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Columnist Nadine Dorries Reflects on Public Scrutiny of Her Family and Compares It to Royal Family Challenges in the UK

Nadine Dorries
Nadine Dorries

Being in the public eye isn’t easy—not just for celebrities but for their families too.

I’ve seen this firsthand with my own daughters, who have endured their fair share of public embarrassment because of my own choices.

Back in 2012, when I unexpectedly joined I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! without telling them, it was tough.

The experience gave me a glimpse into how the mistakes of parents can ripple into their children’s lives.

That’s why I truly sympathize with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as they face a storm far bigger than anything I’ve known.

The Royal Family’s Latest Turmoil and Its Impact on Beatrice and Eugenie

The recent revelations about Prince Andrew have put the spotlight painfully on the entire York family.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, reportedly ‘utterly mortified’ by the fallout from a revealing new biography, are struggling to cope.

The book’s damning details about their father, and the criticism aimed at their mother, have made things even more difficult.

Unlike politicians where arrogance can be dangerous, with royals it can be catastrophic, as Andrew’s close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein painfully illustrates.

A Chance for the Princesses to Show Strength and Resilience

While it’s heartbreaking to witness, I believe Beatrice and Eugenie have a real opportunity here.

Their family’s reputation may be bruised, but they can rise above it by proving they’re strong, capable women who can embrace responsibility.

The Royal Family is stretched thin, especially with the King and Princess of Wales facing health challenges.

There’s room for the York sisters to step up and contribute meaningfully, repaying the privileges they’ve inherited.

Shifting Focus From Glamour to Genuine Service

It’s not about glamorous red carpets or exotic holidays. Royals aren’t celebrities or social media stars—they are symbols of duty and service.

If Beatrice and Eugenie want to reclaim the York name, they need to focus on charity work, community projects, and maintaining privacy in their personal lives.

They must let their public image be defined by selfless commitment.

Where their father failed, they have to shine twice as bright.

The Sadness Behind Celebrity Separations: Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty

On a more personal note, I was saddened to hear about Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty’s split after 12 years of marriage.

As someone who’s met Cat, I feel for both of them, especially for their two young sons.

Moving back to London from LA and renovating an old house while juggling demanding jobs—Cat on ITV’s This Morning and Pat between Dublin and London—must have been incredibly stressful.

Sometimes life’s pressures feel like ships passing in the night, and expensive home renovations rarely help!

Questioning New Road Safety Plans for Older Drivers

Switching gears, I have concerns about Labour’s new Road Safety Strategy, which could make eye tests compulsory for drivers over 70.

While safety is important, focusing on older drivers seems misguided when evidence points to younger drivers and distracted driving—especially due to mobile phone use—as the real dangers on the roads.

I’ve seen too many drivers dangerously distracted by phones, and it’s a daily risk on country roads. Targeting responsible pensioners feels unfair and unlikely to solve the bigger problem.

Finding Peace Through Creativity

Last week, I took an art class with a talented London artist, Jonathan Ellis, and was surprised by how therapeutic it was.

Immersing myself in painting and crafting gave me a much-needed break from the constant noise of daily life and the relentless news cycle.

Creative hobbies are not just fun—they’re vital for mental wellbeing.

I hope more people rediscover the joy and healing power of creativity.

A Troubling Year for Farmers and the Impact on Us All

If you live in the countryside, you can’t ignore the damage done to crops this year.

Fields look burnt and dried out, and this will inevitably push food prices up.

With farmers already under pressure from government policies that feel hostile to landowners, nature’s harsh conditions add insult to injury.

This is something that will affect us all, and it’s hard not to worry about the future.

A Thought to End On

E.A. Bucchianeri once wrote, “It is unfortunate that in most cases when the sins of the father fall on the son it is because unlike God, people refuse to forgive and forget and heap past wrongs upon innocent generations.”

It’s a powerful reminder of how much we all carry from the past and the importance of compassion.44