Ephraim Hardcastle
ANDREW’S retreat from royal duties may not be enough. Would selfimposed purdah to a remote part of the Commonwealth offer a solution? Despite burgeoning defections he remains the figurehead of 28 golf clubs, 21 educational bodies, 11 military units and is patron of the St Helena National Trust. An open-ended sojourn to the Atlantic island 1,200 miles from the nearest land would certainly put him out of harm’s way. Alas, its appeal might be limited. It’s where Napoleon was banished for the last six years of his life.
CAMILLA might not share Charles’s pique at Andrew’s plight overshadowing their foreign trip to New Zealand. Few noticed her late departure to join him was not recorded in the Court Circular. A notoriously bad traveller, she was transported over several days to avoid jet lag. She didn’t accompany Charles to India and will fly home alone missing his visits to Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands.
GAME of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, 33, pictured, complains of pressure to appear nude. Curiously, she sang a different tune in the pre-MeToo days of 2016, declaring while discussing her nude scenes: ‘This is all me, all proud, all strong. I’m just feeling genuinely happy I said “Yes”. As St Luke observed: ‘There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents...’
PHIL Harding, former editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, tweets pro-Labour comments and describes Boris as a liar. Harding still does occasional work for the BBC, not least teaching its journalists about ‘editorial leadership’. Is someone of his demonstrable political imbalance really right for that role?
ANDREW Neil criticises the format of the ITV leaders’ debate, prompting ITV’s Chris Ship to snap: ‘It’s not a one-to-one interview with Andrew Neil – it’s a Leaders’ Debate. The clue is in the name.’ Brillo fires back: ‘Don’t patronise me. I know exactly what it is. And it is not working.’
BORIS’S dad Stanley, sitting out much of the election campaign in India, posts a picture standing outside Khajuraho temple. He omits to mention that the shrine is celebrated – even notorious – for its erotic sculptures showing scenes of unbridled orgies, the likes of which might startle even worldly-wise Boris.
THE claim by Lady Colin Campbell – born Georgia – that Jeffrey Epstein’s soliciting sex from minors was ‘not the same as paedophilia’ has backfired. She’s been dropped as Tetbury’s guest of honour at the Christmas lights switch-on. That’ll show you, Georgia!
LOUISIANA politician John Kennedy doesn’t believe Epstein committed suicide, telling a Senate hearing: ‘Three things that don’t hang themselves are Christmas ornaments, drywall and Jeffrey Epstein.’