Royal Family

Bill Maher had one of his best guests EVER on "Real Time" Friday night ... Rod Stewart, and the timing of the sit-down is crazy.

Rod kicked off his world tour Friday night, performing at Caesars Palace in Vegas, but there he was on Bill's L.A. set just hours before his performance.

Rod is one of the coolest cats in the music biz, and that was on full display with BM. He talked about not ever wanting to be late for his concerts ... unusual for rock stars.

He also said he and the Queen have something in common, and gotta say, he's not wrong.

A couple of surprising things ... did you know Rod wrote "Maggie May," "Tonight's The Night," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" "Hot Legs," and "You Wear It Well."

Also, his Vegas concert runs for 1 and a half hours, and Rod normally goes over 2 hours but that's Caesar's rule. And, Bill mentioned something that was shocking ... when The Beatles performed, it lasted only 25 minutes.

Queen Elizabeth started her week with some serious mobility issues -- which prevented her from attending a Royal function -- but ended it surrounded by some of her favorite 4-legged friends.

QE2 had the best seat in the house at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in England Friday ... sporting a scarf on her head and a massive smile on her face.

The appearance has to be a sign of relief for many, considering Her Royal Highness announced she'd miss the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday because of "episodic mobility problems."

It was the first time in 59 years the Queen didn't attend the opening, instead, Prince Charles took on the duties.

As we reported, the 96-year-old battled COVID back in February and said in April the virus had left her feeling "very tired."

Prince William may have just extended an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan, but the Queen has just done the opposite ... snubbing her grandson, his wife and one of her sons.

The Palace just released a statement ... "After careful consideration, the Queen has decided this year's traditional trooping the colour balcony appearance on Thursday, 2 June, will be limited to Her Majesty, and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen."

The statement goes on to list those royals who are permitted to watch the festivities from the balcony ... Prince Charles and Camilla, William, Kate and their kids, and a few dukes and duchesses.

Notably missing, Prince Harry, Meghan, their kids, and Prince Andrew, who just settled a Jeffrey Epstein-related case.

The snub is loud ... remember, Harry visited his grandma last month and it seems any ice that existed between them had thawed.

What's especially interesting ... the Palace made an exception for Princess Ann's husband because of a new rule that only working family members can sit on the balcony, the exception could also have applied to Harry, but the Palace didn't bite.

A simple birthday wish has royal implications, because Prince William has reached out across the pond to wish the son of his estranged brother a happy birthday.

Meghan and Harry's son, Archie, turns 3 Friday, and William and Kate marked the occasion with a photo of the royal fam -- which includes Archie -- with the caption, "Wishing Archie a very happy 3rd Birthday today."

It's hugely significant ... as we reported, Harry flew back to England last month and met with the Queen and Charles, but not William. The 2 have been estranged for several years now, and the Oprah interview seemed to cement their estrangement.

Archie's 7th in line to the thrown. He hasn't been in the U.K. since Fall, 2019, when Meghan and Harry took him to Canada and shortly thereafter settled in Montecito, near Santa Barbara.

Harry said recently he considers Montecito his home, not England.

Prince Harry might be far across the pond, but he's still a Brit -- just look at him galloping with a stick in hand as he tries to whack a ball ... all the way over here in sunny California!

The Duke of Sussex got his polo on Friday during a match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquets Club, where we're told he played on a team called Los Padres (the green jerseys, it seems) alongside a pal of his ... and apparently this happened last minute.

In any case, Hare clearly needed to stretch it out before getting on the horse to ride -- and he did exactly that ... with some mid-level squats, and extra effort to work out his glutes.

Of course ... his wife, Meghan Markle, was also there to watch her prince do his thing -- and once Harry was on the field ... it appears he saw some serious action. The dude's been playing a long time, BTW, dating back to his youth ... so the sport comes naturally.

This has gotta make him feel right at home ... which is nice, since he's sorta keeping London at arm's length at the moment -- this following his brief visit recently to see meemaw.

He told Hoda Kotb not too long ago that he misses his family ... but dodged the follow-up when his brother and father were specifically brought up -- alluding to the ongoing rift.

Thomas Markle frets he could be the only one in his family to attend the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration in June ... and he has a theory ... calling Prince Harry an "idiot" for being controlled by his daughter.

Thomas told Dan Wootton on GB News Tuesday he'll be making the trek to London in June...  while he'd like to reconnect with his daughter Meghan and meet Harry and their children for the first time, he's convinced they won't be making the trip -- especially after they learn he'll be front and center.

As you know, 77-year-old Thomas didn't go to Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018 as he was recovering from heart surgery ... while their relationship has been strained since, he's hoping he'll get the chance to mend the rift with the Royals.

He says, "I'm going to show my respect for the Queen and I'm going to make sure that the Queen understands that my entire family respects the Queen and the Royals."

He also wants to thank Prince Charles for walking his daughter down the aisle when he wasn't able to. He sees some similarities between him and Charles -- both have been ghosted by their kids.

Thomas goes on to say he has very little respect for Prince Harry, calling him an idiot that follows his daughter around like a little kid.

Former President Donald Trump once claimed the Prince was whipped by Thomas' daughter ... he admits that's one of the only times he'll agree with Trump.

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating another trip around the sun ... taking a spin around town for her 96th birthday!!!

THE Queen was spotted riding p-side to visit her horses ...  she's hanging at her Sandringham estate -- where her birthday celebration rolls on.

Btw, her late husband, Prince Philip, loved Sandringham estate and the Queen as well ... she loves her ponies ... posing majestically with two of them recently -- then again, every pose is majestic by definition, right?

Prince William and Kate Middleton called her an inspiration ... just before they were seen visiting Disasters Emergency Committee HQ in London.

Speaking of Prince William and Kate, they seemed unphased by Prince Harry's explosive interview ... just hours before.

Harry sat down with Hoda Kotb on 'Today' and when Hoda asked about reuniting with his brother William and his dad Charles, the Prince deflected and never answered. It's clearly a sign of a continuing rift if not a total break in the relationships.

Prince Harry says all is well between him and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, but it's quite clear he isn't cool with his brother, William and his dad ... evidenced in a new interview.

The Duke of Sussex opened up with Hoda Kotb on 'Today' during his visit to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games -- and whereas he was cagey with the BBC, PH actually spilled the tea to NBC ... giving details about his meeting with QE2 and where things stand elsewhere.

Watch ... Harry says the face-to-face with grandma -- for which his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present -- went well ... the 3 of them, it seems, had a good time while catching up.

But, Harry also made eye-opening revelations -- including the fact that the UK doesn't feel like home to him, and more importantly ... he isn't sure he'll attend Liz's 96th birthday.

On the sibling front ... Hoda asked straight up whether PH misses his bro and his dad, Charles, but Harry completely dodges the question -- saying he misses his own family, and noting that his focus at the moment was there for the Games.

Later in the same interview, Hoda again tried getting Harry to address Will by invoking their late mother, Princess Diana, and once more ... he made it seem like he and his brother led different lives now and he very much so wanted to differentiate between himself and PW.

He says he feels his mom's spirit with him right now more than ever before ... apparently alluding to the fact that his life is no longer in England. Very interesting choice of words.

Prince Harry's finally revealed what he and Queen Elizabeth II discussed during their first face-to-face in a while -- and it sounds like Her Majesty was in a sporty spirit.

The Duke of Sussex was talking to the BBC Monday night about the Invictus Games -- for which he and wife Meghan Markle are in attendance -- and one of the hosts asked him how his not-so-secret meeting with grandma went.

PH spilled ... sorta. He echoed back the question -- which was about whether QE2 sent well-wishes to Team UK -- saying yeah, Liz sends her best. Harry also noted he'd already passed on her sentiments to those for whom they were intended ... namely, the athletes.

Harry also said it was great seeing her, adding she'd love to be here if she could. That's about it -- nothing of substance, really, but at least it's a glimpse of their chat.

You'll recall ... Harry and Meghan made a pitstop in London last week on their way to the Netherlands, where they met with both the Queen and Prince Charles, briefly, before they were on their way again. It was the first time the couple had been back in the UK. together since they stepped down from their Royal duties in 2020, and since the Oprah interview.

Harry and Meghan were all about the Invictus Games Saturday ... this after 2 years of delays.

The Prince and Dutchess were front and center at The Hague, Netherlands ... they were scheduled for 2020, but the pandemic put a stop to that. The thought was 2021 would work, but again, the COVID sidelined the plans.

They attended a soiree for the athletes Friday night, and then on Saturday enjoyed the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge which was the roll-up to the opening ceremony.

You may recall ... H&M went official at the Invictus Games in Toronto back in 2017. Although she's a U.S. citizen, she was living in Toronto where she filmed "Suits."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reached their destination after a layover in London to meet with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles ... they're in the Netherlands for a famous sporting event.

Harry and Meghan just arrived at The Hague, where they were all smiles Friday for a reception ahead of the start of the Invictus Games.

The couple, who are not traveling with kids Archie and Lilibet, both wore suits as they mixed and mingled with other distinguished guests ... and it looks like folks were lining up to meet Harry and Meghan.

As we reported ... the pair stopped in England to meet with Harry's father and grandmother on their way from Los Angels to the Netherlands ... with the face-to-face meeting a clear attempt to smooth things over after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family, and the infamous Oprah interview.

With the family business out of the way, Harry and Meghan look ready for the fun part, the Invictus Games ... an international sporting event for injured, wounded and sick servicemen and women, including veterans and those still serving.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making a layover in London -- their first time returning to the royal fam's home turf together in about 2 years, and it's led to an unexpected reunion with family ... TMZ has learned.

Multiple sources tell us Meghan and Harry flew from L.A. to London Tuesday night, first class on a commercial flight ... with security shadowing at all times. We're told their plan was to enjoy a lowkey visit this week in London before heading to the Netherlands for Saturday's start of the Invictus Games.

But, the big shocker about this trip is ... we're told they've had a meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in what's clearly an attempt to smooth things over since they stepped down as senior members of the royals in 2020.

The timing of the meeting makes sense. The Queen, who's now 95, has been having health issues ... especially with her mobility. The Palace just announced she won't be attending Easter Sunday services at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

While Prince Harry's visited the UK a few times -- including last summer for the unveiling of a Princess Diana memorial -- he hasn't been back with Meghan since the so-called "Megxit" in 2020, and their bombshell Oprah interview.

The face-to-face meeting with Harry's father and grandmother is their first attempt in-person at making peace.

Prince William addressed the elephant in the room during a speech in Jamaica ... calling slavery "abhorrent" and expressing "deep sorrow" over the issue.

As we reported, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are making their way around several Caribbean nations that are part of the British commonwealth. The latest stop is Jamaica, and it came with much backlash because of the obvious -- the Royal family represents the British colonizers who enslaved and traded millions of Africans in Jamaica ... and its other territories.

While the royal couple seemed to have been welcomed with open arms -- as they made PR stops to drum with Rastafarians and play soccer -- many Jamaican leaders were demanding the royals apologize for slavery and pay reparations.

Well, last night, Prince William addressed the issue head-on, at a formal banquet, calling slavery an abhorrent chapter in history that "should never have happened."

He also reiterated the words of his father, Prince Charles ... who, just 4 months ago, said slavery put a "stain on our history." He said that at a ceremony marking Barbados's transition to an independent republic.

William added, "While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude."

Prince William and Kate Middleton sitting in the middle of a Rastafarian drum circle and banging away in the birthplace of reggae -- yeah, this is NOT your typical Royal tour!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in Kingston, Jamaica's Trench Town neighborhood Tuesday, and were fully immersed in the culture. Awkward as it might seem, Kate and Will each played a drum in a traditional Nyabinghi drum session. This was just the latest stop on their tour of several Caribbean nations in the British Commonwealth.

The royal couple visited the former home of reggae legend Bob Marley and met with other well-known local musicians.

They also celebrated some of the island's favorite sports -- hopping into a Jamaican bobsled and taking pics with the latest Olympic team. Later, William even played a little pickup soccer match and met national team stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey.

But, not everyone is thrilled about their visit. The royal tour was met with backlash from many folks and Jamaican leaders, who are demanding reparations.

This is kind of a last hurrah for the royals ... in Jamaica, anyway. The country is starting the process of becoming an independent republic, which means removing Queen Elizabeth as its head of state.

The goal is to cut ties by August 6, which is Jamaica's Independence Day.

Queen Elizabeth seems to have bounced back from COVID ... because she hosted Justin Trudeau for her first in-person engagement since beating the virus.

The Queen seemed in good spirits as she welcomed the Canadian PM with a smile Monday at Windsor Castle.

The two shook hands and shared a warm embrace. He's in the UK to meet with PM Boris Johnson, Netherlands PM Mark Rutte and other allies to talk about the war in Ukraine.

The queen and Trudeau have known each other since he was a child and his dad served as the Canadian PM ... so it make sense he would stop to see the longest reigning monarch.

The 95-year-old monarch tested positive for Covid-19 back in February. Her symptoms were mild ... and she even performed light duties as the virus ran its course.

BTW, Queen Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle at the start of the pandemic, back in 2020. Originally, she lived about an hour away in Buckingham Palace and visited the castle for weekend getaways. But, now she'll likely live permanently at the castle.

Meghan Markle didn't have the crappy childhood she wants the public to believe, according to her half sister ... who is now dragging Meghan to court, suing over that famous Oprah Winfrey interview.

Samantha Markle is suing Meghan for defamation, and she's especially pissed about some of the things she and Prince Harry told Oprah about the Markle fam. In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Samantha rips into Meghan for spinning a "rags to royalty" narrative about herself which she claims is simply false.

Samantha claims Meghan is trashing her, and spreading outright lies, in order to bolster the notion she's overcome leeching family members. For example, Sam points out she and Meghan share the same father in Thomas Markle ... yet Meghan told Oprah she was an "only child."

She also claims Meghan dropped another lie when she told Oprah she'd last seen Samantha "at least 18, 19 years ago and before that, 10 years before that."

Those aren't the only alleged disses ... Samantha claims Meghan got it flat out wrong when she told Oprah Samantha only changed her surname to Markle after Meghan started dating Harry.

In the suit, Samantha also claims Meghan's fabricated tales of growing up in "virtual poverty" ... because Thomas paid for her to attend "elite and expensive private schools," and dance and acting classes. She claims dad also covered Meghan's tuition and living expenses when she went to Northwestern University ... something the Duchess told Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres she worked to pay for herself.

As for Meghan's motive -- Samantha claims the alleged lies about her and their father were part of a calculated effort so "they could not interfere with or contradict the false narrative and fairytale life story concocted by" Meghan.

Samantha says Meghan's harsh words have hurt sales of her autobiography, prevented her from getting jobs and caused emotional and mental distress.