Earl Spencer's book has failed to damage the Royal Family's reputation, but it has proved one thing - the public's appetite for the royal soap opera is reaching new heights, writes Emily Ferguson.
Book fails to damage royals
Earl Spencer's Swan Song is quite clearly an act of ice-cold revenge, despite his defence of it as the truth and a tribute to the people's princess. King Charles is reigniting the war between the Windsors and Spencers in a bid to get 'the last laugh', knowing full well the Palace can say very little to defend itself.
A statement was released saying the King was "mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise". It was a drop mic moment - the Palace rarely ever responds to claims made in books. But courtiers quite rightly identified that this is no ordinary memoir.
Claims questioned
The Earl maintains that everything he wrote is true, though those who worked for him at the time of Diana's death insist that Charles was shell-shocked, broken and grief-stricken. Piers Morgan pointed out that a passage written about him was factually incorrect, forcing a hasty apology. The journalist is insisting the book is pulped and that damages are paid, though he plans to donate this to charity.
The Royal Family appear to have dodged any significant reputational damage from the memoir, seeing the claims instead as salacious gossip and a no-holds-barred attack from an insensitive man.
Kevin Sinfield's final challenge
Sir Kevin Sinfield has put his body through hell in a bid to raise awareness and vital funds for the motor neuron disease (MND) community. He's completed six of the so-called 7 in 7 challenges, where he runs 50km broken into 7km blocks over the course of a week, and he'll be embarking on the grand finale tomorrow.
The Princess Royal will head to the University of York Athletics Track to watch Sir Kevin complete one of his running blocks. Anne, who is royal patron of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and gave Burrow his MBE in 2022, will then chat to the athlete about the work he's doing.
Hollywood glamour and addiction awareness
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined Tom Cruise for the premiere of his new film, Digger. Catherine wore a deep purple Jenny Packham gown, accessorised with pearl drop earrings that belonged to Princess Diana and a sapphire necklace that last left the royal vaults for an appearance by the Queen. As Kirstie Allsopp commented: "Put that in your pipe and smoke it!"
The Princess of Wales visited the Forward Trust in Southend on Thursday to learn more about a new initiative where people in recovery can embrace the outdoors. Catherine hailed a mother for being over six months sober and discussed the importance of "starting the conversation".
The Daily Express is launching its new royal show and podcast, Royals Unscripted, with the first episode airing on Thursday on the Express YouTube Channel.
