Hardcastle
PICTURES of Princess Beatrice soaking up the sun on Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s yacht – her 17th holiday during eight months of unemployment – has royal officials fretting about negative public reactions. They’d like to organise an image-improving ‘Project Beatrice’ but her doting father, the Duke of York, refuses to allow it. A courtier suggested that Andrew might involve her in his own projects. Such as his current visit to Singapore, representing the Queen at celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence. The duke vetoed the idea.
APROPOS the Duke of York: the Queen says on the royal website that during his visit to Singapore, her son will also promote ‘the vital partnership between Vietnam and the UK’. Why won’t the Prime Minister re-appoint Andrew as a trade envoy since he’s doing the job off his own bat? He had to relinquish it in 2011 after criticism of links to US sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, a scandal that has faded.
NATALIE Dormer, 33, pictured, whose saucy appearances on Game Of Thrones and The Tudors are much savoured, disparages the sexism complaints of fuddy-duddy actress Emma Thompson, 56, advising Radio Times: ‘Good old Emma. She never stops, does she? Actors suffer from [sexism] too. Wasn’t there a thing about Aidan Turner in Poldark?’
ACTOR Benedict Cumberbatch’s successful performance as Hamlet all but guarantees a knighthood, complementing the CBE he received in June. Past recipients of knighthoods who’ve played Hamlet include Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Kenneth Branagh. But no honour as yet (or lesser gong) for ex-Doctor Who David Tennant, who played Hamlet in 2008 at Stratford. Why so? Because ex-Time Lords don’t rate knighthoods – except for Sir John Hurt, who had a cameo role as the ‘missing’ ninth Doctor Who.
THE late Tory premier Sir Edward Heath’s uncommunicative nature is discussed in relation to sex allegations. Even the Queen found him difficult, says a source: ‘Ted occasionally fell asleep during audiences. After this happened once, HM left the room and had her equerry knock loudly on the door to announce her arrival. A drowsy, befuddled Ted sprang to his feet, upending a table full of family photographs.’
BROADCASTER Gyles Brandreth finds it necessary to Tweet to fans: ‘A woman at Starbucks on George Street [Edinburgh] has just taken out all her teeth and left them on the side-plate while she goes to the loo.’ Later clarifying: ‘She’s not left the teeth unattended. Her grandson is guarding them.’ Is Gyles, 67, losing the plot?
CO-STARRING with Myleene Klass in BBQ Champ, presenter Adam Richman is asked by The Jewish Chronicle if they’re dating. He replies: ‘I adore Myleene. She is smart, strong, capable, beautiful – pick any great adjective!’ However, he adds: ‘You know, you don’t dip your pen in the company ink.’ Metaphorically speaking.