The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first joint appearance since returning to the UK, with Nottingham hosting the official public return. The couple took part in a walkabout, accepted flowers, and chatted with charity and community groups.
The event was described as "all very nice, all very well-meaning and dare I say it...all very royal." However, they are not officially working royals anymore, despite retaining their Duke and Duchess titles. The King spelt that out firmly in a statement soon after the couple's return.
Former royals staging royal-like events
The couple, now private citizens, are staging royal-like events despite their former status. The Express editor's opinion notes no problem with them backing good causes and their own ventures, but stresses they must not get in the way of official royal business, which should be left to the King, Queen, William, Catherine, Anne, Edward and Sophie.
The hope is that this marks the start of Harry and Meghan and their children slowly integrating back into Harry's family life and helping to promote great British causes.
Coverage of the Nottingham visit
The Express team was mobilised to cover the Nottingham visit, with royal editor Emily Ferguson and news reporter Eleanor Burleigh writing the words, backed by photographers and video staff. A local perspective was provided by Nottingham Post editor Natalie Fahy.
The visit comes amid other news, including Andy Burnham's constituents in Ashton-in-Makerfield widely rounding on him for talking up a return to the EU. In 2016, 65% of Ashton-in-Makerfield voters backed Brexit, and even those who now believe reversing it may benefit the nation say the Prime Minister has his priorities wrong.
Reform leader Nigel Farage wrote for the Express on the Brexit reversal theme, saying: "While millions of Britons are struggling with sky-high energy bills and a tax burden not seen since the Second World War – not to mention illegal migrants crossing the Channel in their thousands – Andy Burnham's government already seems to have run out of ideas."
William's mental health message and other stories
Prince William urged people to "check in, listen and show kindness" as he was interviewed by royal editor Emily Ferguson for World Mental Health Day. As he told the Express: "Taking the time to check in, to listen, and to show kindness can make more of a difference than we often realise."
Express investigations editor Zak Garner-Purkis reported on a brazen migrant gang fleecing tourists in the capital. In one case, a tourist was charged £350 to travel from Westminster to the Tower of London.
The Express's Give Us Our Last Rights campaign, backing assisted dying legislation run by Hanna Geissler, has been nominated for a News Media Association campaign of the year award. After delays in the Lords, MPs narrowly decided to vote against the right to die bill second time around.
Kemi Badenoch wrote in the Express to warn Andy Burnham the Tories will keep fighting against the Troubles Bill as the controversial legislation returned to the Commons. She said: "Decades after serving their country, former soldiers face the prospect of endless investigations, legal bills and the constant threat of prosecution hanging over their final years."
Aardman Animations has opened a spectacular exhibition, Aardman: Larger Than Life, at Lightroom in King's Cross, London, featuring 360-degree projections of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph across 36ft walls.
The Express has teamed up with winamillion.com to give new Express Premium annual subscribers 12 free chances on the Win a Million Saturday 9pm draw, with the offer valid until November 30, 2026 and in the UK only.
