Ephraim Hardcastle
WITH Prince Charles gracefully relinquishing his future throne in Barbados, might he blame Harry and Meghan for any future royal losses in the Caribbean? After the unsubstantiated Oprah claims of royal racism, the University of the West Indies held a symposium on the future of the monarchy in the region. Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles said that the meeting supported Meghan and Archie, the ‘black royals’, who were ‘victims of the institutional racism embedded in the culture and consciousness of the Royal Family’. Meg’s comments have spurred on republican movements in the area, although none of them – yet – have thought of inviting Meg, or Archie, to take over their thrones.
BRITT Ekland throws her toys out of the pram after ex-cricketer Freddie Flintoff describes the late Sir Roger Moore’s 007 character as ‘a creepy old bloke who you’d warn your daughter about’. Britt, who starred with Sir Roger in 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun, snaps: ‘Sir Roger Moore was the most respectful and kind actor ever. I suggest you turn your vile comments on your own profession, cricket. Racism.’ Deep breaths, dear!
AFTER the universally calamitous reviews for Moira Buffini’s Manor, there is now open speculation about the future of the Royal National Theatre’s director, Rufus Norris, pictured. The Theatreboard website suggests the RNT should follow the example of Manchester United and dump its struggling manager. Among those tipped as possible successors to Norris: former James Bond film director Sam Mendes. Seems unlikely. The National job normally comes with a knighthood but Mendes is already Sir Samuel.
PRINCESS Diana’s protection officer Allan Peters became a figure of fun with the royal press pack, according to former BBC court correspondent Michael Cole, who recalls him recruiting a female partner to dance as close as possible to Diana at a ball at Osterley House in west London. ‘He barged out of the way any other couple that came close to the royal presence,’ says Cole. ‘He more or less used his woman partner as a battering ram. I was there and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the crass behaviour of the man.’
JOHN Pearson, biographer of the Kray Twins, was warned that his life was in danger for investigating the murderous doings of the East End gangsters. Fortuitously, John, who has died, didn’t reveal their incestuous relationship until after both Krays were dead. ‘According to Ron, in the early days they had sex with each other because they were terrified about people finding out [their sexuality],’ he explained sweetly.
EAMONN Holmes says he is ‘uncomfortable’ receiving Christmas presents after witnessing at first hand poverty in his native Belfast. But there could be another reason. ‘Our first Christmas together Ruth said, “Let’s swap presents”,’ he recalls. ‘I’d give her five or six presents and I was done but she kept going. She got me 42.’ Eamonn finally called a halt when Mrs Holmes’s total reached 64 and he spent a large part of Christmas Day unwrapping them.