Rob Bennett, an experienced runner,with no known health problems, went for a run near his home in Swansea and suffered a cardiac arrest the day before his 57th birthday.

Kev Morgan and Rob Bennett were running buddies as well as brothers, but their plan to run an ultra marathon together never came to fruition.

Last year Rob, an experienced runner of decades, who was apparently fit and healthy, went out for his usual weekend run and had a cardiac arrest. It was the day before what would have been his 57th birthday and all his cards and presents were ready for him at home.

Despite the efforts of a member of the public, who called emergency services, Rob, never regained consciousness. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

Rob, a married father of three teenagers, from Swansea, was kept on life support in Morriston Hospital for several days, but tests confirmed that loss of oxygen had left no brain activity, said Kev.

Rob, who worked at the DVLA, had been apparently fit. A healthy weight, he had run regularly for decades and did not suffer from diabetes or known high cholesterol.

But hospital tests revealed a blood clot that had caused the cardiac arrest that killed him, said Kev.

“He was just out on a 10 mile run, which was quite normal for him – we are both road runners. We did not expect it. The year prior we ran a marathon together in Pembrey. He was tired but fine after that and no signs he was in distress, but they found a partial blockage in one of his arteries in hospital.

“Rob started running in his 40s and ran four or five times a week ranging from six to 10 miles. He was really slim and fit and it was an absolute shock.”

Kev admits that for about a month after the tragedy in May 2025 he was too frightened to run himself, but soon he was back training.

This summer he completed the gruelling 100km ultra-endurance challenge across the Bannau Brycheiniog in memory of Rob and to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru

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Kev completed the brutal Brecons Way Ultra 100km in a 23 hours and nine minutes, saying thoughts of Rob kept him going over rough terrain and through hours of dark, light and rain along the challenging route.

He said Rob’s sudden and unexpected death rocked the family, but he could have died whether he had been running, or not.

Rob’s wife was alerted almost immediately because her husband’s runner’s heart rate monitor was connected from his phone to hers. When it bleeped and she saw Rob must have collapsed she raced to the scene to find an ambulance crew already there.

“We’ll never know how long Rob was without help, or whether a trained passer-by or a nearby defibrillator could have saved him — but it’s possible. And that possibility was the driving force behind this Brecons Way Ultra 100k challenge,” says Kev.

“My brother and I had always talked about doing an ultramarathon one day, but it was one of those things we never got around to. This was my way of doing it for him.

“It was a tough day, and the race left me questioning my life choices at times, but I’m really proud to have finished the race.

“Raising more than £2,000 along the way for BHF Cymru is an added bonus. I ran the ultra to raise awareness of how vital CPR training and quick access to defibrillators can be. With greater CPR awareness and wider access to defibrillators, another family’s story could have a different ending.”

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Kev said long-distance running has also help him to process his grief at suddenly losing Rob, who, at 10 years older, was a father figure.

“He wore a heart rate monitor like a lot of runners do, it was connected to his watch and alerted his wife that there had been a cardiac event because it was also connected to her phone.

“His wife drove to the location and paramedics were there. They have three children, twins aged 18 and a 15 year -old. It’s really terrible for the family.

“It is crazy to think we ran the Great Welsh Run only the year before, We were always talking about one day doing an ultra marathon together. That was a running conversation that never came about.

“Initially it had a massive effect on my running. I did not want to do it. I really relate what happened to him to running. That was how I processed it.

“But we don’t know whether it was his running that was the catalyst. it could have happened when he was sitting at work.

Kev, who works for The Foster Care Charity, runs several times a week on routes ranging from five to 30 miles. He said Rob became a male role model as well as a brother after his father died.

Kev lost his father aged 12 to a brain haemorrhage and when his mother married again Rob became his half brother.

“He was a bit of a male role model all my life as he is older than me.”

Kev, who has an 18 month-old daughter Layla with his partner Jessica Samuel wants to honour Rob’s memory by running and raising awareness and money for BHF Cymru.

“The ultra marathon was crazy. It took me a year’s training to get ready and when I did it I was thinking about my brother all the time. That helped a lot.

“I set off at 12pm on the Saturday and was back on the Sunday 23 hours and nine minutes later. It was a really tough race and I was determined to do it, for Rob, before the 24 hour cut off time.

“Running has helped me come to terms with losing my brother. It’s given me the time and space to think, and to focus on doing something positive in his memory. If this challenge helps even one person understand CPR or find a defibrillator in time, then it will be worth it.”

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Some ominous news out of Ukraine this week in the form of an air defence assessment from Ukrainian intelligence official, Major-General Vadym Skibitsky. Skibitsky reported that Russia is rejigging its defence industry to prioritise the production of ballistic missiles. This, he said, would mean a concerted campaign of strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of the coming winter.

Ukraine has already depleted its stocks of air defence systems. It was getting most of these systems from the US, initially directly in the form of military aid and more recently via its other allies which have been buying them from the US to supply Ukraine. But all reports indicate that the six-month US air campaign in Iran has left the US very short of Patriot and Thaad interceptors, which are most effective against Russia’s ballistic missiles.

Matthew Powell, who researches air power at the University of Portsmouth, writes that Ukraine is already struggling to protect its cities against Russia’s missiles. Now, he believes that with Kyiv’s European allies also labouring to source enough air defence systems for their own security, Ukraine is bracing for what national security experts fear could be the harshest winter of the war so far.

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That’s not to say that Ukraine’s success with its strategic use of drones has been anything less than remarkable. Kyiv has of late been targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure including oil refineries and oil storage depots. And in recent weeks it claims to have struck 218 Russian shadow fleet vessels, including 134 in the Sea of Azov and 84 in the Black Sea.

Now Ukraine’s campaign of drone strikes targeting warehouses run by e-commerce giant Wildberries, Russia’s version of Amazon is bringing the war home to consumers, writes economist Yerzhan Tokbolat, of Queens University Belfast. And not just consumers – as Tokbolat notes, Wildberries also allows small businesses to use its online marketplaces to sell their products. So the loss of their inventory, with little or no compensation, is hitting them hard too.

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Ukraine’s nimble and innovative use of drones has been a feature of its stubborn defence against the Russian onslaught. More recently, the development of more powerful unmanned aerial vehicles with much longer ranges has enabled it to strike at targets deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian military drones use modified Xbox controllers and “play” for a system of bonuses where operators can score points for hitting a range of targets. Under the Army of Drones Bonus (ADB) programme, a Russian (or quite often a foreign fighter recruited by the Russians) is worth 12 points, while you get 20 for damaging a tank and up to 50 for destroying a mobile rocket system.

Points can be exchanged for money and so far, military equipment worth over US$5 million (£3.7 million) has been “won” for the war effort. It’s part of the “gamification” of war, write Azmeary Ferdoush and Sarah Mills, of Loughborough University.

It’s tempting, in light of the misery imposed on the people of Ukraine by Russia’s four-and-a-half year war of aggression, to applaud the lateral thinking behind programmes like this. But, our the authors remind us, “whether gamified or not, the lives that are lost are very much real”.

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How warfare has been ‘gamified’ in Ukraine

Meanwhile, if you want do something personally to support Ukraine, you should try buying its books, writes Lauren Warner-Treloar of Kingston University. Ukrainian writers are helping to keep their country’s distinct cultural identity alive against Putin’s insistence that Ukrainians are really the same as Russians.

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An ‘Islamic Nato’?

To Riyadh, where a recent defence and security pact concluded without huge fanfare – in the west at least – was signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. Not unexpectedly, it was greeted – particularly by Israel’s media – as an “Islamic Nato”, which would be likely to pose a threat to their country’s security.

Waqas Haider, however, believes that designation misses the mark. Haider, a doctoral researcher in international relations at Lancaster University, thinks this agreement is far more likely to reflect their growing concerns over Washington’s reliability when it comes to their security.

One thing the Iran war has shown up has been that, despite all the US bases throughout the Gulf, the American security umbrella hasn’t protected Gulf states from Iranian missile attacks. But it’s not so much of a divorce as a diversification, writes Haider. The pact will not supplant the need for US security in the Gulf. What it does mean is that normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia is unlikely any time soon, given the antipathy towards Israel in Ankara and Islamabad.

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Gaza: why history give little cause for optimism

Rather predictably, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the Board of Peace roadmap for Gaza sponsored by the US president, Donald Trump. As always seemed likely, the Israeli prime minister is refusing to pull his troops out of the Palestinian enclave before Hamas completely disarms. And while Hamas has agreed on a staged decommissioning process, it stipulates as a condition that Israel withdraws.

So the long-suffering people of Gaza remain trapped in a deadly Catch-22 situation.

The word “long-suffering” is used advisedly here. As Anne Irfan writes, Israel has had designs on Gaza for pretty much its entire existence. Founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion proposed annexing the Strip as long ago as 1949 at a conference in Lausanne to discuss the Palestine question.

Irfan, a historian of the modern Middle East at University College London, has recently published a book: A Short History of the Gaza Strip. She walks us through repeated Israeli occupations of Gaza, beginning in 1956 and continuing through decades of settlement until then prime minister Ariel Sharon pulled Israel out in 2005.

Now Israel’s electorate has moved much farther to the right on Palestinian issues. And, with defence minister Israel Katz planning to build three military outposts in the 65% of Gaza occupied by Israeli troops – of the sort that often precede the building of settlements – you could be forgiven for thinking that Israel may be planning to stay for the long haul.

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Dawn McKay, 51, has dropped from a size 22 to a size 12 and says the impact on her confidence, health and happiness has been nothing short of life changing.

An East Calder woman who once felt at her lowest point is celebrating an incredible transformation after losing an amazing 7st 4lb with Slimming World.

Dawn McKay, 51, has dropped from a size 22 to a size 12 and says the impact on her confidence, health and happiness has been nothing short of life changing.

Although she had attended Slimming World before, Dawn says this time was different.

“I was determined to make a change because I simply couldn’t carry on the way I was,” she said. “I was struggling with pancreatitis, constant pain in my legs, plantar fasciitis and the menopause.

“I’d also been told I was borderline diabetic. I felt exhausted, uncomfortable and at a real all time low.

“I was drinking cider regularly and I knew it was having an impact on my wellbeing.

“Deep down, I knew something had to change. I wanted to feel better and get my life back.”

After joining Sue Scorer’s Slimming World group in East Calder, Dawn committed to making small, sustainable changes and quickly discovered she didn’t have to give up the foods she loved to lose weight.

She said: “One of the biggest surprises was realising I could still enjoy meals like spaghetti bolognese, curries and family favourites. It never felt like a diet because there were no foods I was banned from eating. There was always a healthier choice available and I never felt deprived.”

Week by week, Dawn began to see the scales move and her confidence grow.

Today, she has lost an incredible 7st 4lb, wears a size 12 and feels like a completely different person.

She said: “I absolutely love my new figure, but the biggest change is how I feel. I’ve got so much more energy and confidence. As a support worker, I’m on my feet all day and everything feels easier now.

“I can do so much more without feeling exhausted.

“I rarely drink alcohol now, but I still enjoy going out with family and friends. I’ve learned how to make choices that fit around my lifestyle rather than feeling like I’m missing out.

“I honestly couldn’t have done it without the group. They’re like family to me.

“Everyone understands what you’re going through because they’ve been there too. We encourage each other, celebrate every achievement and pick one another up when things don’t go to plan.”

Sue Scorer, who runs the East Calder Slimming World groups, says Dawn’s achievement is inspiring everyone around her.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud of Dawn and everything she’s achieved. Like many people, she had tried to lose weight before, but this time she focused on making changes she could maintain for life and the results have been remarkable.

“What makes Dawn’s story so inspiring is that so many people will recognise how she felt when she first walked through our doors.

“She wasn’t looking for a quick fix. She wanted to improve her health, regain her confidence and feel happier again. Through her determination and the support of the group, she’s achieved exactly that.

“Dawn is always encouraging other members and showing them that no matter how much weight they’d like to lose, it is possible to achieve their goals. She truly is an inspiration.”

Dawn hopes her story will encourage others who may be struggling with their weight to take that first step.

She added: “If you’re thinking about joining, I’d say just do it. Walking into group was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, and you never have to do it on your own.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Slimming World can visit one of Sue’s local groups in East Calder Bowling Club on Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm or Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am.

Sue also runs groups in Geddes House, Livingston on Thursdays at 7.30am and 9.30am. For more information, call or text Sue on 07803 520781.

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The real mistake, however, is not that she is performing a show at the Fringe, but that the show, entitled Cartwheel, is billed as a comedy. It is in the comedy section of the programme and the press notes talk about Knox’s current career in stand-up comedy. But while it is punctuated by laughs, the show is essentially a spoken word monologue. And at times a compelling and moving one.

Actor Hayden Christensen can be seen returning to his Star Wars role as Anakin Skywalker in a new trailer for the second season of Disney’s Ahsoka.The trailer, which was released at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, shows the 45-year-old appearing as a force ghost of the jedi who goes on to become Darth Vader in the film franchise, to his apprentice Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson.In the clip, he tells her: “Tell me Ahsoka, what troubles you? I’m always walking by your side.”The trailer also shows a series of gun battles, lightsaber duels and starship battles.Anakin later adds: “This is your trial Ahsoka, are you a jedi, or not?”According to Disney, the new series will see Ahsoka “confronting what it means to be a jedi, while the galaxy faces a formidable opponent in Grand Admiral Thrawn”, as she travels home with her own jedi apprentice Sabine Wren.Ahsoka takes place after the events of the film Return Of The Jedi (1983).The series will be released on January 20, 2027.D23 also saw a teaser trailer for the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter film starring Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Aaron Pierre screened exclusively for those in the audience.A Disney synopsis for the film reads: “When a cynical rogue is confronted by his mysterious past, he is hurled into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy that puts him on a crash course with destiny.”Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy, will be released on May 28, 2027.

One of PC Andrew Harper’s killers has been listed as ‘violent’ and a ‘risk to staff’ at a high-security prison, where inmates are said to be ‘terrified of him’.

Jessie Cole, 24, is also marked as ‘a climber’ by bosses at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire, amid claims his behaviour behind bars means he would pose a danger in a more open jail, according to reports.

The details emerged in The Sun, which reported that Cole remains in one of the country’s high-security prisons despite being earmarked for freedom under the Government’s early release scheme.

But despite the warnings on his prison files, Cole is said to be on a ‘standard’ regime, giving him access to privileges including television, DVDs and phone calls, as well as £20 a week to spend in the prison canteen.

A source told the newspaper: ‘He is a difficult and dangerous prisoner and a lot of inmates and staff are terrified of him.’ 

Cole and Albert Bowers were jailed in 2020 for the manslaughter of newlywed Thames Valley Police officer PC Harper during a theft getaway in Berkshire.

The pair were handed 13-year sentences after being cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.

Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, pictured in 2020, are set to be freed from prison under Labour’s early release scheme

The prospect that they could be freed in January after serving half of their sentences, rather than two-thirds, has sparked fury.

However, Whitehall insiders reportedly said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was ‘increasingly confident’ that Cole and Bowers would be excluded from the early release scheme.

A source said: ‘Jessie should never have been considered for early release because of his crime. But his behaviour and danger risk also show exactly why Jessie is not ready to be freed.’

Cole is also said to remain a Category A prisoner, the highest security classification, and has a number of alerts on his prison record.

The source claimed prisoners would normally be moved to a lower-security jail towards the end of their sentence and said Cole’s continued detention in a high-security prison showed he was not considered someone who would be released soon.

Cole, who is described as a trained boxer, was previously held at Feltham Young Offender Institution before being moved to an adult jail.

He was allegedly known for bullying other inmates there and would climb to a height to get his own way, according to the report.

Cole would climb on to a second-floor unit and go over railings if he was protesting about issues such as missing a gym session, it was claimed.

The source added: ‘Feltham was full of killers and gang members but he was the worst.’

A petition to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers in jail has passed 1million signatures as pressure grows on Andy Burnham to keep them behind bars.

The Thames Valley Police officer, 28, was killed in the line of duty after responding to reports of a quadbike theft near Stanford Dingley, Berkshire, in August 2019.

While pursuing the thieves, who were in a SEAT Toledo, PC Harper’s foot got caught in the vehicle’s tow rope before he was dragged down a road for more than a mile.

Driver Henry Long was jailed for 16 years, and passengers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020.

But Bowers and Cole are currently eligible for an early release as part of the government’s effort to reduce prison overcrowding.

Jessie Cole, 24, has been listed as ‘violent’ and a ‘risk to staff’ at a high-security prison, where inmates are said to be ‘terrified of him’

Andy Burnham has been urged not to go back on his pledge to find a way to keep PC Harper’s killers behind bars

Debbie Adlam has urged the Prime Minister not to allow her son’s killers early release from prison

The petition organised by Aileen O’Connor, Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation aims to stop their early release.

As of Friday morning it had reached more than one million signatures.

Andy Burnham is now under increasing pressure to make sure the pair are not released when the early release scheme begins in October.

PC Harper’s grieving mother said that she would be ‘absolutely furious’ if the Prime Minister went back on his pledge to block their early release.

Debbie Adlam told the Daily Mail’s Trial podcast: ‘This would have been all for nothing, I would just be absolutely furious because Andrew’s life was ended in such a horrific way.

‘The country expects justice and it just seems like we’re being pushed off a cliff right now.

‘I really don’t know how I would get by if that was to happen.’

She added that she was ‘absolutely drained’ by the indecision from Downing Street about whether Cole and Bowers would remain behind bars and not be released in January.

The scheme would also see 5,000 people to be released early under sentencing changes, down from 6,000 after ministers exempted rapists and ‘serious’ child sex offenders.

But the potential early release for Cole and Bowers has prompted widespread criticism from Police Federations and 50 policing leaders across the UK.

A letter from chief constables and other law enforcement leaders also called on the Prime Minister to ‘establish an additional public protection safeguard’ for the most serious offenders, when future early release schemes are floated.

Suffolk Police Federation Chair, Darren Harris said: ‘Every officer who puts on a uniform knows there are occasions when they may have to put themselves in harm’s way.’

‘That is part of the responsibility we accept when we become police officers.

‘But there also has to be confidence that the system will stand behind us when something goes catastrophically wrong.

‘Officers and their families need to know that the sacrifice involved in this job is understood.

‘They need to know that an officer’s life is not treated as an unfortunate footnote when decisions are made about sentencing and release.’

What do Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Volodymyr Zelensky and Mojtaba Khamenei have in common? The military power that they can all command is far easier to use than to convert into political success.

They command vastly different resources and pursue different goals. Trump and Putin lead nuclear powers (it’s generally accepted that Netanyahu does too, but Israel has never acknowledged this). Trump, Putin and Netanyahu all started wars.

Zelensky inherited a frozen conflict that escalated into full-scale invasion. Khamenei inherited both a war and Iran’s highest office at once, becoming supreme leader in March 2026 after his father was killed in the US-Israeli strikes that opened the conflict on February 28.

Trump can order devastating strikes but not answer how Iran fits into a future regional security order. Netanyahu can destroy infrastructure across Gaza, Lebanon and Iran but not guarantee security for Israel. Putin can sustain an invasion for years, yet still can’t force Ukraine into territorial compromise. Zelensky can deny Russia victory but his forces struggle to recover occupied territory. And Khamenei can make defeating Iran costly but he can’t stop the US or Israel from trying.

Such stalemates are not new. That they have become seemingly unbreakable, however, is. The old logic of asymmetric warfare was relatively simple: the weak can prevent the strong from winning by using unconventional tactics and weapons to offset superior firepower. Russia discovered this in Afghanistan, the US rediscovered it there almost half a century after Vietnam. Neither was defeated in battle, yet both withdrew once superior firepower failed to produce a sustainable outcome.

To some extent, this logic still plays out in Ukraine and Iran. Ukraine doesn’t need to invade Russia to frustrate Putin – it needs to remain sovereign and prevent Moscow from dictating its future. Iran doesn’t need to defeat the US military or destroy Israel – it needs to preserve the regime and persuade adversaries that further escalation carries unacceptable costs.

A weaker country’s victory doesn’t require conquering territory or destroying an enemy’s forces – it may simply mean survival. This creates an imbalance: an aggressor must achieve something, a defender only has to prevent it. Putin loses if he cannot impose a settlement on his terms and Zelensky succeeds by denying it to him. Trump and Netanyahu may degrade Iranian capabilities, but if the regime survives, Khamenei can claim he has not been defeated.

The stronger side loses by not winning. The weaker side wins by not losing.

Time the great leveller

In this logic of asymmetry, time has always been a weapon of its own. Powerful states want speed – shock, collapse, a quick exit that doesn’t look like a forever war. Weaker actors play for time.

Ukraine’s survival in the first weeks of the full-scale invasion transformed the war, giving Kyiv time to mobilise society and secure western support, before then exploiting its ability to innovate, which has gone some way towards levelling the battlefield.

Iran’s cheap drones, missile attacks, sea mines and threats to energy infrastructure don’t need to defeat a superior coalition outright – only to prolong uncertainty and erode its adversaries’ will to continue.

In both wars, the battlefield has become wider than the front line – to such an extent that the two wars are increasingly connected. Ukraine’s air campaign is degrading the oil pipelines and refineries funding the Kremlin’s war effort and its drone strikes in the Caspian Sea disrupt Russian drone supplies to Iran.

Iran and its proxies have turned military confrontation into a broader economic and political crisis – a “forever war”– well beyond the Middle East by threatening infrastructure and shipping routes of its neighbours in the Gulf and the Red Sea.

No strategic vision

The military forces that the weak and strong alike are able to muster can destroy infrastructure and kill commanders. But without an overarching strategy this remains just destruction.

This does not mean military superiority has ceased to matter. Stronger powers still have an enormous capacity to destroy infrastructure, degrade military capabilities, seize territory and improve their bargaining position.

In Ukraine, Putin may ultimately come away with territory he can present as a gain. But that is very different from his original ambition of bringing Ukraine back under effective Russian control.

The same applies to Iran: the US and Israel can destroy significant military capabilities of the regime and set back its nuclear programmes, but military superiority alone cannot guarantee that Iran will not rebuild and revive them, much less produce a political order in Tehran to the liking of Washington and Tel Aviv.

Strong powers retain an extraordinary ability to destroy and impose costs. What has diminished is their ability to turn that advantage into durable political control or decisive political outcomes. Trump wants leverage without another forever war. Netanyahu wants security that battlefield dominance alone can’t deliver. Putin wants territorial and political control that firepower hasn’t secured.

But weaker powers struggle, too. Zelensky must turn resistance into a sustainable future. Khamenei needs to preserve deterrence despite a war that began by killing his father and predecessor. Neither of them lacks instruments of power. But they do lack a clear path from those instruments to a stable and acceptable end state.

This is where the old logic of asymmetry is beginning to break down: neither conventional military superiority nor unconventional tactics of warfare seem to be able to break stalemates anymore. Winning wars may simply no longer be possible at all.

The Duke of Sussex’s UK visit earlier this year has paved the way for more involvement with his family, a source has suggested, and could see him cross the pond more often

Prince Harry is eyeing making a regular return to the UK after he was buoyed by his latest reunion with King Charles III and the rest of his family, it has been reported.

The Duke of Sussex wants to return to his home country “every few months”, following what has been described as an “energising” hour-long reunion earlier this summer. The move would come after he concluded his court battles against British news outlets, and could see him dedicate more time to charities he supports.

A source close to the royal revealed he is following “the way the wind is blowing”, and that he will want to be in the UK “more and more”.

Speaking to The Times, a source said: “The template for his visits has been working well, so the frequency of trips will increase, especially in the run-up to Invictus which he’s determined to make the best games yet.

“So he’ll be coming back and forth a lot more, every few months. The way the wind is blowing, he’s going to want to be here more and more.

“He’s happy these trips can now have more focus on the patronages and be less obscured by the other nonsense. He wants more of a foothold here, more trips back, less courtroom drama. And he always loves seeing his family.” The Daily Mirror has contacted Prince Harry’s team for comment.

Harry had the closely guarded meeting with Charles, which included his children Archie and Lilibet, and wife Meghan Markle, in July. It was the first of its kind in nearly a year, with the last having taken place in September 2025, and came a year ahead of the Birmingham Invictus games.

The family met for an hour after Harry and his family travelled into the UK from an unspecified location in Europe, after it was initially reported that Archie, Lilibet and Meghan were set to miss the trip.

When it eventually took place, Buckingham Palace offered only limited confirmation, and an aide refused to offer any additional information. The event also passed by unprictured. The more frequent visits could also see him poised to spend more time with his charitable endeavours alongside his family.

He is involved in several charities based in the UK, including WellChild, of which he is patron, a connection he celebrated during a visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital earlier this year.

It comes as the Duke of Sussex reportedly plans to divert funds from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund away from Sentebale to a elephant charity, Elephants Without Borders in Botswana.

The charity has now named two of the elephants in its care after the Prince’s two children, Archie and Lili, in tribute for his support.

Harry left Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in memory of Diana, in 2025.

Natalie Graham narrowly escaped an immediate prison sentence despite flouting the protection from harassment order, a civil injunction, within weeks of it being issued by Durham County Court, in January.

Durham Crown Court was told the order was made following countless complaints of harassment by a former friend of Graham, against whom she had turned.

Alexander Strother, prosecuting, said, “of most relevance” was the prohibition from threatening violence against the victim or suggest anyone else should do so.

Durham Crown Court was told the defendant Natalie Graham breached a protection from harassment injunction within weeks of it being issued (Image: Durham Crown Court)

But within a short time of the order being issued, Graham was contacting her about once a week.

Mr Strother said the messages continued to cause the victim to fear violence would be used against her.

Some of the messages were sent to a friend of the victim, who was also made subject of threats.

Mr Strother said the victim was told to “count her days” and that both her and her friend would, “get jumped or burned”.

Graham conceded she would “get s**t for this, but it’s worth it”, as, she said her ex-friend, “deserves a kicking”, also telling her: “Not to mess with me anymore”.

A screenshot of the defendant’s TikTok account was also sent to the victim containing a bloodied knife emoji.

When arrested and interviewed in late March, Graham made no comment replies to all questions.

But on her first court appearance, before magistrates, on July 16, the 25-year-old defendant of Dene View, Cassop, near Durham, admitted harassment in breach of a civil injunction and threatening words and behaviour.

The case was sent to the crown court for sentence.

Graham was said to have only one previous conviction, assaulting an emergency worker in March 2024, for which she was fined.

In an impact statement read to the court her victim said she was left fearing for her safety which played on her mind and led to her suffering stress.

She was worried about leaving her home unaccompanied, even to walk her dog, and avoided public transport in case she bumped into the defendant.

The victim added that she has now had a diagnosis of complex ptsd.

Charlie Thompson, for Graham, said these proceedings have served as, “a stark reminder” and, “a shot across the bows” to the defendant, “that this is not the sort of behaviour that can be tolerated.”

He said she has diagnoses for unstable personality disorder and psychosis, while she also believes she suffers with PTSD.

“She was a patient at a psychiatric hospital having been sectioned, demonstrating the seriousness of her mental health issues.”

He said that at the time of the offending she was not taking her medication and, instead, “self-medicating” by binge-drinking and misusing drugs, impacting on her control of her inhibitions.

Mr Thompson said the defendant is now taking her proper medication and has the “valued support” of a community psychiatric nurse.

He added that her early guilty pleas, “demonstrated the extent of her remorse, and she does have remorse, now her symptoms are under control.”

Mr Thompson added: “She’s ashamed of the way she conducted herself.”

He explained the victim had been a former friend with whom she had a falling out.

“It doesn’t excuse her actions but does provide some context how this happened in the first place,” added Mr Thompson.

Judge Edward Legard told the defendant the terms of the protection from harassment order, “couldn’t have been clearer”.

“Despite the clear and unequivocal terms of that order you continued to contact and attempted to make contact with the victim, in total defiance of it.”

The judge said such behaviour can have, “profound, long-lasting and damaging consequences” for those on the receiving end.

 He said the defendant’s mental health issues, exacerbated by her use of drink and drugs, appeared to have affected her behaviour.

Imposing a 12-month prison he said he could suspend it for 18 months, during which Graham must attend a minimum of 25 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

He also issued a five-year restraining order, prohibiting the defendant from contacting or approaching the victim.

Judge Legard warned Graham she risked a prison sentence of up to five years if the order is breached.

She must also pay £150 costs within 28 days.

The Moon in Libra opposes Saturn, bringing clarity and vision to the day before you. It will be easy to make otherwise tricky choices.

Aries, Taurus and Gemini, it is important to set some clear boundaries today. Whether it’s with friends,family or yourself, assess accordingly.

Take this opportunity to confront something important you have been putting off. There truly is no time like the present.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday August 16, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The Moon in Libra opposes stoic Saturn in Aries across your relationship axis, bringing the question of boundaries to mind. There’s a chance that in some connections seem too fierce and in others too weak, and the issue today is how to get the balance right. Honest conversation can help break down defences or enable you to be firmer than you have been.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

You’ll find that that rest is every bit as important as productivity. Feeling tired? Just remember, it’s impossible to pour from an empty pot. Hidden issues or emotional situations may be taking their toll on you, and if you’ve been under stress this is something you’ll need to acknowledge. Try to simplify your schedule, be good to yourself and take time to recharge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

It helps to be realistic about friendships and long-term goals. You’ll realise that not everyone in your network belongs in your close circle, and today’s Moon-Saturn line-up can help weed out some of the people who were never quite on side. Instead choose those who cheer you on regardless. Creating something totally unique? Do it from the heart, not for the applause.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

The Moon in Libra and your home zone opposes Saturn in your sector of ambition, so it helps to get the balance between achieving your goals and laying foundations that allow you to flourish over the long-term. Too much hard work can burn you out, while too little planning can mean you won’t accomplish anything. Getting it right allows for maximum productivity.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

It’s a day when you’ll find it very easy to negotiate and get what you want, but before you commit to anything, welcome other perspectives and opinions. A far-reaching opportunity could be perfect over long-term and you’ll find it by staying open and being flexible. It’s wise to test any inspired ideas against the timeless wisdom that comes your own experience.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Feel an urge to invest in your image? It may seem a no-brainer. If you’re opting for a makeover think about where you need to make the biggest and best impression, then budget accordingly. Even greater could be the desire to spend on anything that truly makes a difference. You’ll want your money to work hard for you, and with planning it can happen.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Someone may be more demanding than is good for you, and today’s Moon-Saturn opposition between your needs and others’ could be a call to be firmer. If you feel they are making unfair demands and aren’t respecting the fact that you have your own plans and priorities, it’s time to speak up. You can be tactful, but you do need to strengthen personal boundaries too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

You may be a lot busier than usual, with no break in sight, which is why today’s Moon-Saturn link can be a reminder to relax and recharge. It’s also a chance to take stock and consider your goals and priorities and what you hope to achieve. Take your focus off the outside world and connect with your deeper thoughts and feelings. You’ll soon know what to do for the best.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Feel conflicted about committing to something that is deeply important to you or going on an outing with your friends or social circle. You may want to spend some time on a hobby you’re mastering or to finish a creative project. Perhaps a budding romance is calling your name? Focus on what brings you most joy but let your friends know you haven’t forgotten them.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You may find yourself in the spotlight. The Moon in Libra suggests you’ll be charming, diplomatic and suitably impressive, especially if you have important meetings, need to give a presentation or hold a key conversation. Still, issues at home can intrude into your thoughts. Handle those domestic responsibilities first thing, and you’ll get so much more done today

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You may have your heart set on a plan or project that is vitally important to you, but before you get stuck in, the cosmos encourages you to take a step back and get a fresh perspective. You might even want to go off on a trip or short break before you get started. Do this and your ideas may be even more profound and wide ranging than usual and will have an impact.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Keen to get a money-making plan off the ground. You might also want to do it by yourself. However, today’s Moon-Saturn tie suggests getting others involved, especially if they have a lot of experience. Learn from them, adapt their ideas and then you’ll have a better chance of success. It’s also a chance to reflect on your true value and treat yourself with more kindness.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of August here.

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