The case for: Serena backs ‘selfless pal’
QUEEN of Wimbledon Serena Williams led a strong show of support for the Sussexes following their interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The tennis star joined celebrities and activists who blasted the ‘devastation of racism’ and hailed ‘Meghan Markle appreciation day’.
Poet Amanda Gorman and Martin Luther King’s daughter were also among those praising the duchess.
In a statement on Twitter, Williams (pictured) called Meghan her ‘selfless friend’ who ‘ teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble’.
She added: ‘Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.
‘I know first-hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of colour to minimise us, to break us down and demonise us.
‘We must recognise our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism. The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimisation are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal. I want Meghan’s daughter, my daughter and your daughter to live in a society that is driven by respect.’ US social media users were largely sympathetic towards the couple following the primetime American airing. Gorman, who read her poem The Hill We Climb at US president Joe Biden’s inauguration, said the duchess was ‘the Crown’s greatest opportunity for change, regeneration and reconciliation in a new era’ – adding the royals ‘missed out’. And Meena Harris, the niece of Mr Biden’s vice-president Kamala Harris, tweeted: ‘Happy Meghan Markle appreciation day.’
Daniel Martin, who did Meghan’s make-up on her wedding day, shared a snap of her and Harry on Instagram with a poem by Maya Angelou that said: ‘You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I’ll rise.’
And Bernice King, the youngest child of the late civil rights activist Luther King, posted: ‘Royalty is not a shield from the devastation and despair of racism. ‘I’m grateful that Meghan Markle is still here.’
A DIABETIC developed the eating disorder diabulimia after losing 4st while pregnant due to morning sickness. Sasha Prentice (pictured), 24, became addicted to weight loss and stopped taking insulin. The mum, of Redhill, Surrey, said: ‘I am managing it now but it’s caused lasting damage.’
SHE may be queen of the Critics’ Choice Awards... but Emma Corrin won’t be playing Princess Diana again. Emma, 25, scooped best actress in a TV drama series for her portrayal of Diana in The Crown.
Asked about resurrecting the role, she said: ‘No, I don’t think so, as much as I adored Diana and to play such a complex character was such a gift. I want to explore playing a lot of different characters.’
Emma’s co-stars Gillian Anderson and
Josh O’Connor also won Critics’ Choice awards for their roles as Margaret Thatcher and Prince Charles, and The Crown also scooped best drama series.
To the man who found my phone in Twickenham and met me at the station to return it. I’m eternally grateful. That phone has some pictures on it that can never be replaced. Thank you very much, it means more to me than you know. Daniel, via email
To the guy in Asda, Chatham, who was first responder to my mate who had a seizure. You might not have been trained but you did everything right. And to the off-duty nurse, Asda staff, police and paramedics, thank you! Grateful, via text
Email mail@metro.co.uk or text DEED, your comment, name and where you live to 65700. Standard network charge applies