as well as talking to some of those who managed to survive the blaze.
Charles’ visit came after he previously made a donation of an unspecified amount to the relief effort, as part of his role as the president of the British Red Cross.

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Princess Diana’s upcoming Channel 4 documentary has been slammed as “deeply hurtful”.
The late royal – who passed away in 1997 after being involved in a fatal car crash in Paris, France, aged 36 – is due to have private video recordings taken by her voice coach Peter Settelen aired on UK broadcaster Channel 4 next week as part of the documentary ‘Diana: In Her Own Words’.
However, author Penny Junor – who has written studies on Diana’s ex-husband Prince Charles and their sons Prince William and Prince Harry – has condemned the release of the tapes as “another way of exploiting” the late Princess.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Penny said: “This is just another way of exploiting Diana. It’s not what Charles would want and it’s clearly not what the boys would want. It will be deeply hurtful to them.
“It seems to me a very bad idea to broadcast these tapes, especially at this difficult time for the family.”
The tapes – which were recorded during a series of meetings between Diana and Peter at Kensington Palace in 1992 and 1993 – were previously broadcast in the US in 2004 but have not been aired since, and in 2007 the BBC bought a portion of the footage, but scrapped the project after deeming it to be in bad taste.
Channel 4 deputy chief creative officer Ralph Lee, however, has said conversations could not be considered private because they were done in a question-and-answer style with a camera running, and therefore “there’s nothing surreptitious” about the footage.
He said: “The idiom – that she’s sitting on a sofa – is very familiar. She’s very clearly talking to someone in front of a camera. There’s nothing surreptitious.
“The word that has been used is that the footage is somehow ‘ghoulish’. I simply don’t agree with that. She is self-consciously and clearly taking part in a filmed process. I don’t think viewers will feel greatly uneasy with that.”
‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ will air in the UK on Channel 4 at 8pm on Sunday (06.08.17)

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP

OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Charles is set to stand in for Queen Elizabeth at the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018.
The 91-year-old monarch usually gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the sporting competition – which takes place between the nations of the Commonwealth once every four years – but after her long haul flights have been under review for some time in the interest of her health, her son Charles has been asked to attend in her place.
Prince Charles, 68, will travel to Australia’s Gold Coast next April to read out a message penned by the Queen which will “call on athletes to come together in the spirit of friendly competition.”
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Her Majesty the Queen has asked HRH the Prince of Wales to represent her at the opening of the XXI Commonwealth Games in Australia.
“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will take place from 4-15 April next year, with 70 nations and territories taking part.
“As Her Majesty’s representative, His Royal Highness will open the Games and read out the Queen’s customary message, calling on athletes to come together in the spirit of friendly competition.”
The Queen’s message is contained within the Queen’s Baton, which is currently on a 388-day journey around the Commonwealth nations following the start of the relay at Buckingham Palace back in March.
The baton – which was carried its first few hundred metres by a succession of British Olympic stars, including heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and cycling champion Victoria Pendleton – is set to make a stop at all 52 of the Commonwealth nations during the relay which covers more than 140,000 miles.
Queen Elizabeth marked the start of the relay on Commonwealth Day (13.03.17) by promoting “respect and understanding” between the Commonwealth nations in a message written in the ceremony’s order of service.
The message read: “The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.
“By upholding justice and the rule of law and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.
“As members of the Commonwealth family, we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us. Through consensus and co-operation, great things have been achieved.”

Find us also on Twitter @OHMYGOSSIP