Meghan ‘didn’t want to be alive’
Meghan’s bombshells: Royal family accused of racism
It was both everything we had come to expect – and not what we were expecting at all. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Oprah interview was always going to be blockbuster TV. But what many had not anticipated was how unvarnished their “truth” was going to be. Meghan revealed that she contemplated suicide, but was rebuffed when she sought help from the Royal Household. In a two-hour interview, she told Oprah Winfrey she felt unsupported and alone, adding: “I just didn’t want to be alive any more.” She also accused the Royal family of racism, claiming that one member raised concerns during “several conversations” with Prince Harry about the darkness of their unborn child’s skin.
Among a series of other dramatic and damaging revelations, the couple:
Associate Editor Camilla Tominey explains in this analysis why the interview represented a worst-case scenario for the Royal family. In her review of the tell-all, Jane Mulkerrins says the Sussexes delivered enough bombshells to sink a flotilla. Read all the key points from the interview, which airs on ITV at 9pm, and follow the latest reaction.
Union’s school masks threat as classes return
Parents have been warned that schools could close if not enough pupils wear face masks, raising the spectre that the long-awaited return to classrooms could be short-lived. Schools across England reopen today, but there are escalating tensions over the rules on pupils wearing face coverings. A teaching union said that if insufficient numbers wore masks it could create “ramifications” for a school’s insurance. The relief of parents as children return to the classroom may be mixed with worry. Harry de Quetteville answers six key questions on Covid safety. From today, people are able to meet one-on-one outside to socialise, as well as exercise. See what comes next in the roadmap to ending lockdown.
Are you dealing with your anxiety all wrong?
Anxiety was widespread before the pandemic. Now, it has gone viral. As many as 57 per cent of British adults reported having symptoms of anxiety in a recent survey – and an increase in compensatory mechanisms: drinking, eating and bingeing on Netflix. Given the circumstances, is it not normal to be worried? Psychiatrist Dr Judson Brewer explains how to train your brain to beat the cycle of worry.
At a glance: Today’s coronavirus headlines
Also in the news: Today’s other headlines
Freed, but for how long? | Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran, has been released from a five-year prison sentence – but will face a court hearing on fresh charges next week. Probation officials removed her electronic ankle tag, freeing her from house arrest and marking the last day of a sentence imposed in 2016 for undermining the Iranian regime. Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant explains why the end of her sentence may not mean freedom.
Around the world: George Floyd death trial
The trial of the police officer accused of killing George Floyd in Minneapolis is set to begin today, as a late ruling added another charge. The death of Mr Floyd triggered rioting across the US after mobile phone footage emerged of a white police officer kneeling on his neck. View more striking pictures of the day from around the world in our gallery.
Comment and analysis
In case you missed it: Highlights from the weekend
You’ve got this: Getting you through lockdown
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The truth about our diets | Is processed food now more addictive than cigarettes?
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Chemical balance | Supercharge hormones and harness the power of your moods
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Emilia Fox | ‘My nine-step checklist for staying happy and healthy in lockdown’
Business and money briefing
Bubble ‘about to burst’ | Bets against Wall St blank cheque companies have rocketed to £2.2 billion as sceptical hedge funds predict that the celebrity-driven craze will end in a crash. Experts said firms short-selling the shares are now positioned for major falls if the bubble bursts.
Sport briefing
Man City 0 Man Utd 2 | Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw struck early in each half as Man United ended Man City’s 21-match winning run with a stunning derby victory. Read Jason Burt‘s match report.
Tonight’s dinner
Watercress and salmon risotto | This bright, vibrant and delicious dish by Angela Hartnett is ready in under an hour. View the recipe. Try our Cookbook newsletter.
And finally… for this morning’s downtime
‘They say it takes a village to raise a child – we missed it when ours disappeared’ | Like parents around the country, Clover Stroud lost her support network when lockdown started. She reflects on a year to remember for all the wrong reasons.