Royal Bonds and Political Shifts: A Week of Intrigue
In a time of unprecedented crisis for the monarchy, loyal supporters are revealing their true colours, dividing sharply into fair-weather friends and those who stand firm through stormy times. No figure better exemplifies this steadfast loyalty than the self-effacing Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, who recently represented Princess Anne at a memorial service for Field Marshal Lord Guthrie in London.
An Enduring Royal Friendship
While some attendees focused on prominent lords like Heseltine and Spencer, others noted the quiet presence of Parker Bowles, the first husband of Queen Camilla and an early intense love of Princess Anne. Known as APB in Household Cavalry circles, he has occasionally represented Anne before, despite being 86 years old—an age from which he could reasonably excuse himself from such duties.
Yet, the deep bond between them ensures he will soldier on for as long as he is able. Their romance is believed to have begun during Ascot week in June 1970, a fitting start given both families' passion for horses, linked by the friendship between APB's father, Derek, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
However, marriage was never a prospect due to Parker Bowles being a Catholic, while Anne, then fourth in line to the throne, was bound to the Church of England. By 1973, both had moved on: Andrew married Camilla, and Anne wed Mark Phillips. In a public declaration of their lasting friendship, Anne made APB the godfather of her second child, Zara, in 1981—a role that underscores a connection enduring to this day.
Fashion and Family Dynamics
In Los Angeles, Skyla Sanders, the 21-year-old daughter of society model Liberty Ross and film director Rupert Sanders, showcases a life of style indulgence. She regularly raids her mother's walk-in wardrobe, admitting, "I go to school in New York, so I steal all of this, and I bring it back with me." Skyla describes herself as a "chronic over-dresser" who loves to be the "most 'extra' person" wherever she goes.
Her spoils include shoes, bags, and clothes from luxury brands like Agent Provocateur, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, and Prada. Grateful for sharing the same shoe and dress size as her mother, she also reveals a penchant for Charlotte Tilbury lip liners, claiming to have spent around $2,000 on them despite frequently losing them.
Political Defections and Predictions
On the political front, Tory turncoat Nadhim Zahawi faces criticism for defecting to Nigel Farage's Reform UK. His close friend, entrepreneur Ibrahim Dogus, predicts regret over this move, stating, "I think these Tories defecting made a mistake, the [Conservative] Party will start getting better, and they will regret leaving it for Reform."
Speaking at the British Kebab Awards in London, attended by Labour Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Dogus references the Gorton and Denton by-election, suggesting that if Reform fails to win, people may lose hope in the party's prospects.
Celebrity Tax Troubles and Royal Support
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal's restaurant group, SL6 Ltd, is under scrutiny as HMRC files a winding-up petition at the High Court over unpaid taxes. The parent company behind The Fat Duck and other ventures reportedly owes £1.67 million in "other taxation and social security," according to latest accounts. A spokesman attributes this to an "administrative oversight during our transition to a new accounting system."
In fashion, Donna Ida, the Australian-born "Queen of Jeans," praises the Princess of Wales for insisting on paying for her jeans, rather than accepting freebies. "It's more beneficial for designers when the royals buy clothes and not receive freebies," she says, highlighting royal support for brands as a conscious choice to foster genuine endorsement.
Entertainment and Luxury
As Harry Styles prepares to perform at the Brits on Saturday, he aims to leave a sweet scent of success. A bottle of his £135 Pleasing eau de parfum will be included in goody bags at the Sony Music after-party in Manchester, alongside Sony wireless headphones and skincare from 111Skin, totalling a value of £2,000.
