Met officers were directed to provide security at a London dinner linked to Jeffrey Epstein, with his staff giving instructions to police. The disclosures heighten scrutiny of past associations and raise fears the Andrew saga will continue for years, complicating the monarchy’s efforts to move on.

Activists linked to a group that boosted the PM’s leadership bid funded lobbyists to discredit reporters, alleging links to a hostile state after articles probed their funding. A dossier was circulated to party figures and allies. The group denies wrongdoing; calls grow for transparency and press freedom.

Lord Mandelson received a taxpayer-funded exit payment worth tens of thousands after leaving a government-linked trade role, approved despite scrutiny of his past links to a disgraced financier. The payout has prompted questions over transparency, value for money and propriety.

The PM urges Andrew to testify, saying refusal would fail survivors. Newly released US court files relating to Jeffrey Epstein have intensified pressure on him to cooperate with investigators and clarify his past associations.