Blog

  • Taylor Swift Blocks Kanye West’s Album from Reaching No. 1 — Then Seemingly Renames Alleged Kim Kardashian Song for Him

    Taylor Swift Blocks Kanye West’s Album from Reaching No. 1 — Then Seemingly Renames Alleged Kim Kardashian Song for Him

    Taylor Swift Blocks Kanye West’s Album from Reaching No. 1 — Then Seemingly Renames Alleged Kim Kardashian Song for Him

    Swift re-stylized “thanK you aIMee” — the name of one of her ‘Tortured Poets Department’ songs — to “thank You aimEe”

    Taylor Swift just quietly edited the song title of “thanK you aIMee” to “thank You aimEe” for the release of the live version she performed in London in June — and the subtle difference is speaking volumes for Swifties.

    Days after the 14-time Grammy winner’s The Tortured Poets Department secured its 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart — preventing Ye (a.k.a. Kanye West) and Ty Dolla $ign’s joint album Vultures 2 from reaching the top spot — Swift seemingly took a jab at the Chicago rapper.

    Swift, 34, released the live mashup of “thank You aimEe” and “Mean,” which she blended together at her June 22 Eras Tour show, on Thursday, Aug. 15. The original title’s capital letters were stylized to spell out KIM, with the song about a bully speculated to be Kim Kardashian.

    Now, the capital letters in the title — “thank You aimEe” — spell out YE, seemingly marking the latest development in their years-long feud.

    Taylor Swift Kanye diss track

    Taylor Swift edited the song title of ‘thanK you aIMee’ to ‘thank You aimEe’ for the live version.

    In the Tortured Poets song, Swift sings: “All that time you were throwing punches, I was building something / And I can’t forgive the way you made me feel / Screamed ‘F— you, Aimee’ to the night sky, as the blood was gushing / But I can’t forget the way you made me heal.”

    Aside from Ye interrupting Swift’s 2009 MTV Video Music Awards acceptance speech, the rapper also included these lyrics in his 2016 song “Famous”: “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that bitch famous.” He then claimed she approved the lyrics. However, Swift’s representative denied that she had been made aware of the lyrics, “I made that bitch famous.” Kardashian supported Ye throughout that feud.

    Taylor Swift and Kanye

    Taylor Swift in London in August 2024; Kanye West in New York City in May 2019.Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty; Kevin Mazur/MG19/Getty

    Taylor Swift’s New Midnights Bodysuit at Eras Tour Might Be Teasing a Major Announcement — If History Repeats Itself

    While Swift has never acknowledged who “thanK you aIMee” (or “thank You aimEe”) is about, listeners quickly pointed to the “KIM” being Kardashian and now the “YE” being her ex-husband.

    “We love a shady queen,” one person said on X (formerly Twitter), while another wrote, ”Taylor changing the letters in thank you aimee from ‘Kim’ to ‘Ye’ is a VERY rep coded thing for her to do🐍.”

    The song title change comes as Swifties are impatiently awaiting the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version), which is the re-recorded version of her 2017 album that came out after the feud with the then-couple.

  • Taylor returned to the hotel in a tuk tuk with an electric fan in hand after finishing the concert.

    Taylor returned to the hotel in a tuk tuk with an electric fan in hand after finishing the concert.

    Taylor returned to the hotel in a tuk tuk with an electric fan in hand after finishing the concert.

    In the glitz and glamour of Taylor Swift’s high-profile concerts, fans are accustomed to witnessing dazzling performances and star-studded moments. However, on a recent night following an electrifying show, Swift’s departure from the concert venue presented an unexpectedly charming and relatable scene. Instead of the typical luxury car or private transport, Taylor Swift was seen returning to her hotel in a tuk tuk, clutching an electric fan. This unique combination of transport and accessory has captured the imagination of her fans and media alike, reflecting a more grounded side of the superstar.

    Ingen bildebeskrivelse er tilgjengelig.

    Taylor Swift’s concerts are renowned for their grandeur and the meticulous attention to detail that transforms each show into a spectacular event. After captivating thousands with her dynamic performance, Swift’s choice of transportation for her return to the hotel was refreshingly low-key. The tuk tuk, a small and colorful vehicle often used in many parts of Asia, contrasted sharply with the usual opulence associated with celebrity life.

    This choice of transport is notable not just for its charm but also for its practicality in bustling city environments. Tuk tuks are known for their agility and ability to navigate through traffic congestion, making them an ideal option for a quick and efficient return from a busy event. Swift’s decision to use a tuk tuk highlights her down-to-earth nature and willingness to embrace a local experience.

    Adding to the uniqueness of this post-concert moment was Swift’s accessory: an electric fan. After an intense performance under stage lights and in potentially sweltering conditions, it’s no surprise that Swift would seek some relief from the heat. The electric fan not only symbolizes her need for comfort but also portrays a practical and relatable side of the star.

    The sight of Swift carrying an electric fan also provides a glimpse into the realities of life on the road for a touring artist. Despite the glamour of her performances, the daily life of a musician involves dealing with various challenges, including managing physical comfort amid demanding schedules. The fan represents a simple yet effective solution to staying cool and comfortable, demonstrating that even celebrities have everyday needs.

    Taylor Swift’s choice to travel in a tuk tuk and carry an electric fan underscores her connection with fans and her commitment to authenticity. In an era where public figures often appear detached from the everyday experiences of their admirers, Swift’s actions reflect a refreshing sense of relatability.

    Taylor Swift và hiệu ứng du lịch toàn cầu nhìn từ chuyến lưu diễn tỉ đô

    By opting for a tuk tuk, Swift not only embraced a local mode of transportation but also highlighted her willingness to step outside the usual celebrity bubble. This gesture resonates with fans who appreciate seeing their idols engage with different cultures and experiences in a genuine way.

    Moreover, the simplicity of using an electric fan instead of a high-end cooling system aligns with Swift’s image as a down-to-earth and approachable individual. It’s a small but significant reminder that, despite her immense success, she remains grounded and connected to the everyday experiences of her audience.

    The choices made by celebrities can significantly impact public perception and influence trends. Taylor Swift’s decision to use a tuk tuk and an electric fan might seem like a minor detail, but it speaks volumes about her character and the values she embodies.

    In a world where celebrity lifestyles are often depicted as extravagant and disconnected from reality, Swift’s actions offer a counter-narrative. Her willingness to embrace simple comforts and local customs challenges the often ostentatious image of stardom and fosters a more relatable and approachable public persona.

    This incident also highlights the influence that celebrities can have on their followers. Swift’s choice to use a tuk tuk and carry an electric fan may inspire her fans to appreciate the value of simplicity and practicality. It underscores the idea that comfort and efficiency can be found in unpretentious choices, setting an example for others to follow.

    Media coverage of Taylor Swift’s tuk tuk ride and electric fan has amplified the significance of this seemingly minor moment. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and interpreting the actions of celebrities.

    Taylor Swift tác động mạnh đến du lịch toàn cầu - Báo VnExpress Du lịch

    In this case, the media’s focus on Swift’s choice of transportation and accessory has contributed to a broader narrative about her authenticity and relatability. The story has been framed as a charming and down-to-earth anecdote, reinforcing Swift’s image as a relatable and genuine individual.

    This coverage also highlights the media’s role in elevating ordinary moments into notable events. By focusing on Swift’s tuk tuk ride and electric fan, the media has created a narrative that resonates with fans and underscores the impact of seemingly small gestures in shaping a celebrity’s public image.

    Taylor Swift’s return to her hotel in a tuk tuk while carrying an electric fan is a delightful and revealing moment that captures her down-to-earth nature. In the midst of her high-profile career and the glamour of her performances, this choice reflects a commitment to simplicity and authenticity.

    The incident offers a refreshing perspective on celebrity life, reminding fans and observers alike that even stars have everyday needs and preferences. Swift’s actions serve as a reminder that relatability and practicality can coexist with success and fame, and that embracing simplicity can enhance one’s connection with others.

    In a world where the extraordinary often overshadows the ordinary, Taylor Swift’s choice to embrace both local customs and practical comforts highlights the importance of staying grounded and authentic. Her tuk tuk ride and electric fan not only provide comfort but also symbolize a genuine connection with her fans and the world around her.

  • Prince Harry’s ‘surprise texts to pals’ show true feelings on living in US with Meghan

    Prince Harry’s ‘surprise texts to pals’ show true feelings on living in US with Meghan

    Prince Harry’s ‘surprise texts to pals’ show true feelings on living in US with Meghan

    Prince Harry is reportedly keen to spend more time in the UK and move in his old circle of friends again – and he’s contacted some of his pals to get the ball rolling – as well as another surprise figure – according to reports

    Prince Harry has reached out to old pals and even a surprise figure amid his ‘plan’ to be welcomed back into the royal fold, it has been claimed.

    It’s been more than four years since the Duke of Sussex dropped the bombshell that he and Meghan Markle were sensationally quitting their royal roles. They quickly upped sticks from the UK to move to California, where they have spent the last few years trying to carve out new careers amid bitter feuds with their royal relatives, including King Charles and Prince William.

    However, according to new reports, Harry is seemingly tired of life in the United States and is keen to spend more time in the UK – potentially repairing the rift with his father and even being welcomed back into working royal life.

    Harry and Meghan on their trip to Colombia last month

    Harry and Meghan on their trip to Colombia last month 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    The Mail On Sunday reports that Harry has WhatsApped several of his old school pals with conciliatory messages. But one surprise figure who has also allegedly been contacted is said to be a former aide from his days as a working royal. A source told the publication: “Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates. He is clearly reaching out thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working’.”

    It comes as further reports have suggested that Harry is feeling “more and more isolated” after spending his and Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated Colombia trip in his wife’s shadow. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to the South American nation in mid-August in what was dubbed a DIY royal tour.

    The trip saw Meghan take centre stage on several occasions, especially when she gave a speech on female empowerment during an event for Afro-Colombian women. And according to one royal expert, the whole trip to Colombia was “created about Meghan” – especially at one of the formal lunches they attended.

  • Sweet connection between Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton’s daughter

    Sweet connection between Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton’s daughter

    Sweet connection between Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton’s daughter

    Princess Charlotte has a very special connection to her cousin Grace Matthews – who is also the second-born child. The three-year-old is the eldest daughter of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews

    Princess Charlotte shares a sweet bond with her cousin

    The Princess of Wales has an incredibly close relationship with her younger sister Pippa. They were born just 21 months apart, and are like best friends as well as siblings.

    Both have gone on to welcome three children; Kate shares Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, five, with Prince William, while Pippa shares Arthur, five, Grace, three, and one-year-old Rose with husband James Matthews. The Middleton family are known to be very tight knit. Parents Carole and Michael play a hands-on role with their children and grandchildren. And Pippa and husband James are known to do the same, having been key in supporting the Princess after her abdominal surgery and cancer diagnosis. James Middleton, the Princess’s brother, meanwhile, is also a pillar of support.

    James was quick to publicly voice his love for his sister after her cancer diagnosis was made public. He posted a picture on Instagram showing them climbing in the Alps together as children, and captioned it, “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.” And Charlotte and Grace also already have something special in common. They both have Elizabeth as their middle name – a moniker passed on through the Middleton family via Carole and Kate who also share the sweet name. The Princess of Wales was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton while her mother is Carole Elizabeth Middleton, née Goldsmith.

    Sweet connection between Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton's daughter - Mirror Online

    Of course, for Charlotte, the name Elizabeth is also in honour of her paternal great-grandmother, the late Queen. Her second middle name, Diana, is a touching nod to William’s late mother. Grace’s full name, meanwhile, is Grace Elizabeth Jane Matthews – with Jane chosen as a nod to James’s mother and Pippa’s mother-in-law, Jane Matthews. Certainly the Wales family and the Matthews family are close. According to the Times, the sisters jetted off for a skiing holiday together in Meribel last year, complete with their husbands and their children.

    “They managed to keep their holiday secret for a few days of fun with their husbands and young children: cosy après-ski lunches together hidden in the snowy forest,” the publication reported. Royal expert Jennie Bond previously spoke to OK ! about Kate and Pippa, and reflected on their relationship behind closed doors. “They talk about everything and I very much doubt that Catherine expects her sister to stand on ceremony when they are together,” Jennie said. “In public, of course, Pippa pays due respect to the future Queen, but I suspect they probably both find that sort of protocol quite funny.”

    As well as the Princess possibly wanting to not “stand on ceremony” behind closed doors, Jennie suggested that there’s another reason Kate and Pippa’s relationship has remained so “balanced” – and it’s down to some similarities in their lifestyles and living arrangements. “The fact that [Pippa] has married an extremely wealthy man, James Matthews, means that the relationship between the two sisters has remained quite a balanced one. Pippa and James have a riverside mansion in Berkshire, less than an hour’s drive from Windsor (where Catherine lives) and half an hour from their parents,” she explained.

    The royal expert also expressed admiration for how Pippa has “kept her feet on the ground” despite facing the “blaze of publicity” that put her in the public eye when she was her sister’s bridesmaid. And she added that Pippa is “by all accounts, a delightful young woman”.

  • King Charles’ incredible act to ‘heal rift with son Prince Harry’

    King Charles’ incredible act to ‘heal rift with son Prince Harry’

    King Charles’ incredible act to ‘heal rift with son Prince Harry’

    Reports have claimed that King Charles wants to ‘heal his rift with Prince Harry’ through one incredible act – and the late Queen Elizabeth would definitely approve

    King Charles' incredible act to 'heal rift with son Prince Harry' - Mirror Online

    It has been well documented that Prince Harry’s relationship with his father King Charles and elder brother Prince William has been strained over recent years. In his memoir Spare, Harry didn’t hold back on revealing his perspective on the issues and frustrations that had been going on in the Royal Family behind closed doors, going all the way back to his childhood.

    In Spare, Harry detailed his long-term grievances with his stepmother Queen Camilla, and accused her of leaking stories about him to the press, as well as digging into the competitive side of his relationship with Prince William – even alleging his older brother had physically assaulted him in 2019. The claims made about Camilla are reported to have become a “sticking point” for King Charles in terms of thawing the frosty relations with his youngest son.

    However, despite the difficulties in their relationship, King Charles is reported to be feeling more ready for reconciliation after some spiritual contemplation, per the Mail on Sunday. “Since inheriting the crown, he has spent more time exploring theologies and the teaching of their central tenets – including the nature of forgiveness,” the report claimed.

    “A well-placed insider said Charles had taken ‘spiritual nourishment’ from his discussions with religious leaders and was now more open to the idea of a rapprochement with Harry, who has spent the past four years living in self-imposed exile in California with his wife Meghan and their two children.”

    Prince Harry rejected King Charles' offer to stay in royal residence during UK trip: report

    The source was quoted as saying, “Faith has always been a part of Charles’s life and something he’s explored, but since becoming King it is playing a more central role…that reliance on faith and quiet contemplation has become a comfort and asset to him and helps him cope with the role as he adapts to being King.” As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the Christian teaching of the importance of forgiveness was also something that the late Queen Elizabeth placed in the centre of her life and role as monarch.

    The late Queen said in her 2014 Christmas broadcast about her own faith, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.”

  • Prince Harry ‘has no interest’ in returning to resume royal duties and ‘plans to stay in US’

    Prince Harry ‘has no interest’ in returning to resume royal duties and ‘plans to stay in US’

    Prince Harry ‘has no interest’ in returning to resume royal duties and ‘plans to stay in US’

    Prince Harry has maintained contact with his old friends, and been in contact with the King to try and help repair their relationship, which prompted speculation he was looking to return to the royal fold

    R=P

    Prince Harry has “no interest” in returning to resume royal duties in Britain and plans to stay in the US, according to sources.

    The Duke of Sussex was reportedly linked with a return to the UK nearly five years after he and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their roles as royals and moved to California with their children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

    Prince Harry has maintained contact with his old friends, and been in contact with the King to try and help repair their relationship, which prompted speculation he was looking to return to the royal fold. According to the Mail on Sunday, the Duke had turned away from his “Hollywood publicists” and was texting former confidantes ‘from his old life’ on how to plan a return from the US.

    If you can’t see the poll, click here

    But, according to the Daily Telegraph, multiple sources close to the Duke said he is happy and settled in California and has “no interest” in returning to resume royal duties in the UK. They also said Harry has an ‘”amazing” new set of friends in the United States and several projects on the horizon.

    Pirnce
    Prince Harry and Meghan moved to California five years ago 
    Image:
    Getty Images for W+P)

    Prince Harry has an "amazing" new set of friends in the US
    Prince Harry has minimal contact with his brother 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    Sources added they were surprised at the suggestion Prince Harry might one day return to royal duties and claimed they were “unaware” of a reported “blueprint” to try and come back to the UK. Prince Harry is preparing to turn 40 next year and made no secret of his desire to repair his relationship with the King. However, repairing the relationship with his brother seems unlikely as contact has all but stopped, according to reports.

    It comes as further reports have suggested that Harry is feeling “more and more isolated” after spending his and Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated Colombia trip in his wife’s shadow. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to the South American nation in mid-August in what was dubbed a DIY royal tour.

    The trip saw Meghan take centre stage on several occasions, especially when she gave a speech on female empowerment during an event for Afro-Colombian women. And according to one royal expert, the whole trip to Colombia was “created about Meghan” – especially at one of the formal lunches they attended.

    Matt Wilkinson, The Sun’s royal editor, told True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat: “A lot of it was about Meghan. A lot of the images and the words sent out to us via the [Sussex] press office, [not] just by a pool reporter… it was all about Meghan. The whole thing was created about Meghan.

    “And when you saw the footage that was filmed by people at the dinners or people who were there that weren’t part of this press pool, they showed a slightly different picture. Harry looked a little bit grumpy. May I use his vocabulary – he perhaps looked a bit like ‘the spare!’”

  • Stephen A. Smith Takes A Dig At Shaquille O’Neal After His Disrespectful Comments About Lakers Coach JJ Redick

    Stephen A. Smith Takes A Dig At Shaquille O’Neal After His Disrespectful Comments About Lakers Coach JJ Redick

    Stephen A. Smith recently criticized NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal for his remarks against JJ Redick, the recently hired coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Smith addressed O’Neal’s comments on “The Big Podcast with Shaq” in July.

    Stephen A. Smith Takes A Dig At Shaquille O'Neal After His Recent Disrespectful Comments About Lakers Coach JJ Redick
    Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen A. Smith, JJ Redick (Image Source: Getty Images)

    The four-time NBA champion discussed how Redick must win the respect of every one of his teammates. He also said he would not play for a coach he had only played against four or five years prior.

    Smith said, “Stop lying. Cuz they would be paying you and you know that check was in the mail, you’d play. Stop that big boy, you know I know better than that.”


    Smith continued by referring to JJ Redick as one of the best collegiate basketball players ever. He said that Redick had played basketball for 15 years in the NBA and was well-versed in the sport. Smith claims that the Lakers players won’t doubt the depth of their new coach’s expertise in the game.

    But the ESPN pundit also made fun of Redick’s appointment. He did not waver in his conviction that Lakers superstar LeBron James influenced Redick’s hiring.

    What Comments Did Shaquille O’Neal Make On JJ Redick After His Appointment As Lakers HC?

    Stephen A. Smith Takes A Dig At Shaquille O'Neal After His Recent Disrespectful Comments About Lakers Coach JJ Redick

    Shaquille O’Neal discussed Redick’s employment in an episode of his podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq.”

    He said, “It’s crazy that a guy with no experience can overshadow someone like Sam Cassell, who’s been in the league for 15 years. No disrespect to JJ, but I think Sam should also get the same consideration.”

    Shaq added, “I’m happy for JJ, but there’s a lot of pressure. Winning games won’t be enough. The expectation when you take the Lakers job, or the Miami Heat job, is to win championships.”

    O’Neal’s remarks highlight the scrutiny Redick will face when he begins his coaching career with the Lakers—a franchise with a legendary past and huge expectations.

  • Gilbert Arenas Didn’t Sugarcoat His Feelings About How Fans Only Bring Up Michael Jordan When They’re Talking About LeBron James

    Gilbert Arenas Didn’t Sugarcoat His Feelings About How Fans Only Bring Up Michael Jordan When They’re Talking About LeBron James

    Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan are regarded as two of the greatest basketball players ever. Many NBA analysts and players often debate who deserves the title of the greatest player of all time. However, a former NBA player believes that when discussing James, who recently slammed Caitlin Clark haters, as the greatest player in NBA history, fans only bring up Jordan’s name.

    Michael Jordan and LeBron James
    Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image Credits: Getty Images)

    During a recent appearance on the “Above the Rim with DH 12” podcast, Gilbert Arenas joined Dwight Howard for an unfiltered conversation about basketball and life. The former NBA player also discussed who the actual GOAT of basketball is.

    “They will never bring up Michael Jordan because he’s not real today. He’s real like we know who he is but the only people who bring him up is when LeBron James’ name gets mentioned. That’s the only reason Michael Jordan’s relevant. They’re combating the stats… Once LeBron James is solidified ‘you are the GOAT’, Jordan swindles. That’s why people are like yo ‘why nobody talk about Kobe being a GOAT?’ Because he got surpassed already. There’s no point of talking about number three, it’s only one and two now” Arenas said.

    The former NBA player mentioned that no one talks about the legendary player Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, as the GOAT player. According to Arenas, people believe that Bryant comes after James and Jordan.

    A Comparison of the Careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James

    Michael Jordan and LeBron James

    Jordan and James have done enough to be considered basketball greats in the history of the NBA. The Lakers star will play his 22nd NBA season in two months. During his professional career, the 39-year-old achieved several milestones, including four NBA championships, 3 Olympic gold medals, 4 MVP titles, four finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 20 times. Additionally, James is the all-time points leader.

    On the other hand, Jordan had a remarkable 15-season NBA career, during which he achieved several achievements. He won 6 NBA championships, was named MVP 5 times, earned six finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 14 times. Additionally, the Bulls legend played a crucial role in popularizing basketball and the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

    Jordan played for 15 seasons before retiring in 2003, but James, who was recently named the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP, is still competing to add more honors to his collection.

  • Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard suffers another major blow ahead of product launch

    Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard suffers another major blow ahead of product launch

    Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard suffers another major blow ahead of product launch

    Meghan Markle’s latest trademark application was denied last week, DailyMail.com can reveal, in a new major blow to her embattled American Riviera Orchard home goods brand.

    The Duchess of Sussex’s attempt to trademark her small-batch jams and other household goods has landed her in another sticky situation with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), after previous bungles and failures to secure rights over her podcast brand, Archewell, last year.

    On August 31 the Patent Office denied her application, saying that businesses are not allowed to trademark geographic locations, including the nickname of the coastline around the Sussexes’ Santa Barbara, California, home: ‘the American Riviera’.

    The refusal also included a slew of problems with her filing – including her apparent failure to sign the correct documents.

    Meghan Markle's bid to trademark her new lifestyle brand name was denied last week, DailyMail.com can reveal

    The Duchess of Sussex had sought to trademark 'American Riviera Orchard' ¿ her new line of jams and other household goods ¿ for international use ahead of a full-scale launch next year, but was refused because the name is 'primarily geographically descriptive'

    The Duchess of Sussex had sought to trademark ‘American Riviera Orchard’ – her new line of jams and other household goods – for international use ahead of a full-scale launch next year, but was refused because the name is ‘primarily geographically descriptive’

    The USPTO admonished the Duchess for giving vague descriptions of her products that could fit into multiple trademark categories.

    The office said her brand’s proposed ‘cocktail napkins’ could be paper or textile – two different categories – and her ‘cooking utensils’ could be manual or electric.

    American Rivera Orchard soft launched earlier this year as a lifestyle brand that will sell products such as jams and cookbooks

    The refusal even included a screenshot of another Santa Barbara business’s product already using the term ‘American Riviera’.

    The screenshot showed that the site sbcoastalcandles.com sells an ‘American Riviera’ candle for $34.95.

    ‘Registration is refused because the applied-for mark is primarily geographically descriptive,’ the Office said in its Saturday filing.

    ‘Commonly used nicknames for geographic locations are generally treated as equivalent to the proper geographic name of the place identified.

    ‘American Riviera is a common nickname for Santa Barbara, California.’

    The decision could throw a wrench in the works for the launch of Markle’s embattled brand, which was reportedly scheduled to go live by the end of the year.

    According to her trademark filings, Meghan, 43, plans to sell tableware, drinkware, decanters, kitchen linens and pantry goods including jellies, jams, marmalade and spreads.

    The Sussexes ¿ pictured in Colombia last month ¿ have also reportedly 'struggled' to find a CEO for Meghan's new home goods and lifestyle venture though sources close to the Duchess have insisted she is happy running the business herself

     

    The Sussexes – pictured in Colombia last month – have also reportedly ‘struggled’ to find a CEO for Meghan’s new home goods and lifestyle venture though sources close to the Duchess have insisted she is happy running the business herself

    Chrissy Teigen and her husband John Legend were among the A-listers to join Meghan Markle's select circle of 'jamfluencers' who got to sample her new product earlier this year

    The two shared photos on Instagram tasting Meghan's jam

    Her trademark application already suffered an embarrassing setback when the USPTO said she failed to pay $11,382 in international registration fees and other ‘irregularities’ that needed to be ‘corrected’.

    DailyMail.com exclusively revealed those initial trademark troubles last month.

    The USPTO’s decision is not final, and Markle’s lawyers can still appeal and revise their application to try to get at least some of her products approved.

    A source close to the Sussexes told DailyMail.com that some back and forth with USPTO is ‘routine and expected when filing for trademarks’ and that they believed Meghan would be filing response with the office soon.

    This is the second time her trademark applications have been shot down.

    In August 2023 the Duchess abandoned a bid to get her podcast ‘Archewell’ trademarked, after the USPTO found a self-help blog by the same name had already made a successful application.

    The Sussexes have also reportedly ‘struggled’ to find a CEO for Meghan’s new home goods and lifestyle venture – though sources close to the Duchess have insisted she is happy running the business herself.

    And she is also having to deal with a constant revolving door with her staff.

    Can Meghan turn this trademark fail into a win?

    Comment now

    One reported insider told Closer Magazine that Prince Harry and his wife were ‘the toughest of taskmasters’ with high staff turnover.

    ‘The numbers don’t lie and to have almost 20 members of staff quitting on them tells its own story,’ the source told Closer. ‘It’s unprecedented, even for a startup.

    ‘The brutal reality is Harry and Meghan are the toughest of taskmasters, they’re very demanding and difficult to work for and that puts a lot of people’s backs up.’

    Meghan has sent products including jam and dog biscuits to some friends but plans are now afoot to start with a rosé wine

    Meghan Markle 's close friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer was one of the lucky 50 to have received a limited edition jar of the Duchess' new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam

     

    Meghan Markle ‘s close friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer was one of the lucky 50 to have received a limited edition jar of the Duchess’ new American Riviera Orchard strawberry jam

    The agency's decision comes a year after the Duchess abandoned a bid to get her podcast 'Archewell' trademarked, after the USPTO found a self-help blog by the same name had already made a successful application

     

    The agency’s decision comes a year after the Duchess abandoned a bid to get her podcast ‘Archewell’ trademarked, after the USPTO found a self-help blog by the same name had already made a successful application

    High-profile figures quitting the Sussexes’ employ have included Meghan’s personal assistant Melissa Toubati in 2018 shortly after their wedding; Meghan’s female bodyguard in January 2019; senior communications secretary Jason Knauf in March 2019; and Queen Elizabeth’s former aide and Meghan’s private secretary Samantha Cohen in October 2019.

    Knauf was later revealed to be the source of a bullying complaint against Markle, which sparked a palace investigation.

    Details of the probe’s conclusion were not revealed, and the Sussexes denied all claims of bullying.

    The couple’s PR chief Sarah Latham quit when Harry and Meghan decided to leave the UK in 2020. The couple’s 14 other palace staff were also axed at the time.

    And American PR expert Christine Weil Schirmer joined the Sussexes in 2020 as head of communications but left quietly late last year.

    Last month their chief of staff, PR guru Josh Kettler, quit after just three months on the job, becoming the latest staff member to leave the Sussexes.

    The decision was reportedly a ‘mutual’ agreement at the end of Kettler’s trial period.

  • The Royal Family: Privilege and Luxury with Surprisingly Simple Habits

    The Royal Family: Privilege and Luxury with Surprisingly Simple Habits

    The Royal Family: Privilege and Luxury with Surprisingly Simple Habits

    For all the pomp and ceremony surrounding the late Queen, she was surprisingly practical and pragmatic – and her breakfast table every morning proved exactly that

    Kitchen item late Queen was obsessed with - and so are Charles and Kate -  Mirror Online

    The royal family might live a life of great privilege and luxury – but they are known to have some surprisingly down to earth habits.

    The late Queen was known to have a habit of washing up herself. And she also reliant on a very common kitchen item when it came to storage. Back in 2003, an undercover reporter breached security to get a job as a footman at Buckingham Palace and revealed many secrets of the royals’ everyday lives.

    Daily Mirror journalist Ryan Parry claimed that Her Majesty liked to use Tupperware – plastic containers – to store her cereals. He described how the late monarch’s breakfast table would be meticulously prepared before she and Prince Philip arrived, and would always feature Tupperware boxes containing cornflakes and porridge oats.

    “A thick white napkin embroidered with the EIIR emblem lies folded on the table next to the cornflakes and porridge oats in their Tupperware containers.” Now a source has claimed that her son, King Charles, as well as his daughter-in-law, like to do the same thing. An insider told Express.co.uk: “Charles and Camilla urge their staff to keep everything fresh by using Tupperware. Charles got that from his mother and father. They use it mostly when they are having picnics on the estate [Balmoral].” They added: “William and Kate also put everything into Tupperware as well. She’s quite hands-on.”

    King Charles makes big announcement as Kate Middleton steps out

    Dickie Arbiter, who worked closely with the Queen for many years as her Press Secretary, previously recalled an unforgettable day when he was invited to a small private lunch with the late Monarch and her husband, Prince Philip – which ended in the most unexpected way.

    “When I arrived at Buckingham Palace , my boss said to me, ‘you’ve been invited to Balmoral for a dine and sleep to meet the Queen’,” he recalled. “There were only four of us at this lunch: The Queen, her lady-in-waiting, Prince Philip and myself. It lasted about 45 minutes, with china plates, silver cutlery and Tupperware that we helped ourselves from.

    “And at the end of it, the Queen said, ‘We’ve got to clear up’ and I took it as my cue as the junior flunky to do the washing up. So I went into the kitchen and started washing up. I heard this footfall behind me and assumed it was the lady-in-waiting coming to give me a hand.

    “I said over my shoulder without even turning, ‘Okay, I’ll wash you dry’. This very familiar voice behind me said, ‘No, I’ll wash, you dry’. It was the Queen. So she plunged her hands into the fairy liquid – no gloves – and I did the drying up. It was quite an experience to actually do a bit of domesticity with a head of state.”