What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
As Mercury drifts into Pisces, things take a reflective tone. Contemplation will come naturally through the day ahead.
Cancer, Leo and Scorpio, your imagination may run wild today. Creativity is blooming and new perspectives will arise, making this a great time for new plans.
Don’t be fooled into thinking reflection means passiveness. Be an active agent of your own mind while letting the cosmos guide you.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday February 6, 2026.
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As the analytical Mercury moves into sensitive Pisces, your voice may soften, but don’t mistake gentle for powerless. Your thoughts become more intuitive and your communication style gets a poetic upgrade. This is the perfect time to speak from the heart, even if the words come in whispers. Your imagination is fired up, making this a stellar moment for journalling, dreaming or diving into creative projects.
Your social life may take on a magical tone as friends, allies and kindred spirits could offer just the right words at the right moment. Your thinking becomes more intuitive and less rigid, which is a gift. Creative ideas flow freely now, especially when you’re collaborating or brainstorming in relaxed settings. As chatty Mercury arrives Pisces, a long-lost contact might resurface or you may feel drawn to a cause that speaks to your soul.
Your thoughts may take on a more poetic, intuitive flair as Mercury glides into Pisces. Logic gives way to imagination, and while facts might blur, your creativity shines. Career matters benefit from big dreams but do keep one foot on the ground to avoid chasing clouds. You could impress someone influential with a visionary idea, but don’t get lost in the details or forget them entirely.
As the interactive Mercury sails into Pisces, your imagination can surge and especially about opening up your world. Conversations take on a more subtle tone, and you may find yourself daydreaming of faraway places or meaningful adventures. This is a stellar time for learning, writing or spiritual growth, or anything that nourishes your soul. Messages may come through synchronicities or subtle signs but do check details before launching big plans.
Your thoughts dive deeper than usual and conversations may carry a mysterious or emotional undertone. Intuition sharpens, secrets may surface and meaningful insights emerge when you least expect them. Sharp Mercury’s entrance into Pisces stirs your house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation, so don’t be surprised if a financial or emotional puzzle suddenly clicks into place after trying hard to resolve it.
Your cosmic guide, Mercury arrives in Pisces and suddenly logic gives way to intuition. This shift lights up your relationship zone, encouraging heart-to-hearts, deep listening and perhaps a little romantic whimsy. You’re known for your sharp mind, but now it’s your empathy and imagination that steal the show. Whether you’re mending fences, forging bonds or flirting with new possibilities, connection is key.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Your focus shifts to the little things that keep life running smoothly. Your routines, health and work habits are in the spotlight. You might find solutions in unexpected places or be inspired to beautify the boring. Trust your intuition when organising your day, as it knows more than you think. For the next few weeks, a walk, a playlist, a fresh smoothie – these tiny rituals become meaningful acts of self-love.
The intermediary Mercury drifts into fellow water sign Pisces, turning up the volume on your creativity, romantic musings and soulful self-expression. Words flow like poetry, so share your thoughts, write that message or romance with flair. This transit sprinkles stardust over love, play and personal projects, so don’t be surprised if inspiration hits when least expected. Your instincts can be heightened and especially in matters of the heart.
Your thoughts turn towards home, roots and the emotional glue that binds it all together. While you’re usually off chasing far horizons, you’ve a chance now to relax mentally and emotionally. Sentimental chats, nostalgic memories or even writing that family memoir might surface. Communication with loved ones becomes more intuitive, so trust those hunches. It’s a fabulous time to plan a cosy gathering.
Your thinking and ideas can gain pace. Normally practical and to the point, you may be speaking in metaphors, dreaming up soulful ideas and tapping into the hearts of others with surprising ease. Dialogue becomes more emotionally rich, and your ability to listen with empathy skyrockets. This is the perfect time to express yourself, as your imagination is your greatest asset now.
Your thoughts take on a dreamy, imaginative hue as Mercury enters your money zone. Normally a cerebral whizz, you’re now tuned into subtle cues, feelings and unspoken truths, making you more poetic and intuitive than usual. Conversations about money or values may veer into mystical or visionary territory. This is a fine time to brainstorm soulful side hustles or artistic income streams.
After a period of feeling reflective, your thinking can become a shimmering sea of imagination, insight and inspiration. Communication flows and your words can enchant, persuade and uplift, so use them wisely. You’re more articulate than usual, though still prone to daydreams, so double-check details if precision is needed. Use this opportunity to share your ideas, write or speak from the heart.
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.
The Blues dramatically secured automatic progress from the league phase without the need for a nervy two-legged knockout play-off.
That stunning victory, orchestrated largely by influential half-time substitute Cole Palmer, saw Chelsea place sixth in the final league phase table, with the top eight sides all guaranteed a spot in the last 16 and the clubs that came ninth to 24th entering the play-offs.
They joined fellow English sides Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City in sealing direct progress, finishing just a point ahead of both Real Madrid and Inter Milan, who came ninth and 10th respectively.
Chelsea’s eventful league phase campaign also included a memorable 3-0 home demolition of Barcelona, while they thrashed Ajax at Stamford Bridge to go along with other wins over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica and Cypriot debutants Pafos.
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Chelsea also drew away in Qarabag and were defeated on trips to both Bayern Munich and Atalanta, under previous head coach Enzo Maresca.
Who Chelsea will face in Champions League last 16
After finishing sixth during the league phase, Chelsea, last season’s Conference League winners, knew they would next be facing one of the winners of the knockout phase play-offs involving the 11th,12th, 21st and 22nd seeds – Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag.
The play-off draw saw Newcastle paired with Qarabag and PSG placed alongside Ligue 1 rivals Monaco.
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An all-Premier League showdown is now possible after Newcastle cruised to victory over Qarabag, succeeding where Chelsea failed during the league phase after Anthony Gordon scored four first-half goals during a 6-1 first-leg thrashing in Azerbaijan last week in which they led 5-0 at the interval.
A heavily-rotated Magpies side came through a topsy-turvy second leg 3-2 at St James’ Park, with the tie finishing 9-3 on aggregate.
Night to remember: Anthony Gordon scored four first-half goals as Newcastle thrashed Qarabag in Azerbaijan
AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea, who have not made the Champions League quarter-finals since 2022/23, could also get a tough task against holders PSG, whose latest failure to seal automatic progress into the last 16 was arguably the biggest shock of the league phase.
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However, they overcame Monaco 3-2 in the first leg at the Stade Louis II, where substitute Desire Doue netted a brace and Achraf Hakimi was also on target to wipe out a two-goal deficit that came courtesy of early goals from ex-Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, with Monaco also seeing Aleksandr Golovin sent off early in the second half.
The second leg was equally tense after Maghnes Akliouche levelled the score on aggregate. But Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put the tie beyond their French rivals, despite Jordan Teze’s late strike.
It is the second year in a row in which PSG – who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final in Munich to finally win the Champions League for the first time – have ousted domestic opposition in the knockout play-offs, having brushed aside surprise package Brest 10-0 on aggregate 12 months ago.
The 30-year-old threw the woman a life ring before jumping into the river.
07:29, 26 Feb 2026Updated 07:29, 26 Feb 2026
An inquest into the death of a man who lost his life after saving a woman from the River Lagan is set to take place this summer.
On the morning of May 5, 2023, Patrick “Paddy” Fearon spotted someone struggling in the River Lagan. Without hesitation, he threw a life ring and jumped in to try and save them.
The 30-year-old had recently moved to Belfast from Armagh for a data analyst job in the health service, having spent a number of years studying and working in Scotland.
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A woman was rescued from the river and taken to hospital for treatment. Tragically, Paddy lost his life while ensuring another would survive. He had previously rescued his sister, Eisha, and their pets from a house fire when he was just 14.
Mourners at his funeral heard Mr Fearon had “died a hero saving a life”.
The passing of the popular young man, who endeared himself to all he met, tore a hole among his friends and family – and none more so than his mother, Linda, who at the time described Patrick as “a joy to have as a son”.
At a brief preliminary hearing at the Coroners Court in Belfast on Wednesday, a barrister said two items remained outstanding from the PSNI in relation to photographs of the scene and CCTV footage.
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He added that from the coroner’s service perspective, disclosure “is almost very much complete”.
The court heard that a provisional witness list for the two-day inquest, scheduled for June 1st and 2nd, has also been provided.
Coroner Fiona Fee suggested a review of proceedings in late April, adding that it would be “very unorthodox” to change the hearing dates at this stage.
“I would be loath to move the hearing date for any outstanding lines of inquiry that could have been flagged up in advance,” she added.
From a chance encounter that is shifting the momentum of a life, to incremental progress that enables us to ‘eat the elephant’, the things we learned from our guests on our new podcast
It’s the holy grail of a fulfilled life. Whether younger or older, retired, parenting or working, it’s that thing that gets us up in the morning, inspires us to burn the midnight oil and keeps motivation high when the going gets tough: a sense of purpose. We admire elderly folk who stay active in society and motivated in daily tasks. We look on enviably at those who lead organisations with unerring passion and drive, seemingly undeterred by obstacles. And we’re impressed by youth who put their ideals into action.
So, what’s the formula?
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As host of Positive News’ new podcast, The Purpose Pioneers, I’ve discovered that there isn’t really one – but that’s part of the beauty of the journey. Discovering one’s purpose and putting it into practice is a deeply personal and nuanced endeavour. While one person may have a light-bulb moment that sparks a mid-career pivot, others describe a collection of experiences that led to a change.
Solutions every Saturday Uplift your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Positive News editors select the week’s top stories of progress, bringing you the essential briefing about what’s going right. Sign up
Here are four things we learned about purpose from guests on The Purpose Pioneers.
1. A chance encounter can shift a life
Steve Micklewright is the CEO of rewilding charity Trees for Life and was featured on episode 3 of the podcast. During our conversation, he recounted an experience that would stay with him the rest of his life.
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“We were hiking in the Dolomites, in Italy,” he says, “a beautiful, wonderful landscape. We were heading up towards the top of the treeline, and about a hundred metres up, something that I thought was a German Shepherd dog walked out in front of us. It looked at me and I looked at it, and then I thought: ‘oh my god, that’s a wolf’.”
Micklewright explains that encountering the wild animal, which appeared unphazed by his presence, crystallised for him what would later become central to his life’s work: that humans and wild animals can peacefully coexist. After that experience he went on to lead Trees for Life, an organisation that works tirelessly to restore nature and wildlife in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands. Taking the helm there was a turning point for Micklewright, who had previously worked for Birdlife Malta in a politically sensitive role. “What we do at Trees for Life is wholly positive,” he said on the podcast.
Steve Micklewright, CEO of rewilding charity Trees for Life. Image: Alex Baxter
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2. Small steps are more realistic than big leaps
For some, like episode 1 guest Stephanie Wheen, focusing on small steps over a long period of time has been a key part of her journey. She is the founder and CEO of charity Gympanzees, which creates inclusive spaces for children with physical and intellectual disabilities to exercise and play. “It’s like that saying, ‘how do you eat an elephant’,” she says, when asked about what advice she might offer to others who are trying to move their goals forward.
It’s taken “nine years of blood, sweat and tears” to get to where they are today, Wheen says. For a lot of that time, progress has felt incremental, but her perseverance has paid off: the organisation will open a state-of-the-art facility for disabled children outside of Bristol later this year.
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Stephanie Wheen, founder and CEO of charity Gympanzees, which creates inclusive spaces for children with physical and intellectual disabilities to exercise and play
3. Experiences collected over decades could lead to change
For episode 4 guest Mark Clayton finding his purpose as the CEO of ethical bank Triodos, happened more as a slow wave. He made his start as a trainee at HSBC, and over time, rose to senior positions. He would end up spending nearly 24 years there before it became clear to him that he needed a change of direction.
Clayton emphasises that he worked with some wonderfully dedicated people at HSBC, but that overall, there were aspects of the banking industry that were fundamentally not operating in the best interests of people. “Regulators introduced rules called ‘treating customers fairly’,” he recounts. “You sit and think, surely that shouldn’t have to be regulated for.” It was experiences like these that, over years, led to feelings of unease – and precipitated action.
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In February 2020, Clayton left HSBC for Unity Trust Bank, and then joined Triodos UK in January 2024. The ethical bank finances only organisations that deliver social, environmental and cultural benefits, and does not fund harmful industries such as fossil fuels.
Episode 2 guest, Keith Bradbury, isn’t afraid to dig deep. After working in the fintech industry for nearly a decade, he knew he wanted to break out on his own. Teaming up with friend and colleague Pierce Glennie, who was also keen to test the entrepreneurial waters, the duo could have put their backgrounds to work and started a hedge fund, or something similar, says Bradbury. But that wasn’t interesting to them. “Making money wasn’t the priority,” he says.
Instead, they co-founded Ember, the UK’s first inter-city electric coach company, which currently runs services in Scotland. As an analytical thinker and someone who enjoys the process of unpicking the layers of a problem, Bradbury approaches the running of the business almost scientifically. He believes that any organisation can achieve greatness by focusing on individual aspects of their operation and improving them. Lots of small improvements, put together, create a broader solution that is “10 times, 100 times better,” he says.
“I have this deep faith in putting together the different building blocks…of going beyond incremental change and reaching a solution that is just far, far better,” he says. “It’s almost like a paradigm shift actually, in whatever problem that you’re trying to solve.”
Main image: Keith Bradbury by Chris Watt Photography
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The former pub closed in 2014 and has been left derelict since
Residents say a former pub has been left to decay, leaving it as a “complete eyesore” in the area. The former Golden Lion Pub in Church Street, Stanground, was popular with locals due to its large bar, pool table, and separate lounge.
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The pub closed in 2014 and since, it has been left abandoned and derelict. People in Stanground are concerned over the state it has been left in, with some branding it as an “eyesore” in the Peterborough suburb.
Mark Courten said the building is a “complete mess”. He added: “It’s near one of the main entrances into Stanground and all you can see is this mess. It’s been like this for many years and it needs sorting. God knows what it’s like inside!”
A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, also said the site is “very messy”. She said: “It’s a complete eyesore. It’s a shame it has been left this way.
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“Whenever you drive or walk past it, it’s just not nice to look at. I wish something could be done about it, cause it just gets worse every time you go past it.”
Helen Fox used to work at the Golden Lion and said it was a “great place to drink”. She added: “It’s such a shame how it’s been left for so long.”
Some people, such as Allan Burns, believe the site could be put to better use. He said: “It seems to be a waste to not use the space. Parking is an issue, but I don’t see how it could be turned into parking spaces. It should be another business as they seem to have a positive impact most of the time and there are quite a few businesses there already.”
Last year, plans were submitted to Peterborough City Council to demolish the pub, due to its “poor condition” and remove it from the “street scene in a prominent location”. The council refused these plans on the grounds it would interrupt the area, as well as diminish the character of the area.
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Despite refusal for demolition, the council confirmed that planning permission is in place to convert the site into a shop. A council spokesperson said: “There is an existing planning permission in place to convert and extend it to form a shop.
“The deadline for implementation is February 2027, so for that permission to remain in place, developers must have started that development by then.”
The owner of the building has been approached for further comment.
The leaflet says it is promoted on behalf of Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia.
Labour is locked in a three-way battle with the Green Party and Reform UK in the seat.
Bookies make the Greens odds-on favourites, followed by Reform and then Labour, for whom Andrew Gwynne won the seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of nearly 13,500.
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In a letter to Powell on Wednesday night, Polanski accused Labour of “lying to voters”.
He said: “Did you approve this? Do you feel the Labour Party in government should be held to different standards in terms of honesty to the British public?”
Polanski added: “Lying to the voters, as you have been caught doing, raises the real prospect that Reform will be the beneficiaries, something you have said that you don’t want.
“As this is such an important issue, for the sake of your own reputation, I would strongly urge you to apologise to the voters of Denton and Gorton before the polls open in the morning.”
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HuffPost UK has approached Labour for comment.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer said the choice for voters in the by-election was “unity or division”.
He said: “Driving down the cost of living with Labour or driving a wedge between communities under Reform. Moving forwards together, or opening up anger and division that holds our country back.
“Reform’s Matthew Goodwin thinks people who aren’t white can’t be English and wants women who choose not to have children to pay more tax. Vote Labour in Gorton and Denton today to send him and his toxic politics packing.”
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Our message on election day is clear.
“The prime minister is panicking and knows he has broken his promises to the British people. Vote Reform to ditch Starmer.”
Switzerland said it would make a one-off payment of 50,000 Swiss francs (£47,755) to severely injured survivors and bereaved families of the New Year bar fire in Crans-Montana.
The blaze killed 41 people and injured 115 more, according to Swiss authorities.
The fire appeared to have been started by the use of sparkling candles that ignited foam soundproofing on the bar’s basement ceiling, witnesses and prosecutors said.
Bells ring out across Switzerland for fire victims
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Most of those who died were teenagers, and many were foreigners, including several from France and Italy.
The so-called solidarity contribution aims to provide swift financial support to victims and serve as a gesture of compassion, Switzerland’s governing Federal Council said.
In principle, the payment should apply to each individual who lost their life, as well as every person who was taken to hospital, the Federal Council said in a statement.
Swiss bar not inspected for five years
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“The Federal Council shares with the victims and their families the desire for truth and justice,” Swiss President Guy Parmelin said at a news conference.
“We too want to know what happened, why, and how it could have been prevented.”
The Federal Council said it will also convene a roundtable to help victims, insurers and authorities reach out-of-court settlements, potentially avoiding lengthy legal battles.
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It aims to contribute up to 20m francs to such settlements.
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Memorial held for victims of bar fire
The Federal Council said it hoped parliament would swiftly expedite the legislation it had drafted to help victims.
The government also aims to set aside 8.5 million francs to help affected cantons cover the huge costs.
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The government said it had taken the steps following Federal Office of Justice analysis that found gaps in existing support systems, which are mostly designed for individual cases and struggle with large-scale disasters.
THE history of a key city centre street is being highlighted in York.
Clements Hall Local History Group has been finding out more about the history of Blossom Street for its latest book – and want York Press readers to share their memories.
Blossom Street has been the entrance to York for most of our monarchs (including Elizabeth II and Charles III).
But in 1541 Henry VIII took umbrage and decided not to enter York through Micklegate Bar, lavishly decorated by the city for his visit. Offended by the behaviour of his nephew, James V, King of Scotland following the Pilgrimage of Grace, he came through Walmgate Bar instead.
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Princess Victoria, later Queen, came to York in 1835, staying with the Archbishop at his Palace, for four days. Each day they came into the city along Blossom Street via Micklegate Bar, as did Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1900, for the Royal Agricultural Show.
Blossom St in 1971 members of the Household Cavalry rehearse in Blossom Street for the visit of the Queen to York for the 1900th birthday celebrations. Photo – YEP
During the English Civil War, Blossom Street and the Bar were protected by the ‘Great Sconce’. This four-gun emplacement was 200 yards square, with a surrounding ditch, at the highest part of the Mount, near the junction with what is now Dalton Terrace.
The street has seen dramatic scenes however.
On July 2, 1644, after the Battle of Marston Moor, it was thronged with Royalist soldiers, many wounded, clamouring for admission through the Bar.
They were pursued by parliamentarians, who cut soldiers down, leaving their dead bodies by the roadside. It was said that “the wounded and lame made a pitiful cry”.
Blossom Street was a centre for Catholicism, with the Bar Convent established in 1686. It’s now the oldest living convent in the UK and oldest surviving place of Catholic worship after the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century.
The Group has identified a number of well-known people living in the street over the centuries (the 1901 Rowntree Poverty map of York noted it as a district of the servant-keeping classes).
Famous residents included Martin Lister, celebrated physician, antiquary and naturalist, Joseph Rowntree, founder of the famous firm, Charles Watson and James Pigott Pritchett, architects, and William Bell, chief architect of the North Eastern Railway.
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Corner of Blossom Sreet and Nunnery Lane with E Knowles chemist in 1895 – Photo from YAYAS
The newspaper proprietor and historian of York, William Hargrove, was living here in the 1840s, and it was his son William Wallace Hargrove who founded the Yorkshire Evening Press, still published today as the York Press. There were many more.
The group has also been tracing the history of all the traders in the street through time, with some very familiar names, such as Forsselius, Shearsmith’s, and Edwin Story near the Bar.
Local people have memories of the English Martyrs School and the Odeon cinema – can you add to these and tell the group your stories about any of the old traders?
Please send them your memories and any old photos, either by email at clemhallhistory@gmail.com or leave a message at Clements Hall on 01904 466086.
A driving test examiner has explained how to tell the difference between two common road symbols which some motorists might have a habit of mixing up at times…
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
06:09, 26 Feb 2026
Do you still remember road signs from your theory test? It can be challenging to retain everything from your driving examination, but it’s essential to keep yourself and other road users safe.
Now one driving test examiner has revealed what a common warning sign means, as it could easily be mistaken for another similar one. Annie regularly shares her expertise on social media and recently explained what this triangular symbol indicates. She said on TikTok: “What does this sign mean? Do you know the answer?
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“It’s in the shape of a triangle so remember what I said, all triangle shape signs give us warnings. That’s a triangle that’s a W for a warning. So what is this sign warning you about?
“A lot of people tend to know it’s warning you about a hill, but is it up hill or downhill? Okay let me give you an explanation.”
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She continued in the video, which received more than 1,000 likes: “I’m going to make it super easy for you so you get it every single time. Okay so if I was to write the number 50, are you reading that number from left to right or from right to left?
“If the 5 is here and the 0 is higher up than the number 5, that’s warning you about a steep uphill slope. Make sense?
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“And if the 5 is here and the 0 is lower down, it’s warning you about a steep downhill slope. So let’s come back to the road sign. So if you read this sign from left to right, is the zero going further up or lower down?
“If the 2 is down and the 0 is above, it’s warning you about a steep hill upwards.”
Triangular road signs in the UK are warning symbols featuring a red border, designed to alert drivers to hazards, unusual road layouts or changes in the conditions ahead.
Typically, these feature a white background with a black, easy-to-understand symbol. These signs warn of dangers like sharp bends, steep hills, junctions or pedestrians.
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The Highway Code states triangular, red-bordered, white-background signs warn of steep hills ahead, showing a black triangle pointing up (ascending) or down (descending) with a percentage gradient, such as 20%.
It said: “They alert drivers to prepare for steep inclines by adjusting speed and using low gears, especially for heavy vehicles.”
There are plans make areas around 100 Greater Manchester schools vehicle free at peak times by 2030
Vehicles are to be barred from roads close to a primary school during busy periods. Wigan borough’s tenth school street will launch at Westleigh St Paul’s primary this Friday (February 27).
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The council said they would be restricting access to motorised vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times.
Appropriately enough, the ‘school street’ resrictions will apply to the junction of School Street and Liza Street with Westleigh Lane.
Wigan council said the launch moves closer to hitting a target of creating 100 ‘school streets’ across Greater Manchester in the next four years.
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The authority said the initiative intends to ‘improve road safety and make schools much safer to walk, wheel, or scoot to’.
The scheme will mean the closure of School Street and Liza Street in the morning and afternoon between the hours of 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm.
A Wigan council spokesperson said: “With the ambition of reaching 100 School Streets across Greater Manchester by 2030, the scheme will require the road closures.
“Staff will on hand to monitor to project and prevent vehicle access. “Residents and businesses can apply for a school street exemption if their vehicle is registered to an address within the area covered by the restrictions.”
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The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) website lists nine other such schemes in Wigan borough.
They are close to Leigh Central Primary, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Leigh, Leigh St Peters C of E Primary School, Lamberhead Green Community Primary School, Orrell, Ince CofE Primary School, Ince, St Williams Catholic Primary School, Ince, St Thomas C of E Junior and Infants School, Golborne, St John’s C of E Primary School, Abram and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, Ashton-in-Makerfield.
TfGM said there are currently 37 school streets in Greater Manchester and ‘we’re on track to reach 60 in the next year’.
‘School streets’ are created by introducing a traffic regulation order and related signs to make the roads outside the school a pedestrian and cyclist zone.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie has speculated the former Duke of York might find refuge in China rather than the Middle East following his recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be heading to an unexpected destination following his dramatic downfall, according to a royal biographer.
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The former Duke of York was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office before being released whilst investigations continue. It follows a succession of damaging revelations from the Epstein files, casting a spotlight on his tenure as a UK Trade Envoy and his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Following months of relentless scandal, which resulted in Andrew being stripped of his royal titles and ousted from Royal Lodge by his brother King Charles, commentators have been speculating whether he might seek sanctuary in the United Arab Emirates. His well-documented close ties with the emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, would make it a seemingly natural choice.
It has been reported that the Sheikh offered him the use of a lavish 16,000 sq ft, fully staffed, six-bedroom property situated within a secure diplomatic enclave, where he might enjoy a degree of privacy and respect that appears increasingly unlikely in Britain.
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However, the author behind a biography that exposed the innermost secrets of the Yorks has now put forward the suggestion that the disgraced royal could in fact relocate to an entirely unexpected destination.
Andrew Lownie told us that the UAE option may well be off the table for him, as the Emirati leadership places considerable value on their ties with King Charles and would be reluctant to jeopardise that relationship.
“If he were to go to the Middle East, they wouldn’t want to upset the Royal Family,” he said.
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“He would have to go with the [British] Royal Family’s approval – which if that were known would be very unpopular – because their links with the King are more important than their links with Andrew.”
Whilst Bahrain lacks an extradition agreement with the UK, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa maintains a “very close” relationship with Charles, according to Lownie, and he’s “not going to p*** him off”.
However, the scandal-hit royal may have a rather more unexpected alternative.
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Stressing that all he can do at this stage is speculate about Mountbatten-Windsor’s plans, Lownie said: “The other option, because he’s not going to go and join Assad in Moscow, is China.
Mountbatten-Windsor maintains “lots of business activities” in China, Lownie points out. He added: “His former secretary Amanda Thirsk works for a Chinese company. He’s very close to the Chinese ambassador – when no-one went to his birthday party a couple of years ago, the Chinese ambassador turned up. “
Lownie emphasised that his China hypothesis remains entirely speculative at present. “I have no evidence of any of this except my instinct,” he said. “But that would be a place he could go.
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He could get lost there, it would be a big ‘two fingers’ to Britain from Xi Jinping. “Mountbatten-Windsor could “travel around” China with impunity, Lownie believes. He continued: “He could go and see his mates, go all over the place in a private jet, but that would be a base.
“Noting that Mountbatten-Windsor’s passport remains in his possession, Lownie further remarked: “I think he could go under the radar there [in China], in a way that he couldn’t elsewhere. “.
