Is it jewel-purpose TV?

ITV’s Victoria is a jewel in TV’s crown. And just as the show debuted on Sunday night the Government placed a temporary export ban on Queen Victoria’s wedding coronet — whose owner had applied to sell the piece abroad. The coronet was designed by Prince Albert for the pair’s nuptials in 1840.

The Londoner asked culture minister Matt Hancock, pictured, whether he had seen the programme. “Of course I watched it,” he told us. “Great jewels.” But there was no connection between the show and blocking the coronet’s move. “The timing was serendipitous,” he said.

Perhaps Hancock was thinking of another powerful woman — Theresa May said her favourite word was “serendipity” in a magazine interview at the weekend. Some guys have all the luck.