Prince Harry's visit to Britain should have been simple: a son returning home, a father hoping to see his grandchildren, a family trying to lower the temperature. Instead, once again, a basic royal arrangement has become another drama.
Palace Accommodation Dispute
The Duke of Sussex was offered Buckingham Palace, declined it, then changed his mind too late for the household to make the necessary arrangements. His team say the withdrawal is disappointing. Palace sources insist proper notice was needed.
Around it all swirl familiar briefings, counter-briefings, legal complications and security rows. There is sympathy for any father wanting his children to know their grandfather, especially when the King's health has been under such strain.
Criticism of the Sussexes
Yet the Sussexes too often appear to turn every practical difficulty into a constitutional crisis. This family has had enough pain. It now needs maturity, restraint and fewer public rows over private arrangements.
If the Sussexes want peace, they might start by not turning every trip into a headline.
World Cup Controversy
Football is meant to belong to the players, the fans and the rules that make every match fair. Yet two vast egos have now dragged the World Cup into disgrace. Donald Trump, unable to resist making even the beautiful game about himself, picked up the phone. Gianni Infantino, who should be the guardian of football's integrity, listened.
US striker Folarin Balogun's red card should have meant a ban. Instead, America's top scorer was cleared after political pressure reached FIFA's highest office. That is not justice. It is influence. It tells every fan that the rules can be bent when powerful men want them to.
Infantino's closeness to Trump has compromised the game. If he cannot protect football from politics, he should go.
Spice Girls Political Divide
Mel C has revealed that when it came to bandmate Geri Halliwell's love of Margaret Thatcher, the Spice Girls were never 2 Become 1 in political beliefs. Thirty years on, Sporty Spice has set the record straight, saying Girl Power meant energy, fun and confidence, not the Iron Lady's Tory manifesto.
