Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crushed any more oncoming commentary regarding their latest staff exit as they released a statement clarifying the update.

It was revealed that a key aide of the Sussexes, who had been a part of the team since before he helmed the couple’s Archewell foundation (renamed to Archewell Philanthropies), James Holt, had stepped down from his position.

Even though his glowing statement for his former employers suggested that there had been no tensions nor bad blood surrounding his exit, but it wouldn’t fail to raise eyebrows in light of the latest developments.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes released an equally appreciative but brief statement for mark James’s and noted that he is hasn’t severed any ties with them.

“James has been a stellar support for us for nearly 10 years,” they stated. “His enthusiasm and talent in overseeing our philanthropic endeavours have been extraordinary.”

They continued, “As James moves his young family back to the UK, we are proud that he will continue to guide various humanitarian trips for us overseas through Archewell Philanthropies.”

Meanwhile, royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, also explained that this isn’t exactly a setback for the couple but could indicate different plans.

“The details available indicate he is not severing ties with them but is returning to London,” Fitzwilliams told GB News, reiterating that Archewell Philanthropies is undergoing restructuring and job cuts.

“It is a very small charity; their ambitions are unfulfilled if they expected more donations,” he said. He further added that this could be to handle the UK charity matters more efficiently as the Sussexes continue work from Montecito.

George and Amal Clooney have officially become French citizens, marking a meaningful new chapter for the couple and their family as they continue to prioritize a quieter, more private life away from Hollywood.

The news was confirmed through a French government journal, which revealed that the Oscar-winning actor and his human rights lawyer wife were granted citizenship alongside their 8-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella.

The decision reflects a shift the couple has openly spoken about in recent years, especially as they focus on raising their children away from the pressures of fame. 

The Clooneys purchased a sprawling $8.3 million farm in the south of France in 2021, and it has since become their primary family base. 

For George, the move represents a return to a simpler lifestyle he values deeply.

“We’re very lucky,” he shared in a previous interview, explaining that growing up on a farm shaped his own childhood. 

“You know, we live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for them, it’s like, they’re not on their iPads. They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life.”

The actor has also been candid about his concerns regarding raising children in Hollywood. 

He admitted that he worried his kids would grow up under constant scrutiny and pressure. 

“I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life,” he said, explaining that France offers something different. “They kind of don’t give a s— about fame.”

Clooney has repeatedly emphasized that privacy was a major reason behind the move. 

“I don’t want them being compared to somebody else’s famous kids,” he explained, adding that in France, paparazzi culture around children is nearly nonexistent.

He has also spoken warmly about embracing French culture, saying he enjoys the lifestyle even as he jokes about still learning the language. 

For George and Amal, life in France represents peace, normalcy, and the chance to raise their children away from constant public attention, something they both clearly value as they enter this new chapter.

Khaleda Zia, who made history as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and shaped the country’s politics for decades, died on Tuesday after a long illness, her party said.

Zia, aged 80, had advanced cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, diabetes, chest and heart problems, her doctors said.

A post on the party’s Facebook read: “BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia passed away today at 6am just after Fajr (dawn prayer) […] We seek forgiveness of his soul and pray for his departed soul from everyone.”

Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign in elections set for February 2026 — the first vote since a mass uprising toppled her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina last year.

Zia’s BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner.

But in late November she was rushed to hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medics, her condition declined from a raft of health issues.

During her final days, interim leader Muhammad Yunus called for the nation to pray for Zia, calling her a “source of utmost inspiration for the nation”.

BNP’s media chief Moudud Alamgir Pavel also confirmed Zia’s death to AFP.

Zia was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina’s government, which also blocked her from travelling abroad for medical treatment.

She was released last year, shortly after Hasina was forced from power.

There had been plans earlier this month to fly her on a special air ambulance to London, but her condition was not stable enough.

Her son, political heavyweight Tarique Rahman, only returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in self-imposed exile on Thursday, where he was welcomed back by huge crowds of joyous supporters.

Rahman will lead the party through the February 12 general election, and is expected to be put forward as prime minister if his party wins a majority.