Natalie Dormer plays Sarah Ferguson in The Lady (Picture: ITV)
ITV are reportedly feeling ‘nervy’ ahead of the Sunday night premiere of their Sarah Ferguson drama, The Lady.
This partly fictionalised four-part series follows the rise and fall of former royal dresser Jane Andrews (Mia McKenna-Bruce), who was convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman, in 2001.
The show features Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer as Andrews’ employer, Sarah Ferguson – who was, at the time, serving in her capacity as Duchess of York.
One member of the Royal family who will not appear in the show is the former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
With The Lady set to air mere days after his release, ITV are said to have their lawyers ‘on standby’ should any new information come to the fore.
Dormer appears as Sarah, former Duchess of York (Picture: ITV)
Dormer stars opposite Mia McKenna-Bruce, who plays royal dresser Jane Andrews (Picture: ITV)
A source close to the show told GB News: ‘ITV is very nervy about The Lady going out on Sunday.’
They continued: ‘It’s not a flattering portrayal of Fergie at all but they’ve got duty lawyers on standby in case of more spectacular royal revelations.’
Meanwhile, the brother of Thomas Cressman has also shared his thoughts on this dramatisation of real-life events.
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‘It feels that Tommy can never rest in peace,’ Rick Cressman said in 2022, sharing how he had ‘one week’s notice,’ after being informed about plans for the drama.
He told Daily Mail: ‘It’s a very cruel thing that ITV have commissioned a drama about it. It gives licence to say or do anything they like – true or not. It’s an abuse of my family. My mother’s now 97.’
Brother Thomas (played by Downton Abbey star Ed Speelers in the TV show) was murdered by Andrews in the year 2000 – violently killed with a cricket bat and a knife as he lay in bed, sleeping.
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While Natalie Dormer’s Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson features heavily in the programme, there is no depiction of her husband.
‘Andrew does not feature,’ show writer Debbie O’Malley told Radio Times earlier this year.
This is because, according to O’Malley, the story is specifically ‘about the female, domestic world of Sarah and Jane’s part in it.
‘We only ever see the Sarah that Jane got to see.’
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The Lady dramatises Jane Andrews’ murder of boyfriend Thomas Cressman (Picture: ITV)
O’Malley went on to add that the show, while being ‘transparent’ about what happened, strives for ‘integrity’ in its portrayal of a real-life tragedy.
‘There was no way we could necessarily please everyone, but we weren’t setting out to upset anyone,’ the writer said.
She continued: ‘When you’re trying to understand a complex protagonist, it’s easy to lose sight of the victim.
‘And that was something that was important from the beginning – to remember that a man lost his life and his family and his friends are still grieving that loss. You just have to approach it with integrity.’
Andrew and Fergie were married from 1986 to 1996 (Picture: Getty Images)
The release of The Lady comes in the aftermath of Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, February 19.
As detectives continue to search Andrew’s former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, he is believed to be staying in a cottage on the King’s Sandringham estate.
The pair remained close in the years which followed their divorce (picture: Getty Images)
‘It’s extraordinary. He hardly seemed bothered about the Epstein scandal. He was much more worried about where he was supposed to keep his horses,’ they said.
‘He is in another world.’
Ferguson has described herself as ‘deeply depressed’ by recent events (Picture: PA)
Friends of the former Duchess of York described her as feeling ‘very, very down’, telling Daily Mail: ‘She feels deeply depressed and that the world is out to get her.’
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They added: ‘What she doesn’t appear to feel is remorse for what has happened. She just wants this to all go away and allow her to get on with her life.
‘Her head is in the sand.’
Metro has contacted ITV for comment on this story.
The Lady airs tonight on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm.
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The heir to the throne previously met Corporal Lucy Wilde, who was found dead at her barracks in Warminster earlier this month.
Prince William has shared his “immense sadness” after an army medic and TikTok star was found dead at her barracks. Corporal Lucy Wilde, 25, died at the barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, on February 5.
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Cpl Wilde had previously met Prince William during her time with the Welsh Guards and the Duke of Rothesay took to social media this morning to share a heartfelt message over her tragic death.
He said: “It was with immense sadness that I learned of Cpl Lucy Wilde’s death. I remember our meeting during her time with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable.
“She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Colonel William.”
Cpl Wilde was serving with the Royal Yorkshire Regiment when she died earlier this month. The Ministry of Defence said the circumstances surrounding her death were being investigated, reports the Mirror.
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She had built up a following of 18,000 followers on TikTok as she documented her exercise routine and daily life to her.
Josh Wilde, her brother, previously paid tribute to her, describing her as “strength wrapped in softness”. He added that she served in the army with “courage and pride” and “lived with resilience”.
He said: “She adored long walks with her dog, the peace of nature, books that transported her, and the sense of freedom found outdoors. She had a warmth and loyalty that was rare, a heart that gave even when she had been hurt.”
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Cpl Wilde was also commended by her former regiment for her “tireless care for others”.
The Welsh Guards said she had “a rare ability to lift those around her,” adding that her loss would be felt “across the Battalion and far beyond”.
Cpl Wilde had won a commendation award after attending to an overturned vehicle in the Falklands that left multiple Welsh Guards injured. The statement said: “Lucy was first on the scene and worked relentlessly to treat casualties and ensure every Guardsman was accounted for and safe.
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“Her actions that day were nothing short of outstanding, and she was rightly commended for her courage and professionalism.”
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What is the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy? Strange France vs Italy trophy explained | Wales Online
Need to know
France and Italy will battle it out for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy when they face off in the Six Nations this weekend
France players with the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy in 2025(Image: Giuseppe Bellini/Federugby via Getty Images)
Here’s everything you need to know about the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy:
The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy is an annual rugby union prize contested between the national teams of FranceandItaly. It is awarded to the winner of their specific match during the Men’s Six Nations Championship each year.
The trophy is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a 19th-century revolutionary who is considered one of the founding fathers of a unified Italy. He was born in Nice – now in France but part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia during the 19th century – and served as a general in the French Army, making him a shared hero for both nations.
The competition for this trophy began in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of Garibaldi’s birth. It was officially approved by the International Rugby Board in December 2006 to celebrate the “rugby bond” between the two neighbors.
Unlike traditional cups, this trophy is a modern sculptural piece designed by the former French rugby captain and professional sculptor Jean-Pierre Rives. Its unique, abstract appearance stands out among sports awards.
France have historically dominated the fixture, winning the trophy 17 times since its inception. Italy has successfully claimed the trophy on only two occasions, with their most recent victory occurring in 2013.
In the event of a draw, the trophy is retainedby the current holders rather than being shared. This occurred most recently in 2024, when a 13-13 draw allowed France to keep the silverware in their possession.
Beyond the sport, the trophy serves as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between France and Italy. It highlights the deep historical and cultural ties that connect the two Mediterranean countries.
The 2026 Fixture: The next battle for the trophy is set to take place on February 22, 2026, in Lille. France are the defending champions, having secured a massive 73-24 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on February 23, 2025.
At a press conference on Sunday, the PSNI confirmed three fatalities after the three vehicle road traffic collision in the Armagh Road area outisde Moy on Febraury 21.
Assistant Chief Constable, Davy Beck said: “At around 10.20pm, Police received a report of a three-vehicle collision involving a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi.
“Officers attended, along with colleagues from other emergency services, however, two men, aged 31 and 48, and a woman, aged 23, were sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Four other people sustained injuries, three of whom are receiving medical treatment. “Enquires are continuing and anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage or any other information, should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1654 – 21/02/26.”
Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader and Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong called the new a “very dark day” for the families of those involved.
She said: “Today is a very dark day for families who have been plunged into shock and mourning following last night’s road traffic collision on the Armagh Road, Moy.
“I send my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died in this horrific collision, who must be totally at a loss to comprehend the scale of this tragedy.
“The toll of the loss of life in this incident has shocked the local community and many will be holding those impacted in their thoughts and prayers today.
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“My thanks go to the PSNI and emergency services who attended the scene and transferred those affected for medical treatment.”
Ellie Gilligan, 22, and Ella Rand, 21, have organised the event to raise funds for the shelter on Northolt, which cares for lost, stray and abandoned dogs and cats.
Ella, who works as a dog walker and trainer, recently lost her own rescue dog and wanted to give something back to a charity close to her heart.
Teaming up with Ellie, a paramedic in training at the University of Greater Manchester, the pair began planning what will be their first ever charity event.
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Despite having no previous experience of organising a fundraiser, they have already been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and residents.
Ellie said: “We’re putting on a big raffle and we’ve had over 50 companies donate prizes to us, which is amazing.
“We’re also doing bingo and a DJ has kindly offered to do the whole night for free.
“We just want to raise as much money as possible for the shelter.”
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The event will take place on March 7 at the Victory Reform Club, off Chorley Old Road.
Tickets are priced at £3 on the door, with guests receiving a wristband on entry.
Ellie and Ella said every penny raised on the night will go directly to the Destitute Animals Shelter.
The Bolton charity ensures all animals in its care are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being rehomed.
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To find out more visit: https://business.facebook.com/events/737131012768709/?ti=ls
Now, countries around the world are nervously waiting to see if the US president will follow through on his warning.
Here’s what you need to know.
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What Did The Supreme Court Rule?
In a 6-3 decision, the justices said Trump had overstepped when he announced his plans to impose sweeping tariffs last April.
At the time, he was using a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Government data shows the US has already collected at least $130 billion (£96.4 billion) so far.
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But the justices said it was up to Congress, not the president, to impose such sweeping tariffs.
They said nothing in the law Trump used to enact his dramatic trade policy granted him such powers.
How Has Trump Reacted?
Pretty badly. In a press conference on Friday, he attacked those who voted against him in the Supreme Court.
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He said he was ashamed of “certain members of the court”, alluding to the three conservative judges who rejected his plans, while calling the three liberal judges “a disgrace”.
Trump furiously announced that he would replace the old levy – now scrapped – with another 10% global tariff, this time using other laws.
He declared that he would use a law which has never been deployed before, a temporary solution under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act which allows him to increase levies for five months before Congress has to have a say.
Then on Saturday, he wrote on Truth Social that this would be hiked up to the maximum allowed – 15%.
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It remains unclear exactly when these new tariffs might come in.
Trump said his administration had decided to press ahead with this drastic move after the review of the Supreme Court’s “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American decision on Tariffs”.
Why Is This So Important To Trump?
Trump has put the economy at the heart of his plan for governance.
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These sweeping tariffs were his way to force businesses to enact “America First” by producing and investing in the US first.
So the Supreme Court’s move goes straight to the heart of his agenda.
It was a major moment to see the president’s power reined in, too.
Trump has repeatedly exercised his presidential authority and rarely faced any backlash or checks on his powers since returning to office last January.
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There’s a chance the US might have to give back the money it raised, which would cause further embarrassment for the president.
What Has The UK Said About Tariffs?
The UK used to have a special deal with the States which meant Trump slapped just a 10% levy on all of its goods at a time when he was forcing much higher rates on other countries.
On Friday, a government spokesperson said: “This is a matter for the US to determine but we will continue to support UK businesses as further details are announced.
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“Under any scenario, we expect our privileged trading position with the US to continue and will work with the administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world.”
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson failed to rule out UK retaliation if the tariffs go ahead.
She told Sky News: “We always stand up for what’s right for Britain. And I think the prime minister demonstrated that with the approach he took around Greenland.
“But the reality is that if you want to get things done, it’s better to do that behind the scenes.”
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She added: “You get more done when you have serious conversations, often not in front of cameras or out there in the public, but actually behind the scenes, working closely with between governments.
“And we do have a really strong relationship with the US, that is something that is not about one president or one prime minister.
“It’s about that long standing and enduring relationship that is right for our country and is right for national security, and also really important at a time when we see significant global instability that we work together on those key questions like defence.”
Arsenal need to respond after they suffered a title setback at Wolves and then Manchester City beat Newcastle to pile the pressure on them at the top of the Premier League.
That win for City yesterday means Pep Guardiola’s side have closed the gap to the Gunners to two points.
Spurs will hope to be lifted by the appointment of Igor Tudor, who takes charge of his first game since being appointed to replace Thomas Frank.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…
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Date, kick-off time and venue
Tottenham vs Arsenal is scheduled for a 4.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Where to watch Tottenham vs Arsenal
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TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 4pm GMT on Sky Sports Premier League and 4.25pm on Sky Sports Main Event, following the Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool fixture.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau and Matt Verri at the ground.
Tottenham vs Arsenal team news
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Tudor is expected to go with a back three formation for his first game in charge of Tottenham, though he will be working with a light squad.
Odobert joins James Maddison, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso and Lucas Bergvall in missing the north London derby.
Cristian Romero serves the second of his four-match suspension, and Pedro Porro and Richarlison remain sidelined.
Mikel Arteta has is hopeful of having captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz available in what would be a huge double injury boost.
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Mikel Merino is definitely sidelined after undergoing surgery that places any further involvement this season in doubt, while youngster Max Dowman is back in training after an ankle injury.
Tottenham vs Arsenal prediction
Usually the form book goes out of the window for a derby fixture. However, the appointment of Tudor means this clash has entered unknown territory as it’s nearly impossible to predict what Spurs side will show up.
The fact that Tottenham have been poor at home in the league this season, coupled with Tudor not having much time with his players in training and their injury situation, all roads point to an Arsenal win.
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However, the Gunners have stumbled in the league recently and a run of two wins in seven suggests the wheels are beginning to fall off.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Arsenal are unbeaten against Spurs since May 2022, winning all but one of the last seven meetings which includes three straight victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As the former Strictly host admits she ‘begged’ Channel 4 to let her work on this year’s Crufts, the dog-loving TV presenter has made divisive admissions about her pooch, Skip
Traitors star Claudia Winkleman has admitted she “kisses” her dog’s paws, having previously revealed she ‘french kisses’ him, after landing her latest gig presenting Crufts. The 54-year-old, who left her job co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly at the end of 2025, has since bagged herself a primetime chat show on the BBC.
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After landing herself a role on Crufts, Claudia admitted she had “begged” Channel 4 bosses to let her be involved in the dog show, revealing she is “in love” with canines. But when she’s not busy taking over the small screen, the in-demand TV star likes to get very close with her two-and-a-half year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Skip.
Claudia pampers her pooch, letting him sleep in bed with her and husband Kris Thykier every night. She told the Sun on Sunday: “He sleeps in our bed, we chat to him constantly, I kiss his paws and we can no longer go anywhere without him.”
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She explained how she and film producer Kris waited until their kids had grown up to get a dog so they could be sure to have enough time for one. And after attending Crufts as a visitor last year, her love for dogs is only growing, with the star admitting: She said: “I went not to work, but just for fun, and I couldn’t get over the dogs. I had to be dragged away.”
Claudia previously confessed that she ‘french kisses’ Skip. While speaking to Kathy Burke on her podcast, Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake, she discussed the bizarre comment, saying: “So I have recently got a dog who I am in love with. I mean, I’m going to bore you till your ears bleed. The two [kids] have left home. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I might steal a baby.
“So instead I got a dog, who I treat like….I mean I don’t put him in clothes, but I didn’t know, I’d never had a dog before or any form of animal, but this little dog who I open his mouth and insert my tongue. I do.”
And it’s not the first time she’s made the stomach-turning admission. The Sun reports that last year, Claudia made a similar statement while speaking in a magazine interview, in which she said: “He’s divine. I French kiss him. I licked his entire tongue once. I slept on the floor next to him until he got used to the new house. I take him on four walks a day. Though of course now they all love him so much, they fight me to do it.”
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Fans were divided by Claudia’s bold admission, with some horrified by the prospect of licking a dog’s mouth. One wrote on social media: “Hell no. As a dog lover this is disgusting! They lick their bums, eat each other’s s***, lick god knows what off the floor. Yuch!!”
Another agreed, commenting: “No one loves dogs more than me but that is not only weird it’s dangerous. They lick their genitalia, behinds , dirty feet etc. You could catch worms & God knows what else – a dogs mouth is quite poisonous.”
A third reeled off a list of reasons why not to lick your dog’s mouth: “Illnesses that humans can acquire from dog contact include ringworm, diarrhoea disease (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and intestinal parasites), leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q fever, visceral larva migrans, and echinococcosis.”
But others didn’t seem to see the issue. One wrote: “I have four dogs and we all kiss and cuddle several times a day. We get obsessed about hygiene that’s why we get so ill now. We a full of bacteria we would die without bacteria but still modern medicine still believe all bacteria is bad. Ludicrous our microbiology is essential.”
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Someone else commented: “Humans are the filthiest species on the planet. Kissing your pet is the least you have to worry about!!!”
The former Newsnight presenter reflected on the King’s statement following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his Jeffrey Epstein ties
Daniel Windham Assistant Editor
13:08, 22 Feb 2026
Emily Maitlis has expressed confusion over ‘curious’ phrase in King Charles’s statement after Andrew arrest
Emily Maitlis has revealed she was left baffled by a “very curious phrase” used by King Charles III in his public response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Andrew was released under investigation on Thursday, 19 February, after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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The former prince, who made history as the first senior royal to be arrested in modern times, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Maitlis, who notably interviewed Andrew about his links to Epstein in 2019 during her tenure on Newsnight, reflected on the King’s written statement following the arrest. The monarch said he learned of the development with his “deepest concern” and maintained that “the law must take its course.”
Reacting to the wording, Maitlis told The News Agents: “It’s really interesting because I kept on going back to those words, the deepest concern. And if I was opposite him now, I’d say, ‘Wait, what is that concern? Who is that concern for? Are you concerned about your own brother’s mental health at this point?’ — this perhaps implies: are you concerned that it has happened without his knowledge?”
She continued: “I mean, the King did not know about this beforehand, but it doesn’t sound as if that’s what he means because he’s saying he wants the full and fair force of the law. Are you concerned about other potential victims in this? I mean, I think it is a very curious phrase that deepest concern because I’m not sure I understand who that concern is for, but I think it is important to your point exactly that the King is talking as a monarch of the country about an arrest he was not pre-warned about. He’s not speaking as if it was the guy that he basically cast adrift last October,” reports the Express.
Her remarks reference her earlier high-profile interview with Andrew, during which she questioned him extensively about his connections to Epstein and the nature of their association. That interview became a defining moment in the royal controversy, intensifying scrutiny of Andrew’s position within the monarchy.
The King’s full statement read: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
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“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
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His statement concluded “Charles R.”
The arrest followed the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice connected to the Epstein investigation. Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew was freed under investigation after approximately 11 hours in custody. Officers said searches at a property in Norfolk, Andrew’s residence on the Sandringham Estate, had concluded, while searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.
He was photographed leaving Aylsham police station, hunched in the back of a car, before later returning to Sandringham as journalists gathered outside. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
A superb bowling performance breathed life into England’s T20 World Cup campaign as Harry Brook’s side beat co-hosts Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their opening match of the Super 8s phase.
England remained unconvincing with the bat in posting 146-9 but their bowlers took full advantage of a tricky surface to knock over their hosts for 95.
Jofra Archer dismissed key batter Pathum Nissanka and fellow opener Kamil Mishara but even more impressive were the three wickets for all-rounder Will Jacks inside the powerplay.
Jacks, who has struggled with the ball at times in this tournament, removed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in consecutive deliveries and added the scalp of Dunith Wellalage as Sri Lanka crumbled to 34-5 under the pressure of a chase.
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After Kamindu Mendis chipped back a catch to Liam Dawson and Dushan Hemantha hit his own wicket, Jacks combined with Tom Banton to complete a fine relay catch on the boundary to dismiss Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s captain and the last recognised batter, for 30.
That England’s batting remains far from perfect is pushed to another day. Jos Buttler made a tortured seven from 14 balls, Jacob Bethell fell to a wild slog and Tom Banton ran himself out.
Phil Salt’s 62 and 21 from Jacks, who was the next highest scorer in a fine all-round display, were crucial.
England play Pakistan on Tuesday and New Zealand on Friday in their remaining Super 8s matches.
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Two wins would guarantee a semi-final place. One may be enough.