Emma Watson has no regrets about stepping back from acting

Emma Watson has no regrets about stepping away from acting.

The ‘Harry Potter’ actress – who shot to fame when she was just 11 years old playing Hermione Granger in the wizarding franchise – hasn’t really appeared on screen since 2019 movie ‘Little Women’ and she appreciates the control she’s regained over her life.

She told Britain’s Vogue magazine: “I’m just so glad that I did because I have this feeling of having my own voice and creative space and sovereignty in some way that I don’t think I did before – more autonomy.

“I’m so glad that I allowed things to be messy for a minute and to really allow myself to not know [what’s next], because the knowing that I’ve come to, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

The 33-year-old star admitted she was struggling throughout her time in the spotlight but quickly understood acting success was no guarantee of happiness.

She said: “I get a front row seat [with] some of the most successful, beautiful, incredible people in the world.

“And when you have that seat it becomes very, very clear that there is just absolutely no level of success that will make you in any way happy or content if you do not like who you are or enjoy what you’re doing when no one’s watching.”

But the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ actress has found happiness with her beloved rescue dog Sofia, who she adopted from Mexico.

She gushed: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“I was always judgemental about people who were really obsessed with their pets and then I became one of those people. Really embarrassing…

“I just look at her and I’m like, ‘Well, I’m happy and you’re happy.’ The thing that is so amazing about animals is they’re just so good at being. Food, humans, sleep—they’re very good at the basics. I feel like whenever I get really overwhelmed, I’m like, ‘Emma, just do the basics.’ ”

Buckingham Palace has announced that the Royal Family will postpone engagements that could potentially distract from the election campaign.

This follows Rishi Sunak’s announcement this afternoon that Brits will head to the polls to decide the country’s next government on July 4, putting an end to months of uncertainty. The Prime Minister met with the monarch at Buckingham Palace to request the dissolution of Parliament, kick-starting the election process.

As a result of this announcement, royal engagements are set to be postponed, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. A spokesperson stated: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will in accordance with normal procedure postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.

“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”

This afternoon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with the King at Buckingham Palace, shortly after the King hosted young winners of the Prince’s Trust Awards. The pair met for approximately 15 minutes in the King’s usual private audience room as part of the Prime Minister’s scheduled weekly audience.

Earlier today, Rishi expressed optimism about the UK’s financial outlook, saying: “Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal. Brighter days are ahead, but only if we stick to the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”