The devastating mystery gripping the heir of Blenheim Palace and his desperate family - and the film star battling abuse trauma: RICHARD EDEN'S DIARY
He's blessed with a glamorous wife, two wonderful young daughters – and will, one day, inherit Blenheim Palace, arguably the most sumptuous family seat in Britain, plus its 12,000-acre estate.
But never assume that the Marquess of Blandford, the 12th Duke of Marlborough's son and heir, is immune to the trials and tribulations that can afflict us all.
George Spencer-Churchill's young labrador, Gecko, went missing at the weekend. Perhaps even more disquietingly, she remains unaccounted for, even though there was a tracker in her distinctive pink collar.
This allowed Gecko's movements to be traced to the northernmost part of Woodstock, the Oxfordshire town near Blenheim. That was shortly before 2pm on Sunday.
But thereafter the trail ran cold – prompting George, 32, and his wife Camilla, 38, both pictured, to seek assistance from the police, who have issued a public appeal in a bid to find Gecko.
There is another element which adds to their heartache. I understand that, at the time Gecko disappeared, she was in the care of a trusted third party.
Friends and family have been putting up posters alerting locals. 'If someone has stolen her, then people will have read about her,' one tells me.
George certainly won't be daunted by the challenge. In 2019, he and two of his wife's cousins rowed across the Atlantic in 35 days, securing themselves a Guinness World Record for the 'fastest time for a related team of four to row the Atlantic east to west'.
I profoundly hope that the Spencer-Churchill motto – 'faithful but unfortunate' – does not hold true for Gecko.
George and Camilla Blandford attending the Blenheim by Starlight charity ball in 2019
Blandford's post appealing for help finding his missing golden labrador
Fry's latest field of study? Wrestling...
SIR Stephen Fry has a surprising new passion.
The Cambridge-educated polymath, 67, and former Marylebone Cricket Club president has become obsessed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
'I am now a fan of WWE and I bought a couple of tickets for Wrestlemania in Las Vegas,' reveals Fry, a friend of King Charles.
'I said that to some people and they've said, 'Doesn't he know it's fake?' and I go, 'Oh, for heaven's sake!' It isn't fake in the sense that they are banging on and doing things to their bodies which are astonishing for entertainment. They are bloody talented.'
Konnichiwa! Lily takes Tokyo trip
A previous trip to Japan didn't run smoothly for Lily James after she was wrongly accused of mocking the local accent. Happily, this hasn't deterred the former Downton Abbey star from embracing the country's culture.
The Surrey-born actress, 36, took part in a Japanese tea ceremony in the capital, which involves preparing, serving and drinking tea to promote wellbeing, mindfulness and harmony.
She wore a traditional kimono with a floral print. 'I love Tokyo,' she said next to photographs shared online.
Lily James in Tokyo
A rare sighting in ermine of former prime minister David Cameron, who was one of two official 'supporters' as former attorney general Victoria Prentis became a member of the Lords on Monday.
One onlooker reports that Lord Cameron, who has yet to make a speech in the house this year, is now sporting an increasingly obvious bald patch.
Don't expect to catch a glimpse of Michel Roux Jr at your local drive-through. 'I don't do takeaways,' the chef tells me. 'My last McDonald's was in October 1989 and my first and last KFC in 1976.' Clearly the dates stuck in the memory of Roux,
65, whose two Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche closed last year.
Film helped Jaime deal with trauma
Jaime Winstone has revealed that starring in a film about childhood trauma has dredged up memories of abuse she suffered in the past.
The daughter of Hollywood hardman Ray Winstone, 68, appears in the psychological horror Everyone Is Going To Die.
'The film gave me the opportunity to creatively purge from a trauma,' says the actress, 40, who played the young Peggy Mitchell in TV soap EastEnders and Dame Barbara Windsor in biopic Babs.
'I was triggered from a trauma. There was a lot of stuff happening to do with a certain person that I have dealt with, with abuse.'
Fans can't tell who's Hugh
Griff Rhys Jones has a problem. The television personality can't go anywhere without being mistaken for Hugh Grant – who is seven years his junior.
'I've just come back from the States,' Griff, 71, says. 'Nearly every day somebody would come, because there was a camera around, and ask for an autograph, assuming I was Hugh.'
Griff says of the Four Weddings And A Funeral star: 'I haven't told him directly. I've only met him once in the last five years, and he very sweetly said, 'And what do you do these days?'
'I said, 'Well, I'm still in television, Hugh, what about you?' ' Touche.
The television personality can't go anywhere without being mistaken for the Four Weddings and a Funeral star – who is seven years his junior.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
.png%3Ftrim%3D237%2C0%2C143%2C0%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘I'm on the right side of history': The east London priest risking prison time to support Palestine Action
Dr Sally Mann is usually found at the east London church where her family have worshipped for five generations. But on Saturday, striking images of the baptist minister emerged. Swarmed by police officers and standing alone, footage shared on social media shows the moment she was arrested at the pro- Palestine march held in Parliament Square. Wearing a black shirt and white collar, she nods and silently accepts her arrest before she is escorted away, surrounded by a sea of police uniforms. She is one of 532 people arrested by the Metropolitan Police at the largest gathering of Palestine Action since it was proscribed as a terrorist group last month. Of those, the 55-year-old is younger than the average age of those detained, with figures showing half were aged 60 or above. Speaking to The Independent on Monday, she said she is prepared to accept a prison sentence for her actions. 'I am aware there will be repercussions in my life if I am successfully convicted but I felt completely at peace with both my actions and my decision,' she said. 'It's the right side of history. Even if I knew I was going to prison for this I would do it.' She said despite not taking part in previous Palestine Action protests, she was moved protest on Saturday because of her faith. 'I believe Jesus actually meant what he said and he modelled non-violent resistance to oppressive power,' she continued. 'I see myself as a minister more than an activist but I have always felt compelled by my faith to try to build a community that is built on peacemaking.' After reading the protest briefing from Defend our Juries, who organised the demonstration, Dr Mann said she felt certain the protest would be the kind of non-violent action she feels 'committed' to be part of. 'On Saturday I got up early and went to St James' Park because I wanted to be very calm,' she told The Independent. 'I sat quietly and prayed. Then I headed over to Parliament Square.' Dr Mann said during the main protest, though people around her had been arrested, she was not. But after the scheduled end she continued holding her placard stating: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'. Within ten minutes, she said she was arrested. 'Other people very near me had been arrested, including some who really did look very elderly and vulnerable, and I thought it would be better for them if they arrest more,' she explained. 'So I just decided to stand with my sign. I wanted to be arrested for this because I want to stand in solidarity with those who had been and I did feel the numbers mattered.' Her arrest was captured on video - a powerful image of her nodding silently as she is escorted away by at least a dozen officers has accumulated thousands of likes on social media. 'The numbers who turned up to arrest me were extraordinary,' she said. 'I think there were a dozen officers arresting me and actually, had they asked me to walk onto the van I would've just gone on my own. I was completely ready to be arrested.' She told The Independent she was put in a van with six police officers to two protesters and was put in line to be processed. 'It was actually very peaceful,' she said. 'It was a very low risk for me. I had moral certainty and legal ambiguity about what would happen to me, but prepared if a custodial sentence does come I am completely prepared for that. I just think it looks less and less likely now.' But she said her arrest, along with that of elderly protestors, shows the 'absurdity' of proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group. 'I would say to Yvette Cooper, who do you think you're protecting by proscribing me as a terrorist?',' she said. Also arrested under terrorist legislation was 74-year-old NHS doctor Paul O'Brien. He said the Palestinian cause was 'incredibly important' to him, but that the risk of arrest did make him think harder about attending than at previous protests. 'I thought the proscribing was really, really wrong and felt so disappointed in the majority of the MPs in Labour and the Tories for supporting it,' he said. 'But it did make me think harder about going out.' He was also detained later in the day and described his experience as 'bizarre'. 'It was just odd, all these people who have been arrested under terrorist legislation and we looked the most unlikely terrorists,' he said. 'Half of us can hardly walk. It was quite funny. Even for a terrorist offence we were automatically bailed, they know it's so bizarre.' He added he thought the protest would be a 'memorable' day for many. 'Once you're arrested for a terrorist offence, it's an extraordinary thing to happen in your life,' he continued. 'What happened on Saturday was historic, I think it's going to grow.' In a statement released on Sunday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the majority of the arrests made were for 'displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000'. 'Over the coming days and weeks, officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command will work to put together the case files required to secure charges against those arrested as part of this operation,' they added.
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
I just tested Hotel Chocolat's brand new velvetiser – and it's available for pre-orders now
Design Setting up the all-new velvetiser was easy. The machine itself is already assembled and just needs to be settled onto its base, plugged in, and you're good to go. Following the instructions, I did a quick wash with some washing up liquid and the hot mode, and got to pouring in my first drink. The dial lights up blue for cold, and red for hot – it couldn't be simpler. The all-new velvetiser is a complete system for hot and cold barista-grade drinking chocolate. The original couldn't make cold drinks, only hot drinks. As I've had many hot chocolates from a velvetiser over the years, I was particularly intrigued as to whether the cold option would produce such velvety goodness. Chocolate flakes melt down and whisk into the milk when it comes to the hot option, but as chocolate flakes won't totally dissolve in cold milk, the machine had to have a way to combine the chocolate and milk elements and deliver a smooth finish. But the all-new velvetiser has a new whisk, designed for a vortex effect. This creates the beautiful chocolate creama (the froth that rests on top of the drink). It does this by cutting through the liquid to create ultra-fine passages of air. The whisk has also been beautifully designed to resemble petals of the cacao flower. While the hot option warms the milk, the cold option pulses at the start to meld the chocolate. You'll see from the photos that the creama is magically created on both the hot and cold drinking chocolates, and there's not a speck of that horrible gunky foam that you get with some drinking chocolates in sight. In terms of the external appearance – it's totally gorgeous. Its fluted design was modelled after the shape of a cacao pod, and finished with a solid ash handle, which is incredibly ergonomic, and easy to handle. The all-new velvetiser comes with one podcup, one podglass, and a selection box of drinking chocolates. There are three new colourways – pebble, pewter and chalk (which I chose). Packing it down was just as simple as setup. I did the same washing up liquid clean that I did before its first use, and then gave it a little wipe out, and it looked as though it had never been touched. However, it's not dishwasher safe, which is a little inconvenient. It's also worth noting that it's one of the quietest kitchen appliances that I've ever used. I had to check it was actually working the first time I used it, because it made virtually no noise. And, it took less than two minutes to whip up a ready-to-go drinking chocolate. Flavour The standout feature of Hotel Chocolat velvetiser drinks is the texture. It's the only justification for such an expensive appliance, making for a thick, smooth drink that you simply cannot match in a microwave or on a hob. I had no idea that hot chocolate could even have crema I began this testing process, but now I can't drink a hot chocolate without looking out for that velvety layer of foam. It's a perfect, silky first sip. The rest of the drinking chocolate is just as smooth, whether you're opting for hot or cold velvetiser drinking chocolate, although the hot feels a little thicker. Another thing I love about Hotel Chocolat's velvetiser hot chocolates is that you can play around until you find your perfect flavour. Even when it comes to a plain chocolate blend, you can choose from milky, classic dark, 100 per cent dark, and white chocolate options. With the option to buy selection boxes, like the everything hot chocolate sachet selection (£15.95, you can flick through and mix things up. The all-new velvetiser brings six new cold drinking chocolate flavours: Crème brûlée: I didn't expect to like this flavour; before tasting it, I thought that it would be too sickly. However, it came out on top as my favourite pick of the new cold flavours. Its notes of burnt caramel work well with the creamy vanilla and make it incredibly moreish. Though I thought it would be too rich or heavy, it's anything but – it was perfect with a few chocolate batons on the side. Cherry: Tart and creamy at the same time, this was a huge hit in my house. It has a tartness that's noticeable enough to cut through the richness of the chocolate, but it is still sweet. When mixed with the creaminess of the milk, it tastes like a drinkable Christmas dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. Mandarin and orange: There will never be a day when I don't love something that mixes chocolate and orange flavours – it's an elite combo. With the addition of mandarin, it mellows it out slightly, and makes it a little less sweet, but never bitter. It's just a shame you can't buy it in the hot option. Mint: Peppermint and chocolate heaven – another that's reminiscent of delicious Christmas flavours. In its colder form, the mint drinking chocolate is more potent and intense, and is a very refreshing way to drink chocolate, especially in summer. Banana: While banana isn't a flavour I'd pick in any form, my partner chose this as his favourite because of its nostalgic flavour. The blend mixes banana and chocolate with a slightly bitter molasses, which reminded me of a banana split – I recommend adding some whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Classic: The classic cold version of the ever-popular hot drinking chocolate. You can't go wrong with this option, it's creamy, rich and super indulgent without being too overpowering. I'm definitely more inclined to go for a milky 50 per cent option, as it's slightly less rich, so I added a dash of cream when I poured my drinking chocolate into the glass. The selection box also comes with a variety of hot chocolate options, which have been selected from Hotel Chocolat's velvetiser library – Classic 70 per cent, milky 50 per cent, salted caramel, vanilla-white, which is insanely delicious, and black forest gateau (which is a lot like the cherry, but slightly more creamy). Price £150 for any appliance isn't by any means cheap, and many people will decide it's simply too expensive. Having said that, if you've got the cash to spare, I'm certain you won't regret purchasing the all-new velvetiser. Its hot functions work just as well, if not better, than the original model's, and the cold setting means that chocoholics can enjoy delicious drinking chocolate no matter the weather.
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
Two thirds of Britons back removal of Duke of York's titles
Two thirds of Britons believe the Duke of York should be stripped of his remaining royal titles, according to a new poll. Research by YouGov found that 67% of the public would back the removal of Andrew's York dukedom, as well as his princely title. An unflattering biography of the disgraced duke by Andrew Lownie this month delved into the private life of the late Queen's son, depicting him as sex obsessed, a 'useful idiot' and easy prey for Jeffrey Epstein. Some 13% opposed the removal of his titles and 21% were unsure, the survey showed. Three years ago, 62% believed Andrew should have his York title removed, with the current 67% in-favour figure seeing a jump of five percentage points. Another YouGov survey found that just 5% have a positive view of the King's brother, with Andrew languishing at the bottom of the royal favourability tables, beneath the Duchess of Sussex who has a 20% positive rating and the Duke of Sussex at 28%. Legislation would be required for Parliament to prevent Andrew continuing as the Duke of York, while his birthright to be a prince, as the son of a monarch, could be changed if a Letters Patent were issued by the King. The duke stopped using his style of His Royal Highness following his disastrous Newsnight interview, but it could be removed entirely by a Letters Patent. Andrew stepped away from his public role in 2019 amid the furore over his friendship with convicted billionaire paedophile Epstein. He later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstein as a teenager and who Andrew claimed never to have met.
