“Andrew Told the Met to Dig Up Dirt on Virginia” and “Virginia’s Revenge”

Most headlines reacted to the announcement that Prince Andrew would stop using his royal titles.

The Sunday Times reports that Prince William is not happy with the outcome and will take a “more ruthless” approach when he is king. This would include barring his uncle from his coronation. The newspaper claims Prince William knows the so-called “Andrew problem” will be in his “tray at some point.” Kensington Palace declined to comment.

Some newspapers give more details about the period leading up to the announcement. The Sun said on Sunday that Prince Andrew’s life as a senior royal had come to an end after a “terse phone call” with the king. The Sunday Mirror reports that the conversation lasted 10 minutes.

The Sunday Telegraph claims Prince Andrew has been told to ‘do the right thing’. The newspaper claims it became clear a week ago that the “Prince Andrew question” was quickly coming to a head after new revelations about his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing.

The Observer publishes an interview with broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who looks back on her interview with Prince Andrew for BBC Newsnight in 2019. During the show, the prince told her he had cut all ties with Jeffrey Epstein in December 2010. An email recently emerged, apparently dating from February 2011, suggesting he had remained in contact. Emily Maitlis reportedly said Prince Andrew “lied” to her.

The Mail on Sunday reports that Jeffrey Epstein introduced Prince Andrew to a second woman in 2010 and tried to arrange a dinner for them in London. The unnamed woman’s legal representatives tell the Mail that she was abused by Epstein for years and is now rebuilding her life. The newspaper cites emails allegedly exchanged between Epstein and Prince Andrew regarding dates and availability.

Asked by a journalist if her client had already met Prince Andrew, the lawyer responded with “stony silence”. The newspaper says the emergence of a second woman will send shockwaves through the royal family. A representative for Prince Andrew declined to comment, according to the Mail.

The Sunday Times reports that one of the suspects in the Chinese spy case was carrying a “suitcase full of cash” when he was arrested by police at Heathrow under anti-terrorism laws in 2023 after landing from China. The newspaper says Christopher Berry was discovered with £4,000 when he was intercepted, six weeks before his formal arrest. Sources familiar with the matter told The Times that the money was allegedly given to him by his Chinese intelligence agent. Last month, charges against Christopher Berry and a second man, Christopher Cash, were dropped. Both have always maintained their innocence.

According to The Mail on Sunday, there are “new espionage fears” in relation to the proposed Chinese super-embassy site in London. Plans show it would be built directly around the City of London’s “highly sensitive telephone exchange”. It was announced last week that a final decision on whether to approve the plans would be delayed until December. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said the request complied with local regulations and procedures.

According to the Sun on Sunday, England women’s team manager Sarina Wiegman is set to receive the honorary damehood. The newspaper says she was nominated for a gong in the King’s New Year’s honors list after the Lionesses won the Euros for a second time this summer. Sources say the recommendation is likely to be “adopted”.