Earl Spencer's upcoming biography on his sister Princess Diana is expected to reignite bitter hostilities with the late princess's former butler Paul Burrell.
Long-Standing Animosity
The pair's mutual loathing has been well-documented since Diana's death almost 30 years ago, with Burrell describing Spencer's famous funeral oration in her honour as "hypocritical". He even accused the Earl of removing the Royal Standard from Diana's coffin before it was buried, replacing it with the Spencer flag and "depriving" her of royal status.
Spencer angrily clarified at the time: "The Queen's standard was removed as part of the ceremony by her own officer in a dignified and pre-agreed manner...Mr Burrell's allegations are yet more hurtful lies."
Sussex Interview Speculation
Speculation turns in media circles to who will land the big British interview with the Sussexes on their return. ITV's Tom Bradby, long considered an ally of Harry and Meghan, is deemed the early frontrunner. It was Bradby who memorably asked Meghan about her "physical and mental health" when she was last based in England, prompting her to pointedly respond at the royals' expense: "Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I'm OK."
Responding to the Sussex news – he dramatically left ITV's Good Morning Britain in 2021 over his damning views of Meghan – Piers Morgan quips: "I may have to emigrate to the US."
Political and Social Notes
With the Conservatives preparing to select their next parliamentary candidate in his old Lichfield constituency, comically-coiffured Tory veteran Sir Michael Fabricant (he lost there by 810 votes in 2024) rules out standing again. "Thirty-two years and 9 elections are enough, I think," Fabs clarifies.
Noting the hazards of finding love online after splitting from barrister spouse of 28 years Geoffrey Robertson, saucy author and socialite Kathy Lette remarks: "Venturing on dating apps, I felt like a zoologist who'd dropped in on a bunch of gorillas and forgotten my tranquilliser gun."
Still on the road aged 90, crooner and karate enthusiast Engelbert Humperdinck proudly reveals: "I do all my martial art moves in the pool underwater, which makes it even more effective. That's how I keep going and keep myself as fit as possible so that the audience can see me in a respectable way."
Looking back on her award-winning portrayal of the Iron Lady in The Crown, Gillian Anderson playfully reflects at her own expense: "Somebody said you get quite a lot for free when you cast me as Margaret Thatcher... just in terms of my seriousness, my ability to look like I'm intelligent when I'm actually just thinking about my socks. I have a resting intelligent face, even if I'm the least smart person in the room!"
