The UK housing market is presenting a mixed picture as recent changes to stamp duty and broader economic uncertainties begin to take their toll. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), home buyer inquiries and sales have fallen in April, marking the third consecutive month of decline. This downturn is attributed to the expiration of the stamp duty holiday and the prevailing economic uncertainty, which have collectively dampened buyer confidence. Despite these challenges, there remains a cautious optimism among property professionals, with a net balance of 17% expecting sales to rise in the coming year.

In contrast to the broader UK trend, Northern Ireland has seen an uptick in homebuyer demand, with easing mortgage rates and pay increases cited as contributing factors. However, the region continues to grapple with a shortage of supply, as the number of new properties coming onto the market has fallen for the third month in a row. This imbalance between demand and supply has kept house prices on an upward trajectory, with Northern Ireland reporting the highest price increases across all UK regions. Surveyors in the area remain positive about the sales outlook, reflecting a resilience in the face of wider economic uncertainties.

Scotland's housing market is experiencing a slowdown in house price growth, the most subdued since early 2024. This trend is expected to continue in the short term, coinciding with an increase in market supply. Despite the slowdown, the market shows signs of vitality, with a rise in new buyer inquiries and an optimistic sales outlook among surveyors. The rental market, however, tells a different story, with tenant demand and landlord instructions both declining, leading to expectations of flat rental prices in the near future.

The varying dynamics across the UK's housing markets underscore the complex interplay of local and national factors influencing buyer and seller behavior. While some regions like Northern Ireland defy the broader downturn, others such as Scotland adjust to new realities of supply and demand. As the market continues to evolve, the coming months will be critical in determining whether these trends solidify or give way to new patterns of activity.

Recent revelations have shed light on the early reservations held by a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding Meghan Markle's relationship with Prince Harry. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of the Queen and a respected figure within royal circles, reportedly expressed doubts about the sincerity of Meghan's feelings for Harry, suggesting that the former actress might have 'engineered' their romance. These claims, brought to light by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, highlight the tensions that existed within the royal family prior to the couple's 2018 wedding.

According to Bedell Smith's account, Lady Anson, who was known for her close relationship with the Queen and her role as a royal party planner, initially found Meghan to be 'full of charm' and 'intelligent and thoughtful' upon her engagement to Harry. However, as the wedding approached, Lady Anson's perspective shifted, leading her to question whether Meghan was truly in love with Harry or if she had orchestrated their relationship for personal gain. 'We hope but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all,' Lady Anson is reported to have said.

The biographer also recounts Lady Anson's concerns about the dynamic between Meghan and Harry, noting that Meghan's intelligence and strength could overshadow Harry's more subdued personality. 'Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him,' Lady Anson allegedly remarked. These comments reflect the broader unease within parts of the royal family about the couple's compatibility and the potential challenges their union might bring to the monarchy.

In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment, while a source close to the couple dismissed the allegations as 'just gossip.' Nonetheless, these revelations offer a glimpse into the private discussions and concerns that surrounded one of the most talked-about royal weddings in recent history, underscoring the complexities of integrating a Hollywood actress into the centuries-old traditions of the British royal family.