Karen Rockett

Eric Barrett recounts his three years as Jimi Hendrix’s roadie and close friend, including Hendrix’s death in 1970 after an accidental barbiturate overdose and Barrett’s efforts to protect Hendrix’s girlfriend from the press. He describes Hendrix as shy, insecure, generous and exceptionally gifted, recalls repairing his damaged guitars—including during Woodstock—and admits that he previously concealed Hendrix’s drug use. Barrett also discusses his own near-fatal overdose, the later sale of Hendrix’s Gibson Flying V, and a five-decade career working with stars such as David Bowie and Madonna, detailed in his memoir.

Royal author Simon Vigar says Prince William does not resent the public's tendency to gravitate toward Catherine, Princess of Wales, unlike the jealousy King Charles III reportedly felt toward Diana's popularity. Vigar portrays William and Catherine, as well as Charles and Camilla, as relaxed couples who support one another and share a sense of humour. The article highlights Catherine's ability to connect with crowds during royal engagements and describes Camilla's substantial behind-the-scenes commitment to domestic-violence causes.

Royal correspondent Simon Vigar’s book claims that Prince Harry spent hours reading online comments about himself and Meghan Markle, including hostile and racist remarks, long before he met Meghan. Vigar says Harry was already concerned about his public image, blamed media intrusion for past relationship break-ups and felt he might never marry. He attributes some of Harry’s difficulties to the unresolved loss of his mother and contrasts Meghan’s Hollywood-style approach to media management with the less controllable nature of the Royal Family. The article also recounts a 2012 Caribbean tour incident in which Harry’s boat broke down and commandeered a press boat.

During Meghan and Prince Harry’s 2018 tour of Australia, Fiji and Tonga, Meghan left a Suva market after eight minutes instead of the planned 15. The official explanation cited security and crowd-management concerns, but royal correspondent Simon Vigar says the market was neither overcrowded nor chaotic and suggests the real reason remains unknown. He recounts theories involving United Nations shirts, Meghan’s recently announced pregnancy and cultural tensions, while describing the incident as highly unusual and upsetting for local vendors. A senior aide is quoted as saying Meghan struggled to understand the cultural and representational obligations of being a working royal.

Royal correspondent Simon Vigar discusses his book comparing Diana, Camilla, Catherine and Meghan, arguing that the four women transformed the House of Windsor in different ways. He portrays Catherine as the likely most influential future royal wife, praises Camilla's rehabilitation and charitable work, and describes Diana as the most iconic. Vigar attributes tensions between Catherine and Meghan to cultural differences and egos, says Meghan struggled with the public-facing traditions of royal work, and argues that Harry and Meghan jointly chose to leave after the Sandringham summit rather than placing sole responsibility on Meghan.

A Wiltshire auction house in Devizes has become a leading global source for Titanic artefacts, attracting collectors willing to pay record prices for items linked to the 1912 disaster. Managed by Andrew Aldridge, the family-run Henry Aldridge & Son has sold numerous notable pieces, including gold pocket watches, a violin associated with bandleader Wallace Hartley, and a first‑class passenger’s lifejacket. Aldridge emphasises rigorous authentication and the enduring public fascination with the Titanic, driven by personal stories, historical complexity, and renewed interest following James Cameron’s 1997 film. The business continues to grow, supported by multiple family members, while preserving the legacy of those connected to the ship’s history.

Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for her powerful raspy voice and global hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and It's a Heartache, has died at 75 following complications from emergency surgery in Portugal. Tributes from public figures and fellow Welsh celebrities highlighted her influence, humor, and enduring legacy. Raised in a religious working-class family, she rose from local talent shows to international fame after her distinctive voice emerged following vocal cord surgery. Despite fluctuating chart success, she maintained a long touring career, achieved major milestones such as performing at the Vatican and representing the UK in Eurovision, and was awarded an MBE in 2023. She is survived by her husband of over 50 years and five siblings.

Research by Dr Michael Lambert uncovered systemic abuse, forced adoptions and avoidable infant deaths at St Monica’s Maternity Home in Kendal, prompting Cumbria Police to review evidence of historical wrongdoing. The findings detail babies denied treatment, secret burials and severe mistreatment of unmarried mothers, many of whom lived in poverty. Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a formal apology acknowledging state responsibility and announced measures to improve access to adoption records, reconnection services and mental health support. The Church of England, which oversaw the home, also apologised, while families and campaigners call for accountability as police evaluate potential criminal implications.