Patrick Clancy says he has tried to find solace by talking to his dead children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay’s mistrial. 

The grieving father, 38, told 60 Minutes that he appeals to his late children for comfort in a sit down with Ross Douthat which will air on Sunday.

Asked what he tells his deceased children Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, Patrick said: ‘”Help me”… All the time.’

Lindsay Clancy‘s murder trial collapsed earlier this month after the jury deadlocked 11-1, with one holdout juror refusing to find her not guilty by reason of insanity.

Patrick’s interview comes after he faced a barrage of sickening threats and accusations by online sleuths during the trial, with some even alleging he was responsible for his children’s deaths. 

In a statement through his lawyer after the mistrial, Patrick promised ‘consequences’ for true crime creators who made the baseless and cruel allegations.

‘Over the past months, Patrick Clancy and his family have been subjected to a relentless, escalating and destructive defamation campaign,’ the statement read.

‘This campaign of misinformation has been launched and promoted by minor celebrities, so-called influencers and outright conspiracy theorists who appear intent on boosting their own social media profiles and potential profit by publishing what they know to be outright falsehoods that Patrick was somehow involved in the death of his young children and other vile claims.’ 

Asked by interviewer Ross Douthat what he tells his dead children, Clancy said: ”Help me’… All the time’

Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial ended in a controversial mistrial earlier this month, with her jury ending in an 11-1 deadlock as one holdout juror refused to acquit her by reason of insanity

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Patrick said at the time that the ‘insatiable media coverage’ had created a ‘fever pitch’ of allegations and scrutiny on him, while he continues to deal with the unimaginable loss of his children at the same time. 

‘(This) has resulted in real life threats to his reputation, livelihood, and life,’ his attorney said in his statement. 

‘Patrick has no choice but to address this situation – with the clear goal of stopping injurious behavior, creating accountability for lies that are self-serving to the perpetrators, and being able to return his attention to what matters: preserving the memory of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy and supporting other women facing perinatal mental health challenges.

‘Enough is enough – this spread of blatant and baseless falsehoods must stop. 

‘Those responsible should understand that there will be consequences, and every appropriate measure will be pursued to hold them accountable, including legally. Law enforcement has been notified.’

Patrick filed for divorce from his wife in February 2024, a year after she killed their three young children by strangling them with exercise bands at the family’s home in Massachusetts. 

Lindsay never denied killing the children but asked the court to find her not guilty by reason of insanity, citing alleged post partum psychosis and over medication. 

Patrick remarried in April and now lives in New York City with new wife Rachel Danis

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Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan in 2023

Patrick remarried in April and now lives in New York City with new wife Rachel Danis. 

After Lindsay’s high-profile murder trial ended in a deadlock, prosecutors are yet to say if they intend to re-try her for murder or offer her a plea deal. 

This week, it was revealed that she has hired one of the attorneys who worked with acquitted accused killer Karen Read, as she seeks to have her murder case dismissed.

Lindsay hired veteran Boston defense attorney Martin Weinberg to argue the case should be dismissed on the grounds of double jeopardy and ‘related matters,’ a Plymouth Superior Court filing on Tuesday revealed.

Double jeopardy refers to a Fifth Amendment right protected by the Constitution that states no person shall be punished for the same crime twice after being found innocent or guilty.

It is unclear whether a dismissal on double jeopardy grounds will work for Lindsay since her first trial ended in a hung jury and no verdict was reached.

The change that has caused frustration among film fans is that customers are no longer able to book tickets for fellow Unlimited members.

Instead, anyone paying for the monthly subscription can only book a ticket for themselves, meaning they will need to change their seats once tickets have been booked if they want to sit next to another Unlimited member.

Can you clarify that this means I won’t be able to book 3 seats together so myself and 2 other unlimited members can sit next to each other?

I’ve been an Unlimited holder for ages and routinely go with my friends/family but I’ll probably cancel if this is the case.@cineworld pic.twitter.com/THNryOIGBj

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— Andy Vaughan (@andysvaughan) September 15, 2026

A message shared with Cineworld customers said: “You will no longer be able to book tickets for family members or friends who also have an Unlimited membership.

“Each Unlimited member will need to book their own tickets.

“Our Unlimited Terms will be updated to reflect this change.”

People shared their frustration across social media, including on X, where one person said: “Dear @cineworld my son is disabled and has an unlimited card.

“How am I meant to book tickets for him online?

“Why have you changed a good system and replaced it with this.

“The person who came up this needs sacking.”

Hollywood actors who walked away from the big screen

Someone else said they want the system to return to how it was previously: “@cineworld please tell me this is something you can reverse.

“It’s going to be a nightmare for people trying to book shows with friends & families and being able to ensure you can get seats together.

“Not quite sure how this is a smoother booking experience.”

This person commented: “The new update to the @cineworld app is so awful it’s upset me enough to start posting on this app again”.

Adding: “I’ve been thinking of cancelling my unlimited for a while and I think this has swung it :(”.

Cineworld customers start petition to reverse Unlimited ticket booking change

Unhappy with the change to the membership, some Cineworld customers have signed a petition which calls for it to be reversed.

The petition, titled “Restore booking privileges for Cineworld Unlimited members”, has been signed 230 times at the time of writing.

It was started by Simon Cooke on Change.org and includes details of the impact the Cineworld change is having on customers: “Unfortunately, this feature has been revoked, and it has deeply affected our cultural and social outings.

“For many Unlimited members like myself, the joy of sharing these cinematic experiences with loved ones has been significantly curtailed.

“It’s not just about watching films; it’s about connecting, sharing emotions and creating memories with those who matter most to us.

“Cineworld’s decision to remove this feature may seem minor to some but it deeply impacts the way we socialize and celebrate art.

Which are the best filming locations in the UK?

“In an era where digital connections often outweigh personal interactions, gatherings at the movie theatre are one of the few opportunities to foster genuine, shared experiences.”

Cooke added: “We urge Cineworld to reconsider and reinstate this vital component of the Unlimited card.

“By doing so, they would be acknowledging the community aspect of film watching and fostering relationships, which is fundamental to their identity as an entertainment provider.”

The cinema chain said it is “working on an improved solution” to allow Unlimited members to book in groups in the future.

A Cineworld spokesperson told Newsquest: “As communicated to our Unlimited customers, Cineworld is launching a new and improved mobile-first website and app for our customers.

“The change has been introduced as part of the wider evolution of our booking platforms.

Recommended reading:

“As part of these changes, customers will benefit from the following enhancements to their online experience:

• Faster speed and load time
• Changing seats – customers can change seats up to the start time of a film, moving to sit next to family and friends
• Improved accessibility – making the booking journey more accessible and inclusive
• Seat first booking – improving the overall checkout experience
• An improved app, with optimised customer experience and journey
• Many more benefits and features, soon to be announced

“While we understand that some members preferred the previous process, especially regarding booking for friends and family, this feature will not be available initially with the launch of the new Cineworld website and app, but we are working on an improved solution to assist Unlimited members to book for friends and family more easily in future.”

Will you be signing the petition? Let us know in the comments.

Police said they had followed more than 4,000 lines of inquiry, taken more than 300 statements and carried out detailed searches at more than 10 addresses and on numerous vessels.

Det Ch Insp Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, said: “While this tragic discovery is not the outcome Joanne’s family, or any of us, had hoped for, we hope the identification of her remains can at least begin to provide some answers after many years of uncertainty.

“Throughout this investigation, Joanne’s family have shown tremendous strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“As our investigation progresses, we remain committed to establishing exactly what happened to Joanne and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

He stressed that the police would still like to hear from anyone with information about Sheen’s disappearance.

The Ayr Western Meeting is under way and Newsboy has a recommendation for the first of the fixture’s three handicap sprints, the Bronze Cup

It’s time to shout home ROUSING ENCORE who looks ready to reach a crescendo in the Ladbrokes Ayr Bronze Cup (3.40, NB) at Ayr today.

Ruth Carr’s six-year-old has yet to record a victory this year but his handicap mark has dropped to the exact same figure off which he registered his last two successes.

Running off today’s mark of 82 he won a valuable handicap at York in May last year and struck again at the end of September over today’s course and distance from the same rating. That followed a solid effort in the Silver Cup in which he finished eighth of 25, five lengths behind Candy from a 4lb high handicap mark.

On his latest start he finished fifth at Ripon, keeping on towards the end after breaking slowly. If he gets away cleanly this time he will outrun his odds.

Earlier BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND can deliver a fourth win in the Listed Arron Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes (3.05, NAP) for trainer Karl Burke.

The grey mare was a staying on third in the 5f Land O’Burns Stakes 90 days ago so she should be tailormade for this contest run over an extra 110 yards.

At Newbury, ELARAK can get back to winning form in the Listed Dubai Duty Free Stakes (4.07).

The Charlie Hills-trained gelding has produced a number of strong performances this season, going down by a neck in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and finishing third in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket.

Last month he dropped down to 6f to finish second in the Hopeful Stakes but today’s return to his optimum 7f trip can see him winning again.

An 80-year-old military historian was caught smashing his neighbours’ cars with a scaffolding pole after a lengthy feud over parking spaces.

Alexandre Binda and his wife June had been at war with two hoteliers whose premises backed on to their mews home in Rothbury, Northumberland.

For months the couples could not come to a resolution about whose cars had priority, which left Mr and Mrs Binda feeling so stressed they considered suicide.

The hoteliers said the ongoing issues caused them ‘depression and anxiety’, which led them to moving out of the property, the court heard. 

Decorated for his service in the Rhodesian Army, Binda was given an 18 month conditional discharge by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court who said ‘there were clearly two sides’ to the dispute.

The hotel manager and his husband were each charged with common assault against Mr and Mrs Binda following a dispute in 2024, but were cleared when the case reached court.

However as they were awaiting their day in court Binda, the author of four books on the Rhodesian infantry, armed himself with a lengthy steel scaffolding pole and went over to the hotel.

He smashed up the cars he believed were encroaching on his space, causing around £4,500 damage to a van and £2,000 damage to a Range Rover.

Decorated for his service in the Rhodesian Army, Alexandre Binda was given an 18 month conditional discharge by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court

He was arrested after the couple called the police while one filmed his actions, which was played before a judge at Binda’s sentencing hearing before Newcastle Crown Court.

Saba Shan, prosecuting, said the hoteliers told police there had been ‘issues with the defendant and his wife regarding parking because they live at the back of the hotel’.

Ms Shan said of the attack: ‘They looked outside and saw the defendant smashing two vehicles with a metal scaffolding pole.’

She added: ‘They went outside and the defendant continued to damage their vehicles with the pole.’

The hotel manager said in a victim impact statement: ‘I feel sick about this whole situation. I feel like my hands are tied.’

His husband added: ‘Due to ongoing issues with the neighbours, I feel I can no longer live in my property due to the anxiety and depression it’s caused.’

Binda, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage. He must pay £1,000 compensation at £50 a month as part of his sentence.

Judge Robert Spragg told him: ‘There were clearly two sides to whatever was happening and I’ve no doubt it was this background that led you to behave in a way that was totally out of character.

‘You were so stressed in the lead up to this incident you and your wife even considered suicide.’

Binda, the author of four books on the Rhodesian infantry. Seen: The Equus Men: Rhodesia’s Mounted Infantry : the Grey’s Scouts, 1896-1980 (published in 2015)

Nick Lane, defending, said Binda had served in the Rhodesian Army for 15 years, including in the light infantry and special air service and has since authored four books. 

After moving to the UK, he worked for the prison service then the National Trust.

Mr Lane said: ‘He is deeply ashamed and embarrassed that, at the age of 80, he finds himself before your honour today.’

He added that there was a ‘significant background’ of ‘hostility’ which led to another person reporting the Bindas as vulnerable adults. 

‘He simply snapped and acted in the way he did,’ Mr Lane told the court.

He said the couple had been left contemplating suicide due to the situation but said matters have improved after the victims of the criminal damage moved. 

He added: ‘Mr and Mrs Binda continue to enjoy the support of the local community.’

Binda’s literary biography says he was born in Beira, Mozambique in 1945 and joined the Rhodesian Army in 1965.

He was awarded a Military Forces Commendation and was commissioned as an officer in 1979.

Police and Trading Standards have warned UK patients about a convincing NHS phone hoax

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Residents across the UK are being alerted to a sophisticated new NHS telephone scam that is currently doing the rounds, potentially leaving thousands of patients concerned about losing access to their local GP services. Police forces and consumer protection bodies have issued a warning following a spike in automated calls targeting unsuspecting people.

If you are contacted by phone with claims that your local GP or surgery is “updating their registry”, end the call straight away. This is the guidance being given to people across Britain regarding the new fraud designed to deceive you into handing over personal details or installing malicious software.

The scam starts with an automated voice message. It informs you that if you wish to continue using your local doctor’s surgery, you need to “press one” to speak with an NHS staff member. They claim they will assist you in setting up a new mobile application to remain registered, reports the Mirror.

The complete message states: “Our systems show your local practitioner is updating their registry. If you would like to keep attending your local practitioner, please press one to speak with a member of staff at the NHS to show you how to set up our new mobile app.”

Trading Standards and police forces throughout the UK have issued urgent alerts concerning this specific recorded script. Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Sudbury and Haverhill Police have confirmed that this is entirely fraudulent.

The NHS will never contact you unexpectedly by telephone to threaten your access to healthcare, nor will it instruct you to download an application during a phone call.

Fraudsters employ “number spoofing” to make the call appear to originate from a genuine UK mobile or local telephone number, rendering the scam highly persuasive. Should you press the button, you will be put through to a fraudster who will attempt to obtain your banking details or personal information.

Criminals may also use these calls to extract personal data, banking details, passwords, or security codes. Those behind the scam may create a sense of urgency in order to pressure you into making a hasty decision.

What can you do to stay safe?

• End the call immediately and do not press any buttons or respond to the message.
• Do not trust the caller ID, as genuine numbers can be easily replicated by criminals.
• If you have concerns, contact your actual GP surgery using the number listed on their official website.

If you have already disclosed your financial information, contact your bank without delay. You can also report the scam to Action Fraud to help protect others from falling victim. Continue to monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.

Remember the advice from Take Five to Stop Fraud. Stop (pause before parting with money/info), challenge (could it be fake?), and protect (contact your bank and report it). You can report NHS-specific fraud directly to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority.

It’s official, summer is dead and buried…and it’s time to embrace all that an English autumn brings: woodland walks with leaves crunching underfoot, Sunday roasts in toasty pubs and exploring the nation’s heritage properties. 

That heatwave summer could make the autumn colourwheel this year unusually impressive as the combination of a rainy spring and soaring temperatures in July and August conspire to paint the nation in fiery reds, golden browns and warm yellows.  

From pumpkin patches to Halloween spectacles and cosy Sunday roasts, here’s some of the best ways to lean into Mother Nature’s scenic seasonal show… 

Wrap up and crunch through the New Forest

This 56,000-hectare Hampshire adventure playground offers a compendium of autumnal pursuits, from cycle rides through towering woodlands to piloting a kayak on emerald Beaulieu River. 

There’s gorgeous walks – long or short – under Douglas firs, sweet chestnuts, oak and beech, some of which date from the 1860s on the looping trails at Bolderwood. 

A wander through this vast woodland west of the village of Lyndhurst is the perfect precursor to a fireside Sunday roast in one of the region’s many centuries-old pubs, thenewforest.co.uk.

Golden views at Charles Darwin’s former home in Kent 

The 18th century former home of Charles Darwin in Kent serves up some winsome autumnal views of the surrounding valley

Enjoy a jaunt exploring the home of history’s most famous naturalist with an afternoon at the house Charles Darwin called home for 40 years. 

In the village of Downe in Kent, but very accessible from London, Down House is now in the hands of English Heritage. What to see? There’s a vibrant scarlet red Virginia creeper and a purplish Boston ivy, as well as the chance to walk amongst beech trees Darwin planted.

From Great Pucklands’ Meadow, admire a valley draped in colour, a seasonal vista that was treasured by the Darwin family in the 19th century, english-heritage.org.uk 

Lincolnshire’s almighty pick-your-own pumpkin patch

Lincolnshire haul: There are more than 30 different varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds to choose from at Elizabethan Doddington Hall

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This Elizabethan estate in Lincolnshire’s rural heart counts more than 30 types of pumpkin, squash and gourds in its expansive grounds.  

The best thing about historic Doddington Hall’s pick-your-own pumpkin patch? It’s free to wander – and should you find a bright orange squash you want to take home, it’ll only cost around £4, depending on size. 

Watch out for golden bottomed pumpkins this year too – you’ll win a Christmas tree and tickets to the hall’s yuletide event, doddingtonhall.com

Elsewhere, Hatter’s Farm in Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, is a sea of orange baubles at this time of year, with 100,000 pumpkins on display – simply pick a wheelbarrow and go and find your perfect squash. 

The attraction also has night entry, so you can spy the pumpkins in the moonlight, hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk.

Embrace the spookiest season at Kew Gardens

From mid October, Kew Gardens’ bronzing trees are at their most colourful…but it’s the attraction’s Halloween trail that garners the most visitors 

West London’s horticultural landmark obviously has amber-hued leaves galore – there are 11,000 trees, after all – but the biggest queues in October at Kew Gardens are for its Halloween-themed illuminated trail. 

The annual fright-fest takes place from October 16th and sees ticket-holders faced with spine-tingling attractions including Dracula’s Lair, the Cursed Tomb and a Monster Disco. 

And if you’re visiting in daylight, take some time to admire the scarlet of the red oaks and bursts of orange, yellow and purple from the berries of Viburnums and rowans, kew.org.

Behind the wheel: A colour-drenched drive in the Forest of Dean 

New England eat your heart out: A ten-mile drive through the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and the Wye Valley showcases some fine fall foliage

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For fall fans heading to the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and the Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales – there’s an official ten-mile leaf-peeping drive that promises to signpost the biggest seasonal photo opportunities. 

This tree-lover’s paradise, which has 20 million mixed species over 200 square miles, offers unfettered, 360-degree forest views at New Fancy, the landscaped former colliery. Other highlights include Symonds Yat Rock, with treetop views over the River Wye and the Monmouthshire’s hills, visitdeanwye.co.uk.

STAY A WHILE: BRITAIN’S TOASTIEST AUTUMNAL PUBS    

Crackling fires, hearty food and a decent drop – Britain’s pubs are the perfect cosy hideaway as the nights draw in and temperatures drop... 

Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Cumbria 

The kind of Lake District idyll that actually makes one wish for leaden skies, just so you can cancel those plans and order another half of the local Brathay Gold ale, graze on home-made sourdough or indulge with a sticky toffee pudding. Work up an appetite with a Lake Windermere hike – you can walk to its shores from here, drunkenduckinn.co.uk

The Bell, Ticehurst, East Sussex

Snuggly: The wood-clad dining area at the 16th century The Bell in Ticehurst 

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A warm hug of a pub that dates back to the 1560s but delights in eccentric modernity – ‘I think I’m falling in bed with you’ is writ large above the headboard in one of the seven rooms, and there’s deep copper baths in some too. The East Sussex/Kent border countryside is pretty, but possibly not as enticing as the romance – and seasonal food – of this destination pub, thebellinticehurst.com

The Chainlocker Inn, Falmouth, Cornwall

Hunker down and enjoy a seagull’s eye view of this Cornish quayside  – and an array of maritime curios on the ceiling, including everything from lifebuoy rings to US flags. The Chainlocker’s bar is soul-warming; all handsome wood, toasty fires and tasty plates – try the fish and chips, there’s local Banana Blossom beer in the batter, chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk

The Gin Trap Inn, Norfolk

Norfolk bolt-hole The Gin Trap Inn has an impressive kitchen – and rooms to stay in

This white-washed 17th century coaching inn in the village of Ringstead once hosted smugglers but now entertains weekenders enjoying North Norfolk’s spectacular coast. Forest green walls adorned with oil painting portraits offer a regal backdrop to a G&T, and the kitchen boasts three AA rosettes. There’s a baker’s dozen of characterful rooms and cottages – all different – to retreat to at the night’s end, thegintrapinn.co.uk

Northumberland Arms, Felton, Northumberland 

Rough-hewn stone walls, antler chandeliers and sturdy oak tables create rustic vibes at this sand-coloured coaching inn, which was built by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland in the 1820s – it’s hard to believe you’re just a mile from the A1. There’s six five-star en-suites should you need a place to bed down and a mouthwatering menu to peruse; the bubble and squeak pie being peak comfort food, northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk

The father of Noah Woods has paid tribute to him as “the sweetest and most innocent little boy” after his body was discovered close to where he went missing on Wednesday.

A desperate search had been launched for Noah, who is mildly autistic, non-verbal and has partial hearing loss, after he vanished when separated from a relative near a playground in Brantham, Suffolk, on Tuesday afternoon.

More than 24 hours after his disappearance, police confirmed that dive teams had recovered a child’s body from a lake known locally as Decoy Pond.

The force confirmed on Thursday that the body had been identified as Noah.

Writing on Facebook on Thursday, his father, Rhys Woods, said: “As I’m sure you have all seen, the body that was found in Decoy Pond is our little Noah.

“There are no words to describe the pain of this loss, we are all absolutely heartbroken, Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much.”

He added: “It seems he has made an impact across the whole nation, you have all taken Noah into you’re own hearts, with all the overwhelming help, we were all just trying to bring him home to us safe and sound.”

Around 1,300 volunteers turned out to help find Noah on Wednesday, and search efforts were supported by the National Police Air Service, HM Coastguard, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, and Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue.

Suffolk Police confirmed late on Wednesday afternoon that the body of a child had been found and the discovery was being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Noah’s father thanked volunteers and authorities, writing: “The compassion shown by all of you will never be forgotten by us, and brought us comfort and strength at the darkest time of our lives.

“This was the most heartbreaking outcome for us, we were just hoping that he would be hiding somewhere obvious where someone could find him, that’s what we kept telling ourselves the whole time.”

He added: “Noah, you will be loved forever, you will never be forgotten and we miss you so so much, it has been a privilege to be your parents and be able to have packed so much love in the short 3 years you were with us.”

Mr Woods previously issued a desperate plea for the public “not to give up on” the young boy, saying he “cannot go another night knowing he’s out there alone.”

Suffolk Police superintendent Tom Pearse said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Noah’s family and all who knew him.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support, people putting on their boots and helping us search.

“As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help and such a response is one that typifies the strong sense of community and the heart-warming nature of Suffolk people that make the county such a special place. I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this.”

He added: “This was a case where the people of Suffolk rallied together and showed the county at its best in what transpired to be the most tragic of circumstances.”

King Charles’s Private Secretary Sir Clive Alderton is despised by the Duke of Sussex.

So deeply does Prince Harry loathe the courtier, who has loyally and tirelessly served his father for more than a decade, that he singled him out for stinging criticism in his tawdry memoir, Spare.

The former diplomat, 59, was held up as an example of everything that was wrong about the British monarchy.

Giving him the nickname ‘the Wasp’, Harry claimed that he was one of three ‘middle-aged white men’ at the heart of the Royal Household ‘who’d managed to consolidate power through a series of bold Machiavellian manoeuvres’.

He said Sir Clive was ‘lanky, charming, arrogant, a ball of jazzy energy’ and described his technique as ‘pretending to be polite, even servile’.

Harry wrote: ‘You’d assert a fact, something seemingly incontrovertible – I believe the sun rises in the mornings – and he’d stammer that perchance you might consider for a moment the possibility that you’d been misinformed: Well, heh-heh, I don’t know about that, Your Royal Highness, you see, it all depends what you mean by mornings, sir.

‘Because he seemed so weedy, so self-effacing, you might be tempted to push back, insist on your point, and that was when he’d put you on his list. A short time later, without warning, he’d give you such a stab with his out-sized stinger that you’d cry out in confusion. Where the f*** did that come from?’

This week, however, Sir Clive found himself in the unusual position of using all his ‘jazzy energy’ and charm to undertake an important mission on behalf of Harry, the man who said publicly that he disliked him and called him a ‘usurper’.

The courtier was asked by the King to help ensure that the Invictus Games, which are due to take place in Birmingham next July, are a success.

The Paralympic-style contest for injured and sick former military personnel, which was created by Harry, threatened to become a shambles after one of the countries taking part, Uganda, said it was pulling out after a letter was sent on behalf of the King clarifying that Harry and his wife Meghan remained non-working royals.

Sir Clive telephoned the country’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to smooth over relations.

A Ugandan spokesman said ‘Sir Alderton [sic] revealed that King Charles III was moved by General Kainerugaba’s sensitive consideration of the King’s opinion on the upcoming Invictus Games organised by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Sir Alderton said King Charles III has no problem with Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games.’

As a result of Sir Clive’s moving pleas to the general, Uganda has returned to the games.

His intervention will have deterred any other countries thinking of following Uganda’s example and withdrawing from the event.

Palace sources say Sir Clive’s involvement demonstrates the King’s support for the Invictus Games and for Birmingham, something that was never in doubt. Invictus was launched by the Royal Foundation of Prince William and Catherine, as well as Harry. At the inaugural games in London in 2014, Charles and Camilla attended the opening ceremony as well as William.

Palace sources say Sir Clive’s involvement demonstrates the King’s support for the Invictus Games (Charles and Prince Harry pictured in 2014 at the Invictus Games) 

It is, however, not surprising that Ugandan officials were bewildered about the King’s view of Invictus. The fact that Sir Clive had to intervene is a worrying example of the monarch’s confusing response to Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain.

His decision to instruct the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, to send a letter to government departments and the military on his behalf reiterating the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s status as non-working royals was meant to clarify their position. In fact, it did the opposite.

If their status was ‘akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests’, as the letter suggested, should proud members of the Commonwealth such as Uganda take part in the Invictus Games, of which Harry is patron?

Sir Clive’s intervention is evidence that the King is now dancing to Harry’s tune. Not only is the ‘usurper’ having to work in the duke’s interests, but the Sussexes have managed to achieve what they have long campaigned for: a review of their right to automatic, taxpayer-funded protection.

The fiasco over the education of the children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who were withdrawn from their school after two days because of security fears, might suggest that the Sussexes’ return has been chaotic. The couple are, however, quietly on their way to achieving what they wanted, thanks to our well-meaning but misguided monarch and his loyal servant Sir Clive.

Two police vans were parked in the alleyway linking Spurriergate with Church Lane throughout Thursday afternoon (September 17) after the alleged incident.

The lane has been cordoned off with officers asking people to avoid the area.

North Yorkshire Police said an investigation is underway into the alleged sexual assault which is said to have happened in the early hours of Thursday.

The force said the alleged victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Police in Spurriergate on Thursday (September 17) following a reported serious sexual assault (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Workers at bars and restaurants in Low Ousegate said there was no police presence in the area when they finished their shifts at 11.30pm on Wednesday.

A staff member at the Cooplands bakery in Low Ousegate said two police vans were parked in the alleyway when she arrived for work at 6.30am on Thursday.

The vans were parked at either end of the alleyway, she said, and the vehicles remained in Spurriergate and in Church Lane by Wednesday afternoon.

She added that the police vans had remained in the alleyway since she saw them at 6.30am.

A shop worker in Spurriergate said there has been an increase in reports of crime in the area and called for people in the community to “think about these things and play a role”.

“It’s just becoming really bad,” she said. “Day by day, we see disturbing scenes. It affects people.

“We don’t know what’s happened [in the alleyway] – but we have become apart of it [by being near the scene of the alleged incident].

“They [the police] are doing their jobs, but we don’t really want something like this to happen to anyone.

“As a community we need to think about these things and play a role.”

A York resident said it was “distressing” to hear about the reported incident before seeing the police presence in the alleyway between Spurriergate and Church Lane.

“I find it very distressing that this is happening in York,” he said, “but I’m happy that the police have done their job about it.”

Police said a 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged incident and remained in custody on Wednesday.