Meghan Markle has opened up about the early days of her relationship with Prince Harry, describing the period as being “in the trenches” — a remark many interpret as a subtle reference to the challenges they faced within the royal family and the intense media scrutiny.
Speaking on the debut episode of Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, the Duchess of Sussex gave a rare insight into her personal life and the evolution of her relationship with the Duke of Sussex. The conversation comes shortly after the launch of her new lifestyle and wellness brand, American Riviera Orchard, and her Netflix show With Love, Meghan.
Markle, 43, began dating Prince Harry, 40, in 2016. The couple announced their engagement in 2017 and married in 2018. They are now parents to two children — Archie, aged 5, and Lilibet, aged 3.
Discussing the early stages of their relationship, Markle told Lima: “You have to imagine, at the beginning it's all butterflies – but then we immediately went into the trenches together. Right out of the gate, like six months into dating.”
Her reference to “the trenches” is widely believed to allude to the pressures the couple faced from the British press and tensions within the royal household. Their relationship was made public in late 2016, and shortly after, Kensington Palace released a rare statement criticising the “wave of abuse and harassment” Markle experienced, particularly from tabloids and online commentators.
The couple have since spoken openly about their struggles with media attention and their relationship with the royal family. In previous interviews, they have said that they were not sufficiently supported by the institution. Markle has also spoken publicly about her mental health challenges during her first pregnancy, claiming she was discouraged by royal officials from seeking professional help due to concerns about how it would be perceived.
Despite these past challenges, Markle described her relationship with Harry as stronger than ever. “So now, seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that’s why I feel like it’s more of a honeymoon period for us now,” she said.
She went on to describe her husband in affectionate terms, calling him “a fox” and praising both his appearance and his character. “If you haven’t noticed, my husband is very, very handsome. But his heart is even more beautiful,” she said. Markle also expressed her belief that their marriage would last, saying, “We’re going to be together forever.”
Her remarks on the podcast follow another moment that was interpreted as a veiled reference to the royal family. In the final episode of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the duchess gave a toast during a gathering with friends and family, including Prince Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland.
“I just want to raise a glass to you guys,” she said. “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited that I’m able to share and I’ve been able to learn from all of you. So I just thank you for all the love and support.” She added: “All of that is part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have relocated to California and focused on building a new life away from the monarchy. Their projects, including the Netflix series and Markle’s new brand, are being seen as markers of this “new chapter”.
While the duchess did not explicitly name the royal family in her comments, her remarks continue to generate speculation about her ongoing relationship with the institution she left behind.
Addressing soldiers in Srinagar, Singh said, 'Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? I believe that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of IAEA.' (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should take charge of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. His remarks came days after the two countries ended their most serious military confrontation in nearly three decades.
Addressing soldiers in Srinagar, Singh said, “Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? I believe that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of IAEA.”
There was no immediate response from Pakistan to Singh’s statement.
Fighting broke out last week after India carried out airstrikes on what it called “terrorist camps” inside Pakistan. The airstrikes were in response to an attack in Indian Kashmir last month that killed 26 men. India said the attack was backed by Pakistan. Islamabad denied the charge.
In the days that followed, both countries sent missiles and drones into each other’s airspace. A truce was reached on Saturday.
The IAEA is a United Nations watchdog based in Vienna that monitors nuclear programmes to ensure they are peaceful.
India and Pakistan became nuclear powers after conducting nuclear tests in 1998.
The latest conflict escalated on Saturday, raising concerns that nuclear weapons could come into play. Pakistan’s military had said that a top body overseeing its nuclear arsenal would meet. However, the Pakistani defence minister later said no such meeting was scheduled.
Military analysts said the announcement may have been intended as a signal, as Pakistan has a “first-use” policy if its existence is under threat.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that India would strike terrorist hideouts across the border again in the event of another attack, and would not be deterred by what he called Islamabad’s “nuclear blackmail”.
Pakistan rejected Modi’s remarks, calling them “provocative and inflammatory assertions” and said they represent a dangerous escalation.
India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorists fighting security forces in its part of Kashmir. Pakistan denies the charge.
Whether it is her cool songs like Checka, Piya Piya Calling and Siste Dans, cutting-edgeEP Running Deep, or acclaimed 2024 debut album Shahrazad, Delara has consistently crossed creative horizons and collaborated with global talent.
The award-winning Norwegian singer has lit up the live scene, clocked millions of streams, and connected with diverse cultures through her eclectic music. The fabulously forward-thinking talent has added to her impressive achievements with the newly released Kalash Reimagined, a bold collaboration with Indian singer Charan, Pakistani producer Talal Qureshi and Jamaican-American rapper BEAM.
Eastern Eye caught up with Delara to discuss her music, inspirations, future hopes and unique new single.
Her new track, Kalash ReimaginedInstagram/ amandadelara
What first connected you to music?
I think music was always part of my life before I even knew what it meant to me. I grew up in a household where my parents would talk about life and politics around the dinner table. That energy of emotion, reflection and curiosity somehow found its way into the songs I started writing. Music became my space for understanding myself and the world around me.
How do you reflect on your music journey so far?
I’m proud of how much I’ve dared to evolve. From the start, I didn’t take the easiest route. I sang about politics and personal struggles when people told me not to. But I’ve always trusted that staying true to myself would lead me to where I’m meant to go. That has shaped me into the artist I am today – a mix of experimentation, boldness and vulnerability.
Which of your songs is closest to your heart?
That’s a hard one, but Unbound will always be very close to me. I wrote it during a time when I was thinking a lot about the impermanence of life, and how nothing and no one lasts forever. The relationship I have with my mother, who means everything to me, inspired much of that song. Having her in the music video made it even more emotional and personal.
How much did the acclaim your debut album received mean to you?
Of course, I’m grateful for the recognition, but I try not to get too caught up in critical acclaim. What means the most to me is the feedback I get from listeners – people who send me messages or come up to me after shows saying a song helped them through something. That’s what gives me confidence and keeps me creating.
Tell us about Kalash Reimagined.
Kalash Reimagined takes the original track to new heights by merging powerful voices and sounds from different parts of the world. After working on Piya Piya with Coke Studio last year, it felt natural to expand on this fusion of cultures. The remix blends south Asian sounds, Jamaican energy and Norwegian–Iranian influences to create something bold and deeply emotional. It is a celebration of what can grow when different worlds collide.
What was it like collaborating with Charan, Talal Qureshi and BEAM?
Collaborating with Charan, Talal and BEAM was an amazing experience. Charan brought his unique perspective and fresh energy to the track. Talal’s creativity and musical vision really helped elevate the sound, while BEAM’s raw intensity added something special. It felt like a real meeting of different worlds, with voices that had something real to say. The collaboration was a true exchange of energy and ideas, and it came together beautifully.
How would you describe this track?
It’s a powerful fusion of sounds and emotions. Kalash Reimagined is bold, raw and unapologetic – yet playful and full of energy. The track exists in the spaces between cultures, not trying to represent everything but highlighting what can grow when worlds collide. It celebrates shared experiences and the beautiful complexity that emerges from blending different backgrounds.
Who are you hoping this song connects with?
I hope this track resonates with anyone who feels caught between cultures or identities. It is for those who do not fit neatly into one box. Whether you are from south Asia, the diaspora, the Caribbean or anywhere in between, I want the song to speak to those who feel empowered by blending different worlds – and who are open to the beauty that comes from that fusion.
What can we expect next from you?
There is a lot on the horizon. I’m about to announce my biggest headliner show yet, which I’m incredibly excited about. I’m also working on new music and visual projects that will push boundaries, along with more cross-cultural collaborations like Kalash Reimagined. The goal is always to connect sounds and stories in unexpected ways. I’m exploring fresh creative paths, keeping things organic and letting ideas flow freely.
Who would you love to collaborate with? There are so many, but right now I would love to work with artists who challenge genres and tell strong stories – people like Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Frank Ocean or even Raveena. Artists who are not afraid to blend cultures and sounds.
What kind of music dominates your personal playlist?
It’s a mix of many things. But with summer approaching, there is a lot of Afro, reggaeton, salsa, r’n’b and hip hop. I’ve actually created a personal playlist that I share with my listeners.
What inspires you as an artist?
Life itself – my family, friends, conversations with strangers, travelling, latenight thoughts, missing home, or wondering what home even means. I get inspired by contradictions, and those quiet moments of reflection when I’m not even trying to create.
Why do you love music?
When I’m creating music, I feel the most free. It is a space where only your mind, creativity and ideas matter – not how you look or how others see you. Music was the first place where I felt truly seen and heard. It’s a powerful force of connection, the closest thing we have to real magic – a universal language that everyone understands. In just seconds, music can make us feel a little less alone. How can you not love that?
Instagram: @amandadelara
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Scarlett Johansson expresses frustration over Oscars snubbing Avengers Endgame for Best Picture
Scarlett Johansson has once again voiced her frustration over the Oscars overlooking Avengers: Endgame for the Best Picture category. The actress, known for portraying Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, expressed her disbelief during an interview. She questioned how a film as groundbreaking and successful as Endgame managed to receive only one nomination, for visual effects, at the 2020 Academy Awards.
“It was an impossible movie that shouldn’t have worked, yet it did, both as a film and as a cultural moment,” Johansson remarked. She pointed out that the film not only pushed creative boundaries but also became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Despite its global impact and critical acclaim, Endgame remained absent from major Oscar categories, including Best Picture.
Scarlett Johansson questions why Avengers Endgame was overlooked by the Academy despite its record breaking successGetty Images
This snub particularly stings because Endgame marked the end of an era for Johansson’s character, Natasha Romanoff, who sacrificed herself to save the universe. Following this emotional farewell, Johansson reprised the role one last time in the 2021 prequel, Black Widow. However, when asked about returning to the Marvel universe again, she remained firm, stating that Natasha’s story had reached a meaningful conclusion.
While Johansson clearly misses working with her Marvel co-stars, she feels that bringing back the character would undermine the impact of her farewell. “It wouldn’t make sense,” she said, emphasising the importance of leaving Natasha’s legacy intact.
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Besides her frustration over the Oscars snub, Johansson also took a jab at the length of recent award ceremonies, particularly the 2025 Oscars. She found the James Bond tribute segment overly long, describing it as feeling like an advertisement rather than a celebration of cinema.
Despite the setbacks, Johansson is staying busy. She’s set to star in Jurassic World: Rebirth and is making her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Her passion for storytelling continues, whether or not the Oscars recognise her past projects.
Scarlett Johansson defends Avengers Endgame and criticises lengthy Oscars ceremoniesGetty Images
In the end, Johansson’s disappointment highlights a recurring issue: the Academy’s reluctance to honour blockbuster superhero films, even when they make a significant cultural impact.
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Lois confronts Superman as Lex invades the Fortress in new Superman trailer
James Gunn’s Superman is shaping up to be more than just another cape-and-costume affair. The latest trailer doesn’t just show off epic battles or a parade of DC heroes; instead, it throws us straight into a tense one-on-one between the Man of Steel and the woman who refuses to let him off the hook.
In this new version, Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, is already known to Lois Lane as Superman. There’s no awkward glasses game here, just straight talk! And Lois isn’t starstruck. She’s sharp, sceptical, and not afraid to press him on the ethics of playing global policeman. Her questions about his involvement in a foreign conflict cut through the usual superhero fanfare. Was he saving lives, or stepping over a line?
Superman insists he was acting on his own, not as an agent of any government. But Lois reminds him that intent doesn’t erase consequences. That tension between good intentions and real-world impact seems to be at the heart of Gunn’s take on the iconic character. It’s not about whether Superman can save the world; it’s about whether he should do it on his own terms.
The trailer also introduces Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, who sees Superman not as a saviour, but as an alien outsider dominating a global narrative. “He’s not a man. He’s an it,” Luthor declares, breaking into the Fortress of Solitude with the mysterious Engineer. This isn’t a villain twirling his moustache; it’s someone deeply uncomfortable with Superman’s place in the world.
The film skips past origin stories and dives right into an established world, complete with supporting heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Metamorpho, though the latter may be in chains rather than on the team.
We still get a glimpse of Superman’s Kansas roots, with Ma and Pa Kent reminding him that being a hero isn’t just about strength but about character.
Superman, directed and written by James Gunn, flies into cinemas on 11 July in the U.S., with international releases beginning on 9 July. Expect a film that raises questions as much as it throws punches.
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Shah Rukh Khan visits the cast of Come Fall in Love The DDLJ Musical during rehearsals in London
Thirty years after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge changed the face of Hindi cinema, the story is stepping onto the UK stage, and Shah Rukh Khan himself dropped by to witness it in the making.
The actor, who became a household name playing Raj in the original 1995 film, surprised the cast of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical at their rehearsal space in London. With its UK premiere scheduled at Manchester Opera House from 29 May to 21 June, the stage show is a reimagined take on the beloved romance, directed once again by Aditya Chopra.
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This musical version is set between India and the UK and stars Jena Pandya as Simran and West End actor Ashley Day as Rog, giving a fresh take on Raj. For Pandya, the experience was surreal. “Showing him scenes he once performed was unforgettable,” she said. “He gave his time so kindly. It meant a lot.”
Day, clearly moved, added that the energy shifted the moment Khan walked in. “We all felt it. He didn’t have to say much; his presence said enough,” he reflected. “It was just one of those moments you never forget.”
The musical brings a new twist to the original, with 18 English tracks composed by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani. The duo were thrilled by Khan’s visit. “He loved the vibe, the energy, the music,” Vishal said. “It felt like Raj was passing the torch to Rog.” Sheykhar added, “For everyone involved, it was a special afternoon. He connected with the cast on a deeper level; theatre is where he began, after all.”
This production isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s an attempt to present a timeless story to a new audience, with Broadway-style storytelling and Indian emotion. The script and lyrics have been adapted by Nell Benjamin, known for Legally Blonde and Mean Girls, while the choreography is led by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford, with Indian dance sequences by Shruti Merchant.
With immersive events also planned at railway stations in London and Manchester, nodding to the film’s famous train scenes, Come Fall in Love aims to bridge the old with the new. And if Khan’s glowing reaction is any sign, this musical might just become a classic in its own right.