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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the public when they announced on January 8 that they were leaving their position as senior members of the royal family. One of the most notable changes they're making is to deny a group of British press outlets first access to their personal press releases after years of press coverage and editing decisions that they feel have been unfair, filled with favoritism, and aimed to turn public opinion against Meghan in particular.

Since the announcement, journalists unearthed some of the British media’s most snide and judgmental headlines about Meghan and put them next to what the same outlets—sometimes even the same authors—thought of similar situations when fellow Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton was involved. Here are some of the things that British journalists only seemed to think were wrong once the former British royal family member Meghan did them. (h/t buzzfeed)

#1

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Kate: "Bumping along nicely! The Duchess was seen placing a protective hand on her tummy as she exited the event." Daily Mail: March 22, 2018
Meghan: "Personally, I find the cradling a bit like those signs in the back of cars: Baby on Board. Virtue signaling, as though the rest of us barren harridans deserve to burn alive in our cars." Daily Mail: Jan. 26, 2019

dailymail.co.uk , dailymail.co.uk Report

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Pinkjoelle
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cant roll my eyes enough for this, its her belly, her body, she can touch it any way she wants...

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#3

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Kate and William: "Prince William was given one of the green fruit – wrapped up in a bow – by a little boy who's mother is suffering during her pregnancy too... 'He said he'd take it to [Kate] and see what happens – and said good luck for [the boy's] mummy.'" Express: Sept. 14, 2017
Meghan: "The pregnant Duchess of Sussex and so-called 'avocado on toast whisperer' is wolfing down a fruit linked to water shortages, illegal deforestation and all round general environmental devastation." Express: Jan. 23, 2019

express.co.uk , express.co.uk Report

In 2016, shortly after the pair began dating, Prince Harry issued an official statement condemning the media’s coverage of Meghan. Among his complaints were one newspaper’s quips and tone-deaf euphemisms about her race and class background.

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Since then, many have continued to speculate that the media’s general bias against her comes from resistance to accepting a mixed-race American into what upper-class white British people feel is an exclusive cultural institution like the British royals.

#4

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theguardian.com , express.co.uk Report

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Miranda Panda
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they were "toxic" why would they put them on a child's head??? Let alone an heir to the British throne??? Just curious...

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#5

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Kate: "It was reported that new Duchess of Cambridge requested her favorite scented candles and toiletries from luxury fragrance brand Jo Malone be delivered to scent the Abbey. A selection of candles, handwashes and lotions was requested, specifically in citrus spring scents including Orange Blossom, Grapefruit and the ever-popular Lime, Basil & Mandarin." Daily Mail: May 4, 2011
Meghan: "'Meghan wanted staff to go around with these atomizers, like spritzer guns, and spray the chapel with scent before anyone arrived. Royal Household staff stepped in and told her office politely, but firmly, that this was the queen's chapel and it simply wasn't appropriate. I don't believe they said no because they thought it could affect the chapel in any way. It was simply the principle of the thing. This is a place that has held royal weddings, funerals and even contains the royal vault. I don't believe a request of that nature had been made before.'" Daily Mail: Nov. 30, 2018

dailymail.co.uk , dailymail.co.uk Report

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#6

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Kate: "We see a woman in her prime: stylish, confident and positively radiant, nailing outfit after outfit in the style stakes — and it’s a joy to witness... That old uniform of girlish dresses, tan tights and nude heels has been replaced by dazzling super-chic outfits to satisfy even the most exacting fashionista." Daily Mail: June 16, 2019
Meghan: "Proper royalty is about tradition and duty, self-effacing service and loyalty — year after year after year, season after season... That is not to say that a monarchy cannot or must not move with the times — simply that it has to resist the temptation to be buffeted by passing cultural trends. Fashion is the exact opposite. And as fashion’s most famous bible, Vogue exemplifies the transient nature of the beast." Daily Mail: July 29, 2019

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Alex Bailey
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I just point out that they did think Kate was drab - her clothing was not liked at all. The press also put this down to Meghan for making Kate sit up and make a more up to date effort.

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redheadwahine
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Insane. I remember blocking the keyword "Kate" from my newsfeed for a while because there were 3 or 4 headlines a DAY from every entertainment news source about what outfit she was wearing on any given outing... Did the forget writing all of those or....?

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Brivid
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The author of both articles seems like a royal b***h to me!

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Rabbit Carrot
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sarah Vine is a rank human being anyway, vile in every way. Her articles are full of c**p like this.

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Matt
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Brit I can assure international readers that Sarah Vine is a revolting hideous troll and should be ignored at all costs

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Shanti
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sarah Vine is a pompous b***h, who has Meghan well and truly in her sights. Talk about hypocrisy!

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Terrakian Dragon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There it is: two-faced, hypocritical, speaking from both sides of her mouth... The kind of white liar us Natives are SO familiar with. Not happy to see there's still a few of those around. *sigh* One thing I am glad about, though--seeing how many people slap this b******t down the way it should be.

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Cheryl Milliner
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing how the honest press decides to wade in after months of hate and lies after lies

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Crystal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, she didn't even try to hide her double standard for Kate and Meghan. I do find the title for her Meghan article hilarious though considering that Princess Diana and Kate are considered fashion icons and everytime Kate and Princess Charlotte wears something affordable, it sells out.

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Jane Campbell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sarah Vine...you may want to take a look at fashion in North America. We like simple styles with class. Meghan and Kate both wear clothes well. Your dress, on the other hand, looks very 2005.

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M Kate McCulloch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like Janus - talking out of both sides of the mouth. No wonder she and Prince Harry would like to retire from public life. The Daily Mail is a public menace.

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Cheryle Fuller
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW! And yet they lauded Diana after she set tongues wagging with her fashion sense and style forward ness

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Suzanne Catron Do Valle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame on Sarah Vine! How embarrassing to be caught behaving in such a biased way. Good teaching tool for me though for my classes on bias. Pupils as young as 12 are totally shocked at the low standard of her and others' reporting in some of these rags.

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Suzanne Haigh
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Megan just does not have the quality of taste as Kate does, simple

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Artemis
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is just no words! Sarah Vine is an idiot, she knows nothing of fashion and will never be Royalty.

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Carrie Deitzel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is shocking about the British medias' coverage of Kate vs Meghan is that it is apparently a reflection of British society's attitude in general to issues of race. We have plenty of problems in that regard in the US, but I find it hilarious that Brits/Brit media think there is a class difference between a mixed-race American and "upper class White society". What is so "upper class" about arrogant, self-aggrandizing people who think color is what distinguishes a person of quality from one who lacks it??? I"m a white American, I think that's insane; far from classy; and certainly not Christian for those of you who so identify.

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Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are born with a sense of style, some unfortunately can never achieve it.

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Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kate has dress sense for ROYAL dress, Megan has sense only for herself

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Nichole Hill
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This may be difficult for you. You’re oppinions seems limited to that of a newborn squirrel. BUT TRY... to comment on the apparent bias’s (actual subject of this stream) or STFU! Thank you.

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jevais
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bloody unbelivable. Such snobisme, this is Obnosious.

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Jitendra Shah
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One could see from day one but it has a long time for this to come out in the open..... but the Buck Hse and the top propaganda group have to earn their keep... NO ???

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Euni Hinojosa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But Kate isn't true royalty. She's a commoner just like the Duchess of Sussex.

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Baali Venomax
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont think its her mixed heritage thats got their goat. I think its her personality. She is totally different in her attitude towards everything compared to Kate but then as an American, I guess her viewpoint would be different to a local girl. Nothing wrong with Americans, some of my best friends are from the states but the culture and attitude is always different to the one in the UK. As I imagine it would be anywhere in the world.

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JD Mason
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they hate her because she's an American or because of her ethnicity or both? I mean she is gorgeous & smart. He pursued her...it's not like she chased him down & they seem very happy together when those back stabbing bitches aren't being mean to her. What did she ever do to them? It sucks that they have been bullied so much that they are being forced out. Those boys need each other & the press is forcing them to be very far away from each other. The cousins need to grow up together. Why hasn't the Queen stepped in? She is more then capable of shutting the a*****e at those magazines up. Off with their heads...hahaa seriously the Queen should step in & stop this BS before someone else ends up dead!!!!

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Chris Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That isn't what happened. She started attending events he was at and even got thrown out of one. She pursued him and yet when their 'blind date' was arranged she pretended not to know who he was despite being a royal family fan.

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Her husband has been her #1 supporter since bringing her into the royals, joining her to sue a British tabloid for infringing on her privacy in 2018.

At the same time, he released a scathing statement comparing the press’ treatment of her to that of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car accident while trying to escape from meddling photographers after years of being tormented by invasive journalists.

This year, it looks like the couple decided that strongly worded letters weren’t making a difference and they’re now setting off to teach the British press a lesson by cutting ties officially.

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#7

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Kate and William: "Creating their own companies will allow William and Kate to bring out, should they ever chose to, myriad items of officially-endorsed merchandise from tea towels to coffee cups... Kensington Palace officials said they were doing the ‘sensible thing’ in protecting the couple’s rights." Daily Mail: Jan. 17, 2014
Meghan and Harry: "The Sussexes want to stamp their name on dozens of products including T-shirts, hoodies, journals and gloves for their newly-created foundation Sussex Royal... Experts said Harry and Meghan were actively preparing to quit the Royal Family months ago by filing trade mark applications to commercially protect their brand." Daily Mail: Jan. 9, 2020

dailymail.co.uk , dailymail.co.uk Report

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Colin Leetham
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How much of the Meghan shaming is covert racism, I wonder? (I note "Tea Towels" as respectable, and "hoodies" are not)

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#8

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Kate: "Royal sources said yesterday that the Queen understood and endorsed William and Kate’s decision not to spend Christmas Day with her. One said: ‘Her Majesty understands that it is a dilemma that many young couples face and acknowledges how close Catherine’s relationship is with her family." Daily Mail: Dec. 16, 2016
Meghan: "The fact is the Queen expects to have the family around her for the festive season... to the Queen, for whom the tradition of the family gathering is a key date in her calendar, Harry and Meghan’s absence will be a matter of great sadness. It will also be a source of frustration." Daily Mail: Nov. 13, 2019

dailymail.co.uk , dailymail.co.uk Report

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Atlas
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It keeps baffling me how they make sure to treat the former by title and the later by first name. They just don't care. What a bunch of biased asshats.

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#9

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Kate and William: "Prince William yesterday backed brother Harry’s brave admission of his mental anguish — and blasted the monarchy’s 'stiff upper lip' tradition... William said: 'There may be a time and a place for the ‘stiff upper lip’ but not at the expense of your health... ' "'Catherine and I are clear we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings. Over the past year we have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a clear and emotionally articulate way, something most adults would struggle with. Seeing this has really given me hope things are changing and there is a generation coming up who find it normal to talk openly about emotions.'” Sun: April 19, 2017
Meghan and Harry: "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have bucked royal tradition once again with their latest TV interview — in which they claimed they were 'existing, not living.' The couple ditched the stiff upper lip of previous Royal Family generations and flew the flag for 'Generation Therapy' as they revealed their emotions to the world - but were they right to do so? "What you make of 'fragile' Prince Harry and Meghan's comments may depend on your generation. Sun parents and kids reveal what they think of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex airing their emotions in public - and whether they have the right to moan in such positions of privilege..." Sun: Oct. 23, 2019

thesun.co.uk , thesun.co.uk Report

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#10

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Kate: "It is a fashion conundrum not many of us will ever face, but what exactly does one wear for tea with the Queen? The Duchess of Cambridge met this challenge head on yesterday by co-ordinating her outfit with the Queen’s powder blue ensemble... The Queen, on her first ­official event to mark her Diamond Jubilee, was dressed in a pastel hat and two-piece coat dress with military-style rows of gold buttons designed by Angela Kelly. Looking relaxed and elegant, her outfit was perfect for what looked like a fun official engagement with the girls." Mirror: Feb. 14, 2013
Meghan: "The Queen's aides had told [Meghan] she would be wearing a green hat as a mark of respect to those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire. The Queen is said to have been 'baffled' when Meghan turned up without a hat as she didn't realize she was supposed to wear one too. A senior aide said: 'I don't think the Duchess fully understood. This was not a request. Those are for others to make, not the Queen.' The Queen's staff are said to have noted the Duchess's mistake or 'lack of deference'" Mirror: Oct. 29, 2018

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Alex Bailey
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A photo which was liked a lot at the time and many in the press were saying that The Queen was getting on very well with the Duchess of Sussex.

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#11

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Kyana Winter
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine writing an entire article about somebody's shoes instead of focusing on more important issues that are going on in the world.

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#12

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Kate and William: "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh missed the small family affair. The decision is understood not to have been taken on health grounds, and to have been mutually agreed by the Queen and the Cambridges some time ago. The Queen, 92, has a busy week ahead, with high-profile celebrations in central London marking the centenary of the RAF on Tuesday, and a visit by US President Donald Trump in Windsor on Friday." Daily Mail: July 9, 2018
Meghan and Harry: "The situation has surprised some senior staff at Buckingham Palace, who feel that the duke and duchess should have planned the day better. ‘There is huge support for the couple in not wanting to conform to tradition. They are young, they are striking out on a different path from other members of the Royal Family and there is enormous goodwill for them. But they shouldn’t do that without regard for tradition,’ said one. ‘Her Majesty was already scheduled to be in Scotland for her annual Holyrood Week and had a prior engagement at the weekend. There is a feeling amongst some that they should have been more accommodating about the date.’" Daily Mail: July 4, 2019

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#15

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Kate: "As far as bridal bouquets go there was nothing particularly regal about Kate Middleton’s modest arrangement of simple, seasonal flowers. Like the bride herself the bouquet was effortlessly elegant and understated. "Yet behind that modest posy lay a secret story. Kate, the commoner-turned-duchess, had painstakingly selected blooms with real meaning. She is evidently well-versed in the language of flowers, a little-known romantic relic from the 19th century. "Hence the use of lilac in her bouquet, which signifies the first emotions of love, the lily of the valley meaning a return of happiness, hyacinth standing for constancy, myrtle meaning love and the ivy, which represents fidelity. Then of course there was the suitably named Sweet William, which is shorthand for gallantry." Express: Aug. 29, 2011
Meghan: "[Meghan Markle] was holding a wedding bouquet which flowers were replicated in Princess Charlotte and the other bridesmaids’ flower crowns. Express.co.uk can now reveal the children’ crowns were made of flowers that can be deadly, especially for children. Meghan’s bouquet was made of forget-me-nots as well as sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, and astrantia... "Lily of the valley is a highly poisonous woodland flowering plant and ingestion could be deadly... As Meghan’s bridesmaids were so young, having this flower on their heads could be considered a dangerous decision. Other brides have also used this flowers including Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall." Express: Oct. 13, 2019

express.co.uk , express.co.uk Report