Kate Middleton Had a Major Advantage Over Meghan Markle Before Joining the Royal Family - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The royal life may look glamorous on the outside, but it is actually a lot more difficult than it seems. If you are a member of the royal family, there are certain expectations that you are required to meet. For the ones who are born into the family, it is not that hard. However, if you marry into the family, you not only have your in-laws judging your every move, but the entire world is also watching you: The pressure of being a royal can be very overwhelming at times.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has become a pro at navigating royal life. More so than Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. But many people believe that when it comes to joining the royal family, Middleton had a pretty big advantage over Markle.

Kate Middleton makes royal life look effortless

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Duchess Kate seemed to be a natural when it came to royal outings. She always seems confident and in control.

All of the royals are also expected to support a few different charities. This is where Middleton really seemed to shine. The Duchess of Cambridge always looks as if she genuinely cares about the work that she is doing. So, how was she able to fit into her new role so naturally?

Middleton grew up in near Berkshire, England. Her parents both worked at an airline before becoming self-made millionaires by selling party supplies. Even though the duchess grew up in the upper-class, she was still considered a “just a commoner.” However, it was her commoner life that may have helped her to be able to better connect with her fans and other people that she works with within her charities.

Was Kate Middleton better prepared for her new life?

Middleton and Prince William started dating in 2003. They first met while they were both attending the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They were just friends for the first couple of years, but soon, things took a romantic turn between the two, and soon, the two were vacationing together at a lavish ski resort. The couple married in 2011, which was about 10 years after they had first met each other.

According to Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, because Middleton had already spent so much time with the royal family before marrying Prince William, she was had a better understanding of what was expected of her after becoming an official member of the family.

“She knew enough, She’d seen enough and she’d experienced enough, so she was very well aware of what the responsibilities and demands were going to be,” said Smith.

Did Kate Middleton have an advantage over Meghan Markle?

Middleton and Prince William had taken their time to get married. Because they were both still young when they met, their relationship had moved a much slower pace than Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s relationship. 

Prince Harry and Markle had been dating for about two years when they had announced that they were engaged. They got married a year after that and welcomed their son, Archie, the next year. 

Although Markle and Prince Harry had dated for two years, she didn’t spend that much time with Prince Harry’s family. At the time that Markle and Prince Harry had met, she was at the height of her career. She had spent most of the time on the other side of the pond, filming the popular TV show Suits. 

Because she is from America, she also didn’t have the same basic knowledge of the royal family that most people from the U.K. do. We are sure that she knew some stuff about them, but we are guessing it was still a bit of a culture shock to become a member of a family where you are expected to sit a certain way, talk a certain way, act poised and proper every minute of the day.

When it comes to being prepared for the royal family, Middleton may have had a slight advantage over Markle. However, because Duchess Meghan had been an actress for several years, she was no stranger to the spotlight and dealing with the public. And now that she has had some time to get accustomed to the royal life, she seems to fit right in with the rest of the family.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/kate-middleton-had-a-major-advantage-over-meghan-markle-before-joining-the-royal-family.html/

2019-09-20 08:12:01Z
52780386385254

Hugh Bonneville on His Mom's Shocking Career & Downton Abbey Film - Jimmy Kimmel Live

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igtlaTD0CBA

2019-09-20 07:30:01Z
52780387609644

Kevin Hart Back Home and Can't Believe He's Alive - TMZ

Exclusive

TMZ.com

Kevin Hart has checked out of his in-patient rehab facility and is back home where he's receiving intensive physical therapy, but the big takeaway ... he's "grateful" and "shocked" he's alive.

Sources very close to Kevin tell us, he's looked at the photos of the car crash and can't believe anyone walked out alive. TMZ broke the story, Kevin messed up his back something bad -- 3 spinal fractures that required fusion.

He spent 10 days in the hospital under heavy pain meds and was then transferred to the in-patient facility, but he's home now. He has a physical therapist coming to his house most days ... and he's doing lots of stretching and exercises with therapy bands.

He's still in a lot of pain but says he's handling it without all the meds that knocked him out.

We're also told he's not worried about the injuries torpedoing his career ... doctors and the P.T. have assured him he'll be pretty much back to where he was before the accident, and he had nothing immediate on his plate work-wise, so he can focus on bouncing back.

Kevin says he's grateful to be alive and has "a new perspective on life." We asked what that meant and were told, "He really cherishes the fact that he's alive, and wants to make the most of it in every respect. The crash had a huge impact on him."

One more thing ... Kevin's a gym rat -- something that has helped him through this because he's in such good shape -- but he's taking a break from working out and is only doing physical therapist-approved exercises.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.tmz.com/2019/09/20/kevin-hart-home-physical-therapy-car-crash/

2019-09-20 08:00:00Z
52780388299667

Dash Cam Video Shows Tekashi 6ix9ine's Kidnapping, Snitching Continues - TMZ

8:44 AM PT -- During Tekashi's testimony Thursday morning, he claimed he initially lied about portions of the kidnapping -- specifically that he got pistol-whipped and knocked unconscious right away -- because he was humiliated. As the dash cam video shows ... that didn't happen. He claims he was pistol-whipped later on, though.

Elizabeth Williams

The rapper testified that he didn't ID his kidnappers to police or the media after the incident, but he did meet up with his former manager, Shotti, and Mel Murda afterward at his house and told them Harv and Nuke were the perps. Tekashi claims they stole $365k worth of his jewelry, and some of Harv's text messages were shown in which he's allegedly trying to unload the stolen jewelry.

There's more -- a recorded prison convo with Mel and another associate was played for the jury in which Mel details the incident and says 2 guys -- Black Boy and Hollywood -- were involved. Tekashi testified that Black Boy is code for Nuke, and Hollywood is Harv.

Another convo between Tekashi and Shotti was played, in which Shotti references the kidnapping and suggests he wants to kill Harv for it. The convo was captured by a wiretap in a van, and Tekashi testified he didn't know he and Shotti were being recorded. Tekashi also says he says he offered $50,000 for someone to rob Harv after he got robbed.

Tekashi69's ex-bodyguard threatened to shoot him as he snatched the rapper from his chauffeur-driven ride ... and the whole ordeal was captured on video.

The dash cam video starts as a car smashes into the back of the SUV carrying Tekashi --  he was sitting in the front passenger seat -- and then 2 men were at Tekashi's door forcing him out of the vehicle. Tekashi tried to put up a bit of a fight but not for long.

You hear Anthony "Harv" Ellison -- 6ix9ine's ex-bodyguard -- barking orders like, "Give me your money" and "Get in the car. We gonna shoot you!"

Prosecutors played the dash cam footage of the July 2018 incident in federal court where 6ix9ine is testifying against 2 members of his former gang, the Nine Trey Bloods -- one of them being Ellison.

Ellison, and at least one other man, stuffed Tekashi into their car and drove off. In the dash cam video -- from Tekashi's driver's SUV -- you can see his driver attempts to follow Ellison's car for a few blocks, but eventually speeds off to go find a police officer to help.

Ellison went to Tekashi's home, and surveillance footage -- obtained by the feds -- shows Tekashi's girlfriend handing over a bag of money and jewelry to Ellison's crew.

As we reported, Tekashi was eventually released, but not before they pistol-whipped him ... landing him in the hospital.

TMZ.com

At the time, many people thought the kidnapping was a PR stunt -- but Tekashi came on "TMZ Live" and insisted it was real, and claimed someone had set him up.

7/23/18

TMZ.com

Ellison and Aljermiah "Nuke" Mack are on trial right now for racketeering, and Tekashi is in the middle of his third day of testifying -- snitching on Ellison, Mack, and several other of members of the gang.

He's cooperating with the feds as part of a plea deal to get a reduced sentence in his own case. Tekashi had been facing a minimum of 47 years in prison.

Originally Published -- 8:02 AM PT

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.tmz.com/2019/09/19/tekashi-6ix9ine-kidnapping-dash-cam-video/

2019-09-19 15:02:00Z
52780386989472

Prince Harry Needs His Brother Prince William's Support Now More Than Ever - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

These are trying times in the royal family. Most notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under so much pressure to perform, and it seems like every move they make is cast in a negative light. Even though Prince Harry is used to getting so much attention, the strain it’s putting on their marriage is likely significant.

In the whole entire world, there’s only one person who fully understands what the Duke of Sussex is going through and that’s his older brother, Prince William. These two used to be so close until something drove them apart. Rumor has it the issue stems from Prince William warning Harry not to rush into marriage. But who knows if that’s what really happened?

It’s true that Prince William and Prince Harry have vastly different roles to fill in the world. However, the best thing Harry can do right now is lean on his older brother for support.

Prince William and Prince Harry | Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William has been in the spotlight longer

It’s only recently that the media began taking such a keen interest in everything Prince Harry was doing. Before he met and married Meghan Markle, plus had his son Archie, the Duke of Sussex was seen as more of a sidekick. They even used to call him “the spare heir” as a rude nickname.

Meanwhile, the world has been obsessed with the man who will eventually become king for his entire life. Both Prince William and Kate Middleton had frequent run-ins with overly aggressive photographers while they were dating, even when they were just 20-somethings in college.

If anyone has advice for handling life in the limelight and not letting it break down the relationship, it’s Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle | Stephen Pond/Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a rock-solid marriage

Not only have they been dealing with fame longer, but Prince William and Kate Middleton have a remarkably strong relationship. Plus they’ve been married for almost ten times longer than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It may not seem like a lot, but they likely have relationship advice to share as members of the royal family who are clearly making it work.

Royal expert Angela Mollard discussed this exact issue on the Royals podcast. “If Harry does have any sense, he will rely on William and that relationship will be repaired going forward. He does have tremendous wisdom as a brother, so fingers crossed,” she said.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face one major problem

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Mollard also alluded to the reality that both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry come from homes with divorced parents. This makes them statistically more likely to split up themselves. “I think they have to have a marriage that is stronger than most, and I think that’s going to be very, very hard. The reason I think it’s going to be hard is that neither of them have had a model of a successful relationship,” she explained.

“I don’t like the phrase ‘broken family’, but they haven’t seen people solve their problems. That’s not their model of a mum and dad, solving issues.” 

It’ll be interesting to see if Prince Harry follows through with this advice and finally rekindles his relationship with his older brother, or if he continues assuming he can do everything by himself.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/prince-harry-needs-his-brother-prince-williams-support-now-more-than-ever.html/

2019-09-19 12:17:12Z
52780386385254

Kodi Lee celebrates his 'AGT' victory: 'Heck, yeah! I'm a winner' - USA TODAY

Bill Keveney USA TODAY

Published 4:14 AM EDT Sep 19, 2019

LOS ANGELES – Less than an hour after his triumphant moment on the Dolby Theatre stage Wednesday, "America's Got Talent" winner Kodi Lee was savoring the experience.

"It was unbelievable," said the singer and pianist from Lake Elsinore, California, who just a little while earlier was being serenaded with "Kodi, Kodi, Kodi," by an exuberant crowd that saw him win the fan vote after Tuesday's performance finale. Detroit Youth Choir was runner-up and comedian Ryan Niemiller finished third.

Asked if he thought he would win, Lee, who is blind and has autism, had no doubt. "Heck, yeah!" he said, offering his signature exclamation. "I'm a winner."

The Season 14 champ was joined by his mother, Tina Lee, who has often been seen by her son's side on "AGT" and was the inspiration behind his choice of a competition finale song, Freya Ridings' "Lost Without You." 

Crowd favorite: 'America's Got Talent' finale: Soulful singer Kodi Lee wins Season 14

Top performances: 'America's Got Talent' finale: From Kodi Lee to Ryan Niemiller, who could win it all?

"That's for my mom," he said.

Although Lee has been considered by many to be the favorite since his audition in the season opener earned him judge Gabrielle Union's golden buzzer, fellow judge Simon Cowell didn't necessarily think he was a shoo-in because of strong performances in Tuesday's performance finale and closer-than-expected voting in the semifinal round.

That said, "Everybody rooted for him and he's probably one of the most popular winners we've had on one of these shows," Cowell said. "He's got an amazing talent. … The guy's just an absolute star. He's one of those contestants you're going to remember. You'll always remember that first audition." 

The victory is a thrill for Lee and his family, but it has a larger meaning, especially for people who have special needs and their families, Tina Lee said. 

Early favorite: 'America's Got Talent': Soulful singer with autism draws cheers, tears and a golden buzzer

"It's amazing. It's opening doors for other families and to know that we made a difference is huge. I knew (Kodi) was here for a reason and, and now this proves it," she said. "Winning the show is shocking but he did more than the show. He changed the world. He's going to make it easier for families. He's going to inspire families. He’s going to give strength to parents."

Union, a first-season judge, also sees a larger significance to Lee's "AGT" participation and victory. 

"I recognize this young man will change the world and hopefully will open up many more opportunities for so many individuals and families that are fighting tooth and nail every day to get attention and resources for all of our kids and make sure (they) have an equal opportunity to win at life, not just on the 'AGT' stage," she said. 

More: 'America's Got Talent': Blind singer Kodi Lee proves he's more than an inspiring story

Lee is a "true artist," too, said Union, who was impressed when he went "toe-to-toe" in a duet with Leona Lewis during Wednesday's results show.

"She went on a run and he went on a run. And I was like, 'Oh! Challenge accepted.' That's when you saw me stand up and I pumped my fists. He was like, 'You're not going to outshine me on the stage tonight,'" she said. "And that's how I know he's ready for the world's biggest stages."

Lee, whose website says he is a musical prodigious savant with perfect pitch, feels at ease singing and playing the piano. "Music helps me communicate better," he said.

Seal of approval: 'AGT': Kodi Lee moves judges to tears in 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' with Paul Simon's OK

His mother picked up that thread, saying it's worked the other way, too, as Kodi Lee's "AGT" appearances have helped him communicate better in non-musical ways, too.

"Now, he can form sentences and that's amazing to me. So, we're very thankful to the show," she said. "They did a really great service for Kodi."

Tina Lee and Kodi's father, Eric, and siblings Derek and Kayla, who also were in attendance, have supported him on "AGT," but he has given much to them, Tina Lee said.

"Having Kodi taught me lots of patience and how to be a better person and how to let things go. Like people take everything for granted and he's taught me how you don't need to do that and (that) you need to always be happy," she said. Derek and Kayla "are really good kids. They have big hearts. Kodi has done that. I've watched him do that to everybody. I've watched him change people's hearts."

Going forward, Lee, who was born with optic nerve hypoplasia that rendered him legally blind, wants to continue making and sharing music. "Oh, my gosh! I want to make plenty of albums."  

Sal Spinelli, Lee's friend, vocal coach and musical collaborator, said the young musician has more skills that fans will enjoy.

"They know him as somebody who plays other people's songs really well" on 'AGT,'" he said. "He actually does create lyrics, melodies, chord progressions and the world will soon find out he does that."

Before new albums and headlining "America's Got Talent Live" in Las Vegas in November, however, what did the newly crowned "AGT" champ want to do the day after his win?

Lee thought about the thrilling, head-spinning experience actually coming to a close: "Ohhhhh. And it's over, huh?"

His mom understood the sentiment: "We haven't really thought that far, either. Except breakfast."

Kodi Lee was in complete agreement: "Breakfast." 

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/09/19/agt-champ-kodi-lee-and-his-mom-tina-talk-season-14-victory/2371754001/

2019-09-19 08:02:00Z
52780387579542

Mark-Paul Gosselaar Wanted, Still in Play for 'Saved by the Bell' Reboot - TMZ

Exclusive

TMZ.com

Zack Morris superfans can breathe a small sigh of relief ... NBC's "Saved by the Bell" reboot producers aren't giving up on getting Mark-Paul Gosselaar on board -- in fact, he's in HIGH demand. Which is kinda the problem.

Sources connected to the production -- which is still in its infancy -- tell TMZ ... they ARE trying to get Mark-Paul, and they very much WANT him to be part of the show, but it won't be like the Zack of old.

@LionsShareNews

As you probably heard, when NBC announced it was bringing back its 80s and 90s megahit ... the plot surrounds the now California Governor, Zack Morris, and his education policies. That's why everyone assumed MPG was part of the cast, but fans were shocked when we got vid of Mark Wednesday at LAX saying no one's called him about it.

We're told there's a good reason for that -- Mark-Paul's contract to star on ABC's new show, "Mixed-ish." Our sources say production on that show will most likely overlap with that of 'SBTB' ... so NBC knew it couldn't land him for the reboot.

In fact, we're told when they first started talking about the reboot, MPG was starring on another show ... FOX's "The Passage." Hey, the guy works a ton ... great problem to have in Hollywood.

The plan right now is to try to get Gosselaar to make as many guest appearances on 'Saved' as his "Mixed-ish" schedule will allow. It's a tricky dance, but not impossible. We're told 'Saved' honchos will absolutely be reaching out to MPG's reps to make it happen.

Getty

Meanwhile, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley are already in as regulars at the new Bayside High ... where A.C. Slater is now a coach, and Jessie Spano is a guidance counselor.

We're told other members of the OG cast could make cameos too, but the reboot will focus on the new kids on the block at Bayside.

Sorry, Mr. Belding ... there's a new principal in town.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.tmz.com/2019/09/19/saved-by-the-bell-reboot-mark-paul-gosselaar-cast/

2019-09-19 08:00:00Z
52780386284737