Royal Family

Today’s cold open showed Andrew, played by the comedian Jack Shep, taken into an office by MI5 in the wake of Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

The former Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson and Peter Mandelson were skewered in tonight’s opening Saturday Night Live UK sketch. It saw Andrew, played by comedian Jack Shep, taken into an office by MI5 in the wake of Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

It was quickly hailed as “incredible” by fans. One wrote: “I fear it’s already genius.” Another said: “Oh god perfect cold open on Andrew.”

Agents sit him down and tell him: “No one knows better than us how charming, capable, fiercely intelligent and morally upstanding you are. You are a credit to princes everywhere. Since the death of Diana the public have turned on Prince Charles but still one day he will be King. We need to make him look good.”

Another added: “We have deduced that the only way to increase the likability of our future king is to decrease the likability of everyone around him.”

Andrew replies: “I see. Well, I love my brother, I love my country and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.” The agents tell him, passing him an enormous dossier: “We have prepared a 29 year plan.”

He is seen flicking through nervously, asking: “And you actually need me to do all of this stuff? Even the part about befriending a notorious paedophile? Before and after he is convicted? And there is absolutely no other way to make my brother look good?”

The Andrew character adds: “This all seems very high risk. Oh god, I’m sweating. Surely you can’t make everyone around Charles unlikeable. What about William? He’s so handsome.” The agents tell him: “We’re seeing to that.”

“And Harry?” asks Andrew. They tell him: “He’s going to marry a woman 98% of the UK public will find it impossible to have a normal conversation about.”

The Andrew character replies: “Goodness, this will kill mummy when the news comes out.” They tell him: “Turn to page 72, it will.”

Things go up a gear again when they say: “”Send in Agent Mandelson.” Larry Dean emerges as Peter Peter Mandelson with Emma Sidi as Sarah Ferguson, who have also been brought in to make Charles look good.

The agents tell Andrew: “Your Highness, if you’re ever in too deep, just say the code word and we’ll step in to save you.” When he asks what that is, he’s told: “Pizza Express, Woking.”

The second episode of Saturday Night Live UK was hosted by actor Jamie Dornan, following on from Tina Fey’s appearance in the debut.

This historic Shropshire market town is bursting with history and has more than 500 listed buildings to explore, plus a vibrant food scene and festivals

Brimming with heritage, this charming market town makes for the perfect weekend escape, boasting over 500 listed buildings to discover and its renowned culinary scene.

Numerous visitors flock to Ludlow for its closeness to excellent hiking and cycling spots, while history enthusiasts adore it for its ancient churches, castles and mediaeval landmarks.

As the town has developed through the years, it now provides a lively atmosphere with its own market, independent retailers and regular festivals showcasing local talent.

Ludlow is situated along the River Teme, with its most ancient area being the mediaeval walled town, tracing as far back as the 11th century.

This section of the market town lies on the eastern bank of the river, whilst the castle perches on a hill and the remaining streets slope downwards towards the water.

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Ludlow Castle

As one of the primary tourist draws in the region, Ludlow Castle stands as an uninhabited, partly ruined medieval fortification. Its origins are traced as far back as 1066 – subsequently, it became the residence of Prince Edward from 1473 to 1483, and for centuries it remained under the care of the crown.

By 1760, the government had contemplated demolishing the structure but, owing to substantial costs, opted instead to lease it, and thus the Earl of Powis started his residency in 1711.

From that point onwards, the magnificent castle started to draw tourists, with their appreciation for the picturesque style, and walking routes were established exploring the grounds and neighbouring areas.

Following the success of this venture, the Earl acquired the castle in 1811, and it has remained under the guardianship of the Trustees of the Powis Castle Estate ever since, who hold ownership on behalf of the family.

One visitor commented on TripAdvisor: “Lovely morning exploring the castle; so much to wander around even though it was very cold. The views were amazing from the top of the towers. You could feel the history come alive whilst walking around.”

Another said: “The main attraction in Ludlow – a site of enormous historical significance. The castle covers a very extensive area with amazing views from the top. In the castle shop do go upstairs to the gallery; it has some very interesting information.”

The fortress, perched proudly atop that very same hill, continues to welcome the public to discover and understand its significance to the town. Opening hours may fluctuate, though the castle can generally be expected to be accessible from 10am until 4pm daily.

Admission tickets can be purchased upon arrival – though advance booking online is usually recommended. Adult admission costs £10, whilst a child ticket is £5 and family tickets are £28.

Stokesay Castle

The remarkable buildings don’t end there, as Stokesay’s magnificent manor house continues to captivate passers-by with its timber-framed features.

Constructed like a fortress, though in reality it is a mansion, completed in 1291, and with minimal signs of alteration or modernisation ever since.

Owned by English Heritage, the protected structure has been meticulously maintained to reflect its original state and provides guided tours for those eager to discover more.

The property was originally established by Laurence of Ludlow, a celebrated wool merchant, actually one of the finest in the nation, and it stayed within his family until the 16th century.

The building’s architecture and design offer valuable insights into the period and continue to serve as a portal to the past. It welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, with adult admission priced at £9 and children’s tickets at £5.40.

One guest commented: “The castle that is not a castle! Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The audio guide provided us with an amazing amount of useful information. A must-visit whilst in the area.”

Dining options

Ludlow boasts a strong reputation as a haven for food lovers, frequently dubbed the culinary capital of Shropshire. It’s earned this accolade through its excellent range of local produce, with countless independent suppliers and premium artisan food, all highlighted at the yearly food festival.

Taking place over one weekend in September, this year on 11-13, the festival features a vibrant programme of live events, including culinary demonstrations, workshops, talks and, naturally, showcases produce you can purchase to take away.

Naturally, the area also boasts numerous pubs and restaurants that garner considerable acclaim in their own right. Topping the rankings on TripAdvisor is The Blue Boar, a beautifully restored Grade II listed pub located on Mill Street.

A recent visitor commented: “Wonderful cosy, homely, friendly pub. Called twice on our little getaway, food was excellent, service was professional and friendly, and we would definitely recommend it to all our friends and family. Can’t wait for our next trip to Ludlow just to visit here again.”

Additional dining establishments include The French Pantry, Old Downton Lodge, The Queens, and the Michelin restaurant, known as The Charlton Arms Restaurant.

Its historic cathedral, central attractions and pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for a UK staycation, especially now that it’s starting to warm up.

Spring has almost sprung, and now that the weather is getting slightly better here in the UK, there are more chances to get out and explore and enjoy the sun. You can’t beat a day or weekend trip somewhere new, and if you haven’t visited York before, consider this your sign to go this spring.

The stunning historic city earned the title of the UK’s most walkable city in 2023, according to LateRooms. Since then, it’s still considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly places in Britain, reports the Express.

There’s so much to do and see in York, from quaint cobbled streets lined with independent shops and eateries to a rich historical scene and plenty of green spaces too.

Among York’s highest-rated attractions is York Minster, which was previously crowned England’s most beautiful building.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Tremendous place to visit and to marvel at what humans can achieve. You could spend a lifetime here and still find new pieces of craftsmanship.”

Visitors can also see one of the UK’s finest pieces of Royal history at the remarkable British landmark. York Minster houses one of the UK’s only statues of Queen Elizabeth II, which was installed to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.

Also in York, you’ll find the Shambles – a medieval preserved street lined with timber-framed buildings and shops that feels like being frozen in time.

If you’re keen to spend some time in nature, Rowntree Park is a must-visit. With play parks for kids, tennis courts, skate parks and a gorgeous lake, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun this spring.

Taking to Tripadvisor, one fan wrote: “A beautiful well kept Victorian park with lots to do and see. Children’s areas, flower beds, arboretums, statues, and ponds. Lots of local wildlife. Excellent for a picnic.

“Cafe and toilets, all just a stone throw from York city centre and the racecourse. Well worth a visit.”

Brighton secured the second position on the list of walkable cities. Visitors can wander the seaside city’s Lanes before heading for an invigorating stroll along the promenade. Following a lengthy walk, there’s nothing better than a fish and chip supper on the beach with stunning sea views.

Bath claimed third spot on the list and is renowned for its remarkable Roman history and ancient baths. While tourists can’t bathe in the Roman baths, they will be able to unwind at the city’s spa instead.

Bristol was the greenest city on the list whilst London boasted some of the most city-centre attractions. Brighton, Inverness and Cambridge had the lowest levels of air pollution of any of the cities in the rankings.

Matt Fox, CEO and co-founder of LateRooms.com, said: “UK city breaks are as popular as ever and with spring around the corner, impromptu weekends away offer a great way to see and experience somewhere new.

“Getting to see all of the best sights somewhere has to offer in a short space of time can be hard work, but doing it on foot guarantees you’ll see so much more and stay active in the process too.

“All of Britain’s varied and historic cities offer something different and you can pack so much in without needing to set foot in a vehicle in almost all of them.”

Meanwhile Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle and Coventry were the least walkable cities in the top 20 rankings.

This place deserves far more recognition – it has amazing views, a real sense of community, and a fascinating history too.

There’s genuinely nothing better than those first sunny spring days as we leave winter behind. It immediately makes you crave a visit the seaside, even if there’s still a slight chill and it’s not quite swimming weather yet.

Last weekend, I chose to take advantage of my renewed enthusiasm and positivity for life, and drove to a stunning coastal village that many people have never heard of. Admittedly it’s tiny, and there’s barely anything there, but there’s a welcoming pub and restaurant, breathtaking sea views , and it’s near to another popular seaside destination too. Lower Largo in Fife has a population of approximately 2,300, and it’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve seen.

The compact village overlooks Largo Bay, on the northern side of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. It required roughly an hour and a half to drive from Glasgow, and from Edinburgh, it’s just an hour’s drive away.

Largo is a historic fishing village, divided into two separate sections – Lower and Upper, with the small village of Lundin Links just to the left. Here, you won’t discover amusement arcades or crowds of holidaymakers, and it boasts a far more peaceful atmosphere than other coastal villages I’ve visited lately.

But don’t let the lack of attractions put you off. The more relaxed rhythm of life here was captivating, and already I’m eager for my next opportunity to return.

Waking up to those stunning views was an instant mood-booster, especially when the sun was shining brightly. The chilly temperature didn’t matter – the setting looked perfect, and the fresh coastal air felt wonderfully revitalising, reports the Express.

Lower Largo’s shoreline consists of sand and rocks, and it’s pristine. We noticed plenty of dog walkers enjoying the area, and even saw one brave soul taking a plunge in the sea, which must have felt incredible once she got past the initial cold shock.

The surrounding streets were equally delightful to explore. It’s fairly peaceful, meaning you’ll hardly encounter any traffic, but you will discover some impressively decorated front gardens. The nautical theme ran strong throughout, with garden gates featuring pirates, fish and mermaids.

We had breakfast at The Aurrie, a delightful cafe set within a converted church that offered such a warm and inviting ambience. Artwork from local artists lined the walls and was available to purchase, alongside an excellent range of hot dishes, coffees, and a cake display packed with tempting options. I chose the veggie haggis and potato scone roll with a flat white, and it was absolutely lovely.

During our visit, we also ate at The Crusoe, another wonderfully welcoming four-star hotel featuring a restaurant and pub. It serves all the traditional pub favourites you’d anticipate, from mac and cheese to fish and chips, and my entire family really enjoyed the experience.

Just over the way is the Railway Inn, another pub boasting a real fire that I didn’t manage to pop into, but my parents assured me it was fantastic and the ideal place for a post-dinner drink.

The pub enjoys a prime location right next to an impressive viaduct, now disused but still standing tall. It spans the Keil Burn, and was constructed to serve a section of the Fife Coast Railway Line. It’s been out of service since 1965 due to the reorganisation of British railways known as the Beeching cuts, but it remains a significant landmark and is well worth a look.

Another fascinating aspect of Lower Largo’s past is that it’s actually the birthplace of the man who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe – hence the hotel’s name.

Born in 1676, Alexander Selkirk was born in the village, and the house that now occupies his birthplace at 99-105 Main Street showcases a life-sized statue of him gazing out towards the horizon.

A signpost at the harbour points in the direction of the Juan Fernández Islands, some 7,500 miles distant, where he spent over four years shipwrecked.

I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Lower Largo. The overall atmosphere of the place was so welcoming, and it’s clear it has a strong sense of community.

It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful few days, but if you fancy exploring further afield, the beloved coastal town of St Andrews is just a 20-minute drive away.

While it’s best known for its golfing heritage and as the location where Prince William and Princess Catherine first crossed paths, there’s also a wealth of excellent pubs and eateries, bookshops and cafés to discover.

Believed to be one of the country’s most haunted houses, the stunning castle offers guided tours, grade I listed gardens and even bed and breakfast stays

A genuine reflection of Wales‘s magnificent historic landmarks, this castle certainly deserves its place amongst the ‘must-visit’ destinations topping everyone’s travel lists.

Nestled peacefully in the stunning Conwy Valley, the castle sits within the foothills of Snowdonia and is frequently described as one of Britain’s finest Tudor houses.

Fortunately for visitors, the impressive Gwydir Castle welcomes the public from April to September three days weekly to discover its splendour through guided tours.

Originally built as the grand ancestral residence of the influential Wynn family, it was first built in the 15th century. Today it holds grade I listed status after previously falling into a state of disrepair.

While the castle is celebrated for its beautiful peacocks wandering the grounds, it’s equally notorious for its eerie ambience.

Gwydir is thought to be amongst Wales’s most haunted properties, though this hasn’t deterred royal visits over the years, with King Charles making a return in July 2018, then as Prince of Wales, two decades after his earlier visit.

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Restoration

By 1994, the property had languished in a derelict state for years and desperately needed some serious attention, which was provided by its new owners, Peter Welford and Judy Corbett.

Though restoring this historic building has been far from straightforward, it’s a project to which they have essentially devoted their lives.

The restoration remains an ongoing endeavour, but the achievements so far have been remarkable, with the project funded almost entirely from their own pockets, apart from a modest grant from Cadw.

The work has been methodical yet painstaking, carried out with such dedication and devotion by its custodians that visitors can now appreciate the results.

This remarkable journey included repurchasing what was legitimately theirs and returning it to where it truly belonged – crucial architectural elements from the original dining room.

The fireplaces, wood panelling, and doorframes were removed and transported overseas after being purchased by William Randolph Hearst, the renowned newspaper tycoon.

Yet in 1995 they discovered Gwydir’s missing dining room features, languishing in a storage facility unused by the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Following extensive negotiations and 75 years in America, they were finally restored to their rightful place at Gwydir Castle. To commemorate this restoration triumph, the Dining Room wing was officially reopened by King Charles himself in 1998, whilst he served as Prince of Wales.

Present day

Visitors aren’t limited to simply exploring the grounds – they can actually lodge in its magnificent accommodation, which provides a bed and breakfast service. What’s more, the property can also be booked for weddings and special occasions.

What truly enables visitors to fully appreciate the venue, however, is through its guided tours, which are available for groups of 15 people or more.

The attraction opens between 11am and 4pm, and is currently welcoming day-trippers at an entry fee of £12 for adults and £5 for children.

One recent guest described their visit to the castle on TripAdvisor, writing: “Without doubt anyone visiting this castle would be amazed by the history of the site and the surrounding grade I listed gardens beautifully kept.

“They also have beautiful peacocks roaming free all around the castle and are fantastic to watch.”

Another visitor said: “Absolutely fabulous! Highly recommend. The house is lovely, and the gardens are terrific. The period furniture throughout the house is beautiful. A lovely revisit of a special holiday after so many years.”

Those passionate about horticulture will delight in the outdoor areas, which hold the prestigious distinction of being among Wales’ only grade I listed gardens, effortlessly combining influences from the Renaissance, Tudor, and Stuart eras. During their visit, nature lovers can spot yew trees, Cedars of Lebanon, and wisteria alongside numerous elegantly crafted fountains scattered throughout.

A further visitor added: “This beautifully restored 17th-century castle is a hidden gem that deserves to be much better known. The house and gardens are magical. They also have holiday accommodation, but it is a perfect day-visit.”

The BBC has come under fire after it emerged that the broadcaster won’t be showing coverage of the royals at the Commonwealth Day service but will air another show instead

The BBC will not be airing the royals at the Commonwealth Day service next week. Instead, those tuning into the national broadcaster will be treated to Escape To The Country.

The service, held at Westminster Abbey since 1972, has been televised by the BBC since 1989, connecting the United Kingdom and the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and its 2.7billion people. Each year, a string of senior royals attend the ceremony, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate heading to the Abbey this year.

It’s expected that Spice Girls icon Geri Horner and Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse will give readings to the 1,800 people in attendance at the ceremony. But while the BBC usually broadcasts the service, people will see a Canadian couple be shown their dream homes in the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

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The move by the national broadcaster hasn’t gone down too well, with royal author and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, telling The Sun: “It’s a ridiculous and appalling decision. The BBC has been doing it for years, and it’s the most important date in the diary for celebrating the Commonwealth.

“If even the BBC doesn’t think it’s worthy to cover and celebrate despite its huge cultural significance for member states and the monarchy, then the Commonwealth could fade into irrelevance with every passing year.” However, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.

“BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.” Among the congregation will be Commonwealth high commissioners, Government representatives, young people and leading voices from the creative community. The service will feature poignant artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan.

The annual service will also feature a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments, uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in a powerful expression of cross-cultural partnership. Other performers include a Scottish ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Orchestra and further special reflections and readings from guests.

As head of the Commonwealth, Charles issues an annual message to the 56 member-nations, which will hold their biennial Commonwealth meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

The service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations, drawing inspiration from the meeting’s theme of accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous commonwealth.

The event next week will be Kate’s first outing since she and her husband William celebrated St David’s Day last week with a trip to Wales. The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to Powys for a string of engagements, where they tore up their official schedule to greet hundreds of people who braved the rain to see them.

They travelled to The Hanging Gardens, a community hub focused on resilience and creativity, in the mid-Wales town of Llanidloes, arriving to cheers from the crowds, many waving Welsh flags and holding daffodils.

William and Kate then headed to Oriel Davies – a public contemporary art gallery in Newtown. They viewed the Hand in Hand art project, a community scheme co-produced by the gallery and Syrian and Afghan families living in Newtown and the surrounding areas.

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