Will strain on Andrew’s daughters persuade him to quit Royal Lodge? RICHARD EDEN’S DIARY

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He has stopped using his titles and agreed to have his banner removed from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, effectively ending his membership in the Order of the Garter.

Most people in such a difficult and embarrassing situation would try to disappear from public view, but Prince Andrew isn’t like that. He doesn’t seem to want to hide.

Apparently, the more his position weakens, the more determined he is to stay at Royal Lodge, where he’s lived since 2004.

From what I’m hearing, this individual defines himself entirely by his position and standing. And apparently, what little remains of that status hinges on him still having his incredible estate – specifically, this absolutely stunning house. I’m told he particularly cherishes the grand gothic saloon – it’s a massive space, 48 by 30 feet, and truly the heart of the property. It seems holding onto that home is crucial to how he sees himself.

According to my source, there are only two ways to convince Andrew it’s time to leave the lodge: either offer him a reward, or force him to leave.

It might appear that money is what Andrew wants most. However, a royal source points out that his secure, long-term lease prevents anyone – even his brother the King – from easily evicting him.

‘You’ll need to pay him to go away… and pay him not to talk.’

The alternative – the stick – must, if necessary, be used ruthlessly.

He’s always been open about wanting a specific future for his daughters, and there’s a lot of pressure on them because of it,” says a source close to the situation. “Ultimately, Beatrice and Eugenie’s lives are largely controlled by their father, Prince Andrew.”

The source hinted, in a way that sounded like a threat from a movie like The Godfather, that to ensure their daughters’ well-being, continued royal status, and invitations to Sandringham, the parents had better not cause any trouble.

The insider adds: ‘Clearly, it’s upsetting, the stuff that has been coming out about their father.’

Time for Andrew to decide that enough is enough – for their sake, if not his?

 

You’d think Steve Coogan would’ve learnt his lesson by now.

This week, the actor and the film companies behind ‘The Lost King’ reached an agreement to pay significant compensation to university professor Richard Taylor. This was due to the way his character was depicted in the film as arrogant, condescending, and dismissive.

Howard Raymond jokingly suggests that Steve Coogan should stop using “King” in his movie titles. Raymond won a High Court case against Coogan in 2012 after making a film about his father, Paul, who founded London’s first strip club.

I was absolutely stunned when they changed the title! Apparently, they went with ‘The King Of Soho’ right at the last second. It’s funny because I’d actually already registered that title, hoping to use it for my own film about my life. Can you believe it?

I traveled to Cannes on Monday and secured a court date for Friday. The other party was ordered to pay substantial legal fees.

A king’s ransom, in fact.

 

Oasis fans spent a lot of money to see Liam and Noel Gallagher perform together again this summer, but one dedicated fan took things to the extreme.

Someone recently purchased Noel Gallagher’s original, handwritten lyrics for all of Oasis’s albums for an incredible £75,600.

The collection was sold at auction at Propstore Music Memorabilia in London, and one item – a Wonderwall-related piece – fetched a very high price.

 

300 years on, Wren is back at St Paul’s – thanks to Frances!

It felt like something out of a Halloween story when the spirit of Sir Christopher Wren seemed to return to St Paul’s Cathedral, the most impressive building he ever designed.

Sculptor Frances Segelman had the unusual and intriguing job of creating a clay bust of Sir Christopher Wren. She based her work on his death mask, which was made in 1723. Lady Petchey, whose husband Sir Jack Petchey was a well-known philanthropist, explains it’s a strange feeling trying to picture what Wren looked like when he was alive, using only his death mask as a guide.

Lady Petchey described the evening as incredibly atmospheric, and said she even attempted to connect with the deceased architect, hoping to understand his character and bring it to life in her sculpture.

 

Timothy Spall, the actor known for playing Wormtail in the Harry Potter films, celebrated being cancer-free by treating himself to a lavish gift: a striking electric blue Rolls-Royce, a car that can cost as much as £500,000.

Now 68, he jokes about buying the car, saying it attracted unwanted attention. “I felt like a ridiculous, flashy drug dealer,” he admits. He didn’t keep the Rolls Royce for long. “I got it out of my system,” he says, “and then I bought another one… but I quickly got that out of my system too.”

 

Heartache for Kate as beloved brand closing

The fashion brand gained significant attention in 2016 when the Princess of Wales wore a memorable red and white checkered skirt suit, valued at £1,200.

Despite receiving royal approval, Eponine London, a business operating for 15 years, has unfortunately collapsed.

The popular label, known for its bright colors and classic designs, is closing permanently. Founder Jet Shenkman, who previously expressed her gratitude to the Princess for helping to promote her brand, stated: ‘It’s been an incredible experience beyond my wildest dreams, but we’re now ready to move on to new opportunities.’

She adds: ‘We will close the studio doors for the last time at the end of the year.’

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2025-10-30 03:36