Laura Elston

The Duchess of Edinburgh made a surprise cameo on BBC Radio 4’s long‑running drama The Archers, appearing as herself during an episode set at the fictional Borchester Show. She recorded the segment in Birmingham alongside several cast members as part of the programme’s 75th anniversary celebrations. The appearance follows earlier royal cameos by the Queen, Camilla and Princess Margaret. The Archers, broadcast since 1951, continues to attract millions of listeners and address contemporary social issues.

Children aged 8 to 14 spend nearly three hours online daily, with significant late‑night usage, according to Ofcom’s latest online nation study. Use of major platforms such as YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp often extends past 11pm, and nearly two‑thirds accessed devices overnight at least once in a four‑week period. Most children report positive online experiences, citing social connection, wellbeing support and help with schoolwork, though some describe negative effects like “brain rot.” Seven in ten older children encountered harmful content, and many made online purchases—often regretted or not fully understood. Adults’ online time has also increased, with WhatsApp, Facebook and Google Maps the most used apps. Generative AI tool usage has surged, with ChatGPT seeing a dramatic rise in UK visits. Five percent of adults still lack home internet access.