Vanessa Feltz

A satirical column argues that wealthy older men who replace ageing wives with younger trophy wives do not achieve lasting happiness. Drawing on observations in Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, it portrays billionaires as harassed by new babies, strained relationships and the consequences of broken first marriages, while suggesting they may secretly long for the shared history and stability of their original families.

Vanessa Feltz reflects on how personal bookshelves can reveal a person's character, tastes and life history. She describes her own eclectic collection and admits to judging strangers by the authors they read. The donation of Raymond Briggs's extensive library to Oxfam prompts her to consider whether to pass her books on to her children or discard unwanted volumes, but she concludes that even forgotten books feel inseparable from her identity.

Warns that Andy Burnham’s suggested mansion tax on £1.5 million properties would disproportionately impact homeowners in London and the South East. Shifts into cultural commentary praising Jeff Goldblum’s performance, briefly reflects on Taylor Swift’s efficient wedding celebration, supports the availability of Wegovy for weight loss, and highlights the affectionate reunion of the Prince and Princess of Wales after a charity challenge.

Argues that homework is outdated, ineffective and increasingly undermined by children using AI tools to complete assignments. Highlights complaints from parents, teachers and students who see homework as either unnecessary for those who understand the material or futile for those who do not. Suggests teachers now rely on AI to handle marking and calls for government leadership to end traditional homework, framing it as an unnecessary burden on families and modern education.

The piece argues that Prince Harry should bring his children to the UK to allow King Charles the chance to build a relationship with his grandchildren, stressing the personal and developmental benefits such contact would provide. It criticizes the shifting decisions around the family's travel plans and highlights the emotional significance for the King as he continues cancer treatment.