RUSSELL MYERS Call for family unity during ‘testing times’

It’s a mess and we’ve not heard last of it..

AFTER weeks of high drama, bullying accusations an d claims of hostility by one’s own family, we are finally here.

And what a sorry mess we appear to have. A little over two weeks ago, the Queen spoke of the finality of Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit their royal roles, declaring they would “remain much loved members of the family”.

A gesture from the heart no doubt, but only time will tell what long-lasting damage has been done by the toxic war of words over these past few days.

In speaking to chat show queen Oprah Winfrey, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – as they are still insisting on being known, despite railing against the institution and accusing the family of peddling lies – have undoubtedly crossed a line from which it is hard to see a return.

Comments concerning their perceived treatment may signal they will never hold that desire, while the other side may yet choose to go on the offensive. But even for the most optimistic of mediators, it’s hard to look

THE Queen stressed the importance of staying in touch with family and friends during “testing times” in a message broadcast just hours before Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview.

Focusing on the global impact of the Covid pandemic, she praised the “selfless dedication to duty” and “stirring examples of courage” seen across the Commonwealth, particularly on the front line.

Senior royals including the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the special BBC1 programme yesterday to mark Commonwealth Day as the fallout from the Sussexes’ exit continues.

It comes as tomorrow marks three weeks in hospital for Prince Philip, 99.

Harry and Meghan were last seen with their family, sitting close to the Queen, Charles, William and Kate, at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Day service last March.

BUSINESSES in Scotland are more optimistic about the year ahead than they have been for almost a decade, a financial report claims.

The Royal Bank of

Scotland purchasing managers’ index noted improved confidence among private sector firms.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the Scotland board at RBS, said: “Scots companies reported the strongest level of business confidence on record last month, with the lockdown road map prompting hopes of easing restrictions and a strong economic recovery.”