"Most Disappointing Celebrity and the $23 Million Inventory Problem" - The week in Royal news with Mark Francis

HOMETOWN PAPER VERDICT: Toronto Star labels Meghan "most disappointing celebrity of 2025"—columnist: "Despite having all the ingredients to become global success, she has slowly deflated." Source: "Most painful review Meghan has had because it comes from city that once gave her refuge and normality. It's shaken her confidence." AS EVER INVENTORY DISASTER: Website glitch allegedly exposes $23M in unsold stock—220K+ jars fruit spreads, 90K candles, 110K tea products. Twitter analysis: "At current sales rates will take NINE YEARS to move all stock. That's catastrophically bad." Daily Express defends: "Points to business that's flying, literally off the shelf." DIANA DOCUMENTARY PLANS: Harry/Meghan developing Diana film for Netflix—Meghan wants to DIRECT. William "absolutely sickened that Harry, by extension Meghan, will be profiting off Diana. Nothing more than shameless money grab and he's vowing to do whatever it takes to stop them." Meghan pushing Harry to access SEALED 6,000-page Diana dossier in Paris (not public until 2082)—source: "She's convinced it could give them ultimate 'hook' to save their Netflix deal." HARRY "HOMESICK, HENPECKED AND HOLLOWED-OUT"—sources: "Harry has reached breaking point with life in California, no longer sees future for himself there. Feels profoundly unhappy and directionless. He misses the life he had—loved his sports, having laugh and pint with pals at pub. Misses sense of purpose being working royal gave him." Insider: "That security case became escape route. He is just absolutely done with life in the States." SECURITY WIN opens spring UK visit—late Feb/early March window. STRICT CONDITIONS: NDAs, Faraday bags for phones at family meetings, pre-approved social media, mediator to ensure "Meghan doesn't bottle things up and offload later in interviews." Princess Anne BLOCKING reconciliation—calling Meghan "upstart," says Charles entertaining reconciliation is "madness." KARDASHIANS CUTTING THEM OFF—Kris Jenner furious over photo permission denial: "Massive slap in face—one that she cannot let slide."PR AGENCIES REJECTING them—quote: "Difficult and frankly cheap. Kardashians and Beyoncé spend fortune on PR; Harry and Meghan expect same results for fraction of budget." "ARISE, QUEEN KATE" causes palace irritation—Times magazine cover sparks Camilla fury. Deep Crown: "Catherine achieved what current King spent decades pursuing: genuine public affection combined with institutional credibility." AI chatbot creatingSEXUALIZED IMAGES of Kate—Ofcom urgent intervention with Elon Musk's X. Andrew sending "begging letters" via Sarah Ferguson. "Duchess of England" Epstein manual mystery. Easter Royal Lodge deadline. Camilla reveals teenage sexual assault on train. Plus: Harry "homesick," Archewell staff 80-85% reduction, rom-com as "make-or-break," $150K-$300K PR budgets they won't pay.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/palace-intrigue-harry-meghan-the-crown-royal-family-news-and-gossip--4522904/support.Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.