Ephraim Hardcastle

ST JAMeS’S is the senior palace in the realm but also one of the ‘more neglected’, says a source in the royal cloisters. However, remedial work will begin soon at its Friary Court. On February 8, 1952, it was on the balcony there that the heralds emerged from the Accession Council to proclaim that ‘the Crown is solely and rightfully come to the High and Mighty Princess elizabeth Alexandra Mary’. Discreet changes are under way for the day when the crown changes hands. WILL the forthcoming dramatisation of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll’s heroic sexual antics – 80 lovers and counting – explain her curious allegation that her husband, the thirsty, gamblingprone Colin, 11th duke of Argyll, married his own daughter Mathilda? Born in 1925, Mathilda, who died aged 70 in 1997, was his fourth wife. Says a friend: ‘Margaret (pictured) found out that Colin Campbell was Mathilda’s father, having been her lover in 1920s Paris. He was an absolute scoundrel who got Margaret to pay for replacing the roof of 18th century Inveraray, the Campbell castle, and pawned her jewels to pay off his gambling debts.’ THe latest Rajar figures say the BBC share of radio listeners has slumped to 50.9 per cent as commercial stations gather strength. With the loss of John Humphrys, Simon Mayo, Chris evans and eddie Mair, ratings aren’t likely to improve. The latter gloats on Twitter: ‘Thrilled to be part of LBC’s record-breaking line up. Highest audience reach in 46 years. 2.2million listeners a week across the UK. My shiny new slot has attracted almost 100,000 new listeners.’ The BBC’s £315,000 director of radio James Purnell is unlikely to be worried. A former Labour MP with no radio experience, he was parachuted into his job by director general Lord ‘Call Me Tony’ Hall. PRINCE William has never seemed overenthusiastic about his presidency of Bafta, but on Sunday he and Kate attend the annual awards ceremony. As recently as 2016 neither bothered to wander across to the Baftas party being held in Kensington Palace just yards from their apartment. Might the arrival of Tinseltown’s Meghan have piqued their interest? COURTIeRS are disappointed with Baroness Hale, president of the Supreme Court, for repeating a private remark by the Duchess of Cornwall to the effect that she wasn’t looking forward to Cuban cuisine during her forthcoming trip there with the Prince of Wales, which was rather insulting to their hosts. Happily Charles and Camilla have an advantage over other royals when it comes to food while on tour. In addition to their travelling cocktail kit is a portable pantry containing favourite delicacies. WILL Radio 4’s John Humphrys be knighted? ITV’s Sir Trevor McDonald was, but honours aren’t distributed on the basis of precedent. Pop music notable Bob Geldof bagged an honorary knighthood for Band Aid, but the BBC’s Michael Buerk wasn’t gonged for bringing the 1984 Ethiopian famine to public attention.