EXCLUSIVE: KATE MIDDLETON’S ASCOT NO-SHOW ISN’T ABOUT HER BODY — IT’S ABOUT HER MIND
EXCLUSIVE: KATE MIDDLETON’S ASCOT NO-SHOW ISN’T ABOUT HER BODY — IT’S ABOUT HER MIND
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Kate Middleton didn’t skip Royal Ascot because she was too weak to go. She skipped it because, for the first time in her royal life, she didn’t have to go.
#ShuterScoop can reveal that the Princess of Wales’s last-minute absence from the glitzy carriage procession had nothing to do with a physical relapse — and everything to do with a mental reset. “Kate’s health is stable. She’s feeling strong,” a palace insider confirms. “But emotionally, it’s still a lot. She’s been through something huge, and she’s not pretending to be Superwoman anymore.”
While eager royal watchers expected Kate to return to the spotlight alongside Prince William, the decision to bow out just hours before the event was deliberate. Not out of weakness — but wisdom. “This is a new Kate,” the source adds. “She knows the speculation will come. And for the first time, she doesn’t care.”
After months of brutal treatment, deep reflection, and near-suffocating public scrutiny, sources say the future queen is rewriting the rules for herself — quietly reclaiming her peace and power.
“She didn’t want to fake it for the cameras,” says one family friend. “She’s not hiding. She’s healing — and that includes setting boundaries.”
With mom Carole Middleton stepping in and stealing the fashion moment, the princess still sent a clear message: she’s here, just not on demand.
“She’s reclaiming control,” the insider adds. “She may be dressing less. But make no mistake — this is the strongest Kate we’ve seen yet.”
EXCLUSIVE: TOM LLAMAS SURGES, DAVID MUIR HOLDS STRONG, CBS STILL SINKING
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America’s nightly news anchors are fighting for viewers — and this week, one fresh face is gaining serious ground.
#ShuterScoop can reveal that NBC’s Tom Llamas is finally breaking through, giving David Muir real competition for the first time in years. In just his second full week at the helm of Nightly News, Llamas scored 5.66 million total viewers — up +4% from the week before, and the only anchor to show year-over-year growth (+9% in the key demo).
“It’s working,” a source at 30 Rock confirms. “The newsroom is energized. Tom’s arrival has everyone on their A-game.”
Muir, meanwhile, remains untouchable — World News Tonight delivered 7.25 million viewers, even with two nights off due to the NBA Finals. But insiders note that while Muir’s lead is solid, the show is slightly down year-over-year, and may have hit its ratings ceiling.
Over at CBS, Norah O’Donnell’s show saw a rare +7% bump in weekly numbers — but still sits firmly in third, with long-term trends showing a -7% decline. “It’s a nice pop,” says one exec. “But the hole is still there.”
Bottom line: Llamas has momentum, Muir has muscle, and CBS? Still treading water.
EXCLUSIVE: ANGELINA JOLIE ACCUSED OF LEAKING BRAD-BASHING STORIES — “SHE CAN’T STAND HIM WINNING”
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Just when Brad Pitt was getting glowing headlines for his new movie and rumored awards buzz, the negativity came roaring back — and insiders say they know exactly where it started.
Multiple sources tell Straight Shuter that Pitt’s ex, Angelina Jolie, is once again being accused of planting damaging stories — from claims the kids are dropping his last name to whispers he’s cut off contact with his adopted sons. A close Pitt pal isn’t buying it.
“It’s always the same playbook,” the friend says. “Brad gets a win, and boom — here come the headlines. Angelina can’t stand it when the public roots for him.”
The bitter post-divorce battle, which raged for nearly a decade, finally cooled after Jolie sold her stake in Chateau Miraval — but insiders say the scars are far from healed. “Brad still pays for everything. He’s kept it classy. But he’s not naive — he knows what’s happening.”
The friend adds: “He’s not perfect, but he’s trying to move forward. He’s proud of this movie. He’s happy in his relationship. That shouldn’t be a trigger.”
Despite the noise, Pitt’s staying quiet — but sources say he’s privately hurt that the drama still haunts him. “He just wants peace,” the insider sighs. “But some people live for war.”