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.
Priti Patel is in Washington to lobby against a UK‑Mauritius deal over the Chagos Islands, arguing sovereignty should not be transferred. The push increases pressure on the PM amid talk of a possible U-turn, with senior US figures, including Donald Trump, said to oppose the plan.
Gordon Brown urges a police investigation into Prince Andrew’s taxpayer‑funded air travel, calling for questioning of the civil servants who authorised it. He cites concerns over transparency, value for money and potential rule breaches, and wants a full audit of costs and approvals.
Mountbatten-Windsor faces intensifying scrutiny, igniting debate over the Crown’s future. Questions centre on public funding, accountability and the social contract. Some argue transparency and reform are essential to restore trust; others say the institution may no longer align with modern British values.
A former head of royal protection urges an independent inquiry into the handling of the Andrew controversy, arguing that continued silence undermines public trust. He wants scrutiny of who took key decisions, transparency over communications, and clarity on any safeguarding reforms.
Melvyn Downes, the SAS: Who Dares Wins figure, condemns Prince Andrew’s behaviour, alleging he once ignored soldiers at an inspection to drink champagne with senior officers. He calls the ex-royal arrogant and ignorant, saying the incident made him lose all respect.
Emails reportedly show the Palace was warned in 2019 that Andrew’s business links, notably with financier David Rowland, risked abusing royal status. A whistleblower raised reputational concerns. Andrew was later arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to reports.
A former royal protection chief alleges a “conspiracy of silence” over Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein and urges an independent inquiry with powers to compel witnesses and documents. Growing calls seek clarity on who knew what and when, and greater transparency from the Palace.
In a high‑risk city, schools have shifted classes to underground rooms to shield pupils from persistent drone threats. Parents and teachers describe the strain on children and their resolve to keep learning, urging continued UK and allied support for protection and humanitarian aid.