Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at Sandringham on suspicion of misconduct in public office, held for 11 hours and released under investigation. The development deepens the monarchy’s crisis and increases pressure on the King over titles, duties and accountability.

Ex-ministers and former military leaders urge the PM to double defence spending to 5% of GDP, calling it a “1936 moment”. They say current plans—about 2.4%, with a pledge to reach 2.5%—are inadequate and accuse him of lacking candour on MoD funding.

Essex Police are assessing material from newly released files as they become the fourth UK force to examine claims that a convicted US financier trafficked women to the UK on private flights via Stansted, increasing scrutiny on a senior royal linked in the documents.

After opposition and legal concerns, the PM has dropped proposals to cancel local elections, with polls in about 30 councils now set to proceed. The reversal follows pressure from rivals including Nigel Farage and backbench unease, restoring the vote for millions.