Friday evening UK news briefing: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex felt 'liberated' from Royal family
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Duchess of Sussex 'liberated' by leaving Royal family
The Duchess of Sussex said it felt "liberating" to talk to Oprah Winfrey, revealing that the Royal family had prevented her from making that choice and from speaking for herself. In the latest teaser clip of the interview, released by CBS, Ms Winfrey describes how she asked the Duchess for an interview in February or March 2018, before her May wedding but that Meghan, 39, had turned her down, saying it was not the right time. See how the conversation unfolded and here is how you can watch the interview in the UK. Bethan Holt looks back at four times Meghan took inspiration from Princess Diana's rebellious attitude to royal style. It comes as the Duchess's closest friends launched a defence against claims she bullied royal staff. For instant updates on the Sussexes and any other major stories, sign up for our Breaking News Alerts.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh has been moved back to the private hospital to which he was first admitted almost three weeks ago after heart surgery at one of Europe's leading cardiac facilities. Prince Philip underwent successful heart surgery on Wednesday at St Bartholomew's Hospital - just three months before his 100th birthday. Read the latest.
Covid patient found as passengers face travel forms
The mystery person infected with the Brazilian variant of Covid-19 has been found after a five-day nationwide hunt. The hunt for the patient had been narrowed down to 379 households in the south-east of England, Matt Hancock revealed on Wednesday. At a Downing Street press conference, the Health Secretary said: "The best evidence is this person stayed at home and there is no sign of onward transmission." He also announced £79m to boost mental health support for children and young people as schools reopen on Monday. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport announced passengers travelling overseas from England will be required to complete and carry a 'Travel Declaration Form', starting from Monday. Failure to do so could lead to hefty fines.
Misery on Merseyside: How Liverpool's season blew up
Liverpool's top-four hopes are more perilous than ever after losing to Chelsea, marking the first time ever the club has lost five home games in a row. What has gone wrong with the Premier League champions who were almost unbeatable last season? Chris Bascombe analyses the causes behind the misery on Merseyside and also examines why Chelsea look ready to become the team Roman Abramovich always wanted. Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher outlines why Steven Gerrard does not have to leave Rangers to prove he can one day manage Liverpool.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Vaccine blockade | PM challenges EU after Italy blocks jab exports
'Shambolic' rollout | German big business offers to step in
University | Students are getting value for money, say lecturers
Back to work | Office full-time more popular than home working
Parent's fears | 'I'm too scared to send my child back to school'
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
NHS pay row | The main union for nurses has set up an £35 million industrial action fund to strike if necessary over the Government's 1pc pay rise for health workers. The council of the Royal College of Nursing made the decision amid growing anger over the pay of health staff who have been under unprecedented pressure during the coronavirus crisis. Yet Tom Harwood argues the Chancellor must stick to his guns.
Wales 'stabbing' | Police investigating 'number of casualties'
Ban plug-in hybrids | Cars to cause 10pc of UK emissions by 2035
Major Tommy Turtle | SAS soldier crucial in Falklands – obituary
Weekly news quiz | Furlough will be extended until which month?
Around the world: 'Unpatriotic' Hongkongers face ban
China has confirmed plans to overhaul the electoral system in Hong Kong "to safeguard national security", amid mounting criticism from the UK and other Western nations for Beijing's suppression of the territory. About 3,000 delegates from across the country have descended in Beijing for the annual meeting of China's "rubber-stamp" parliament, under increased security and Covid controls to ensure the most high-profile political event of the year goes off without a hitch. Read on for details of a planned decision to ensure only "patriots" can be elected.
Friday interview
'I feel as though I have unfinished business'
Two years after quitting his Radio 2 show, Simon Mayo is re-launching Drivetime on a rival station. Bitter at all? He tells Chris Harvey he couldn't possibly say
Comment and analysis
Tom Harris | Vindictive EU has left Remainers with nowhere to hide
Jeremy Warner | Britain should beware a global business exodus
Ross Clark | We are still not being told the true cost of Net Zero
Judith Woods | Masks in class are least of our problems with schools
Sam Brodbeck | You won’t notice Sunak taking more of your money
Editor's choice
Katie Morley Investigates | 'I lost £170k due to Reddit investors and incompetent stockbroker'
Should housework have a salary? | Five women calculate their 'unpaid' income
House prices | Where London's first-time buyers should buy using a 95pc mortgage
Business and money briefing
Bullying claims | Deloitte's deputy UK chief has quit her leadership roles a day after the Telegraph revealed she was under investigation over accusations of bullying and inappropriate working practices.
Budget fallout | Fraud fears over Sunak's tax 'super deduction'
Philip Green | How the king of the high street lost his crown
On top of markets | Live stocks and shares updates 24 hours a day
Sport briefing
Premier League | Steve Bruce gave an explosive press conference ahead of Newcastle's relegation showdown with West Brom on Sunday. Luke Edwards analyses what he said and whether he was right. Meanwhile, football's lawmakers have relaxed the handball law just hours after Fulham became the latest Premier League team to fall foul of the rule.
India v England | Pant's brilliance exposes tourist's flaws of selection
Simon Briggs | Sliding doors moment may derail Bess' Test career
Will Greenwood | Four rising fly-halfs who could star for England
Three things for tonight
And finally... for this evening's downtime
From comedy titan to tragic relic | After 32 years and viewership on the decline, Fox's renewal of the Simpsons for its 33rd and 34th seasons seems mind-boggling. Who is it for? Ed Power reveals why it is time we said goodbye to Homer, Bart and company.
