Tag: Prince Philip

Acting & Alternators – Which ‘Famous Faces’ Have Profited Most From Their Motors?

Vintage dealer David Lennox on ‘famous faces’ who’ve made significant profits in the world of classic cars; he also gives some advice about a key feature in a classic car – its alternator

Whilst actor Rowan Atkinson’s most expensive car – www.slashgear.com was a 1997 McLaren F1 that he managed to crash twice still sold for a staggering £8.9 million ($11.1 million) sum higher than the £697,000 ($880,000) he originally bought it for new, other big and small screen stars and musicians have also profited from the motors they’ve bought.

In a world where your standard punter’s automotive purchase loses value as soon as it is driven off the forecourt and declines on average by 40% in value during its first year, many are dubious about ‘investing’ in cars. Those that dare to take a punt on a ‘classic car’ – interestingly defined in the UK by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as one aged over 15 years old – can, however, actually make significant returns.

Amongst five other examples of other classic cars connected to the world of film and television that have made megabucks are:

1 – The 1968 Ford Mustang GT that Steve McQueen drove in the cop thriller Bullitt was discarded after filming and sold for just £2,800 ($3,500) to Bob Kierman in the 1970s. It sold on for £2.7 million ($3.4 million) at a car show in Detroit – a sum 40 times as much as a ‘normal’ example. In 2020, what was termed a “respectful Bullitt homage,” a 1968 Ford Mustang in Highland green, sold at a Silverstone Auctions sale for £73,000 ($93,000); of it they added: “It should be mandatory to drive this car only in a pair of Persol 714 sunglasses.”

2 – John Lennon’s ‘psychedelic gypsy caravan’ styled 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine cost him £6,600 ($8,300) new. He and it were attacked by a woman with an umbrella who yelled: “You swine! How can you do that to a Rolls-Royce?” but was later to sold to a Canadian billionaire named Jim Pattison for £2.4 million ($3 million) in 1985. A more ‘ordinary’ example lacking a ‘famous face’ connection sold for just £90,000 ($114,000) in 2018.

3 – A 1966 Lotus Elan S2 originally owned by actor and comedian Peter Sellers CBE sold at auction for just over £50,000 in 2015 at the NEC Classic Motor Show sale after being featured in The Steeple Times. A similar 1966 example with no connections to a ‘famous face’ is currently on offer for just £17,800 ($22,500).

4 – Another racy run-about, not only also owned by Peter Sellers, but also by Princess Margaret’s husband, Anthony Armstrong-Jones, 1^st Earl of Snowdon and more recently by TV presenter Chris Evans is another example of a ‘star priced car.’

Featured in The Steeple Times in June 2021 prior to being auctioned the following month by Bonhams at their Festival of Speed Sale at Goodwood, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was offered with an estimate of £1.3 million to £1.7 million ($1.8 million to $2.4 million). It had cost Peter Sellers just £4,490 new ($3,550); the actor and comedian sold it “at a loss” to the then Viscount Linley in 1965 – whose own son sold it in 2002 to pay towards the death duties incurred by his late mother’s estate.

5 – Though a 1953 Lagonda DB drophead coupé originally owned by Sir Peter Ustinov, CBE FRSA failed to sell with an estimate of £90,000 ($114,000) in July 2017, auctioneers H&H Classics hammered down another ‘grander’ example, one owned by Prince Philip, for £340,000 ($432,000) the previous year. At the time, they remarked: “We sold Prince Philip’s Lagonda for a world record price… so the bar was set high.”

Advice on alternators

When it comes to classic cars, the alternator is a critical component that keeps the battery charged and the electrical system running smoothly.

Unlike modern vehicles, which might have more sophisticated diagnostic tools and electrical systems, classic cars require a more hands-on and attentive approach to identify and resolve issues with their alternators.

This section will guide you through the process of identifying and resolving problems with alternators in classic cars, ensuring that your vintage beauty runs as smoothly as it did in its heyday.

Understanding the alternator

The alternator is the heart of a car’s electrical system, responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system when the engine is running. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy as alternating current (AC), which is then rectified to direct current (DC) suitable for the car’s electrical system and to charge the battery.

A malfunctioning alternator can lead to a dead battery, dimming lights, and ultimately, the car failing to start.

Symptoms of a faulty alternator

Identifying alternator problems early can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Here are common signs of a failing alternator:

– Dimming or overly bright lights: This can indicate that the alternator is not providing a consistent voltage.

– Dead battery: While batteries can fail on their own, a dead battery might also suggest that the alternator is not charging it properly.

– Warning lights on the dashboard: Many cars have a battery or alternator warning light that indicates when there’s an issue.

– Strange noises: A failing alternator can produce odd noises due to worn bearings or belts.

– Electrical issues: Malfunctioning accessories, such as power windows or radio, could point towards alternator problems.

Preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your classic car’s alternator and prevent many of the issues mentioned:

– Regular inspections: Routinely check the alternator belt for wear and ensure it is properly tightened.

– Clean terminals: Regularly clean the battery terminals and alternator connections to prevent corrosion.

– Battery maintenance: Keep the battery in good condition, as a failing battery can put extra strain on the alternator.

Conclusion

Maintaining the alternator in a classic car requires a blend of observation, basic electrical knowledge, and sometimes, a bit of detective work. By understanding how to identify and address issues with your alternator, you can ensure that your classic car remains reliable and ready for the road.

Remember, the key to troubleshooting and maintenance is regular inspection and early detection of potential problems. With these tips and a proactive approach, you can keep your classic car’s electrical system in top condition, preserving its legacy and performance for years to come.

Additional information

How to know if the alternator needs to be replaced – buycarparts.co.uk

The 1968 Ford Mustang GT used by Steve McQueen in the classic film ‘Bullitt’ (top) and an example made as a homage to it (below).

John Lennon’s ‘psychedelic gypsy caravan’ styled 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine. It certainly set a record price when sold in 1985.

The 1966 Lotus Elan S2 originally owned by actor and comedian Peter Sellers CBE (top and centre) and a similar car without any ‘famous face’ connection (below).

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that was owned by Peter Sellers CBE, the 1st Earl of Snowdon and later Chris Evans.

The 1953 Lagonda DB drophead coupé originally owned by Sir Peter Ustinov, CBE FRSA and another example – which sold for a lot more – that was owned by the late Prince Philip.

April 13, 2024
Marlene, Marlene… Ngozi Fulani (Born ‘Marlene Headley’) – The Gruesome Grifter of 2022

As ‘Harry & Meghan’ premieres on Netflix, a video of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s supporter Marlene Headley (AKA ‘Negozi Fulani’) proves her to be nothing but an attention seeking grifter

On the day that Netflix’s ‘moanathon’ Harry & Meghan ‘drops’ millennial style, a video of that “grifter that’s gotta grift” Ngozi Fulani – whose name at birth was actually Marlene Headley – is also doing the rounds. In it, noxious nuisance Ms Headley, as many are now referencing this toxic troublemaker, is shown parading around blatantly telling people how she has to dress up to get noticed.

Clearly illustrating herself as someone prepared to act up in order to get any kind of attention at all, here again is proof that the entire debacle with Lady Susan Hussey was orchestrated and planned in a very twisted fashion. It was anything but a chance encounter on the part of Headley – a woman who previously effectively suggested our now Queen Consort, Camilla, to be someone who inflicted “domestic abuse” against the mendacious menace formerly known as Meghan Markle – and the victim in all this, it is becoming more and more apparent, was actually an 83-year-old who had served her nation diligently for over 60 years.

Yesterday, GB News reported that Ms Headley had issued a further statement about an incident she’d previously claimed she didn’t want to make a fuss about. On Monday, she supposedly ludicrously opined:

“What took place at the event is now well-documented, and sadly is something that occurs on an all too regular basis… I have experienced first-hand what happens when a black woman faces adversity and has to overcome additional barriers when trying to report it… I remain dedicated to raising awareness around cultural competency, and will go to Buckingham Palace, or anywhere else, if it will help raise positive change and save lives.”

Meanwhile elsewhere in the Daily Mail’s ‘Ephraim Hardcastle’ column this morning, reference was made to one half of the Duchess of Sussex’s supplier of private jets, Sir Elton John. It was noted:

“With Sir Elton John confirmed to headline Glastonbury, Prince Philip’s biographer Gyles Brandreth recalls sitting with the duke before a performance by the Rocket Man.”

“‘Looking at the programme,’ says Gyles, ‘Philip groaned, ‘Oh God, Elton John… again.’”

Sadly, still titleless David Furnish, Sir Elton’s other half and ‘close friend’ of Danny Williams, didn’t get a look-in and yet again the late Duke of Edinburgh was proven to be a far wiser sort than his drippy grandson in his observations on good and bad character.

Editor’s Note – Unlike as is the case in many publications, this article was NOT sponsored or supported by a third-party.

Pictured Top (left to right) – Ngozi Fulani explaining how she dresses up to get attention in a video clip shared on TikTok; Prince Harry with his supplier of private jets Sir Elton John and hubby David Furnish; Lady Susan Hussey showing herself to actually be anything but a racist and the Duchess of Sussex called out for what she actually is: “The meanest girl in the world!”

Very interesting indeed 🤥 pic.twitter.com/YxkX4xSRw7
— Ephemeral Clarity (@chris_London2) December 5, 2022

Ngozi Fulani has repeatedly banged on about how she didn’t like Lady Susan Hussey having touched her during their encounter; the hypocrite, shown here behind Queen Consort Camilla at the very reception where that encounter occurred, is pictured touching somebody else and up close and personal with another. Here is somebody who has turned a storm in a teacup into almighty PR opportunity for nobody but her nasty self.

The ‘Daily Mail’ had a pop at Sir Elton John on the day of his friend Prince Harry’s Netflix premiere. In mentioning that Prince Philip was anything but a fan of titleless David Furnish’s hubby, they pointedly showed the late Duke of Edinburgh to be a far better judge of character than his soppy grandson.

When he’s not paddling around whilst holidaying in the land of olive oil, David Furnish (pictured here with the male ‘friend’ he bought a flat for, Danny Williams) likes to make programmes to air on Netflix with his female chum the Duchess of Sussex. The programmes, unsurprisingly, just like this dastardly duo themselves, don’t prove to be very popular.

Today, with their Netflix premiere, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signaled what should be next for them. This greedy, grasping, grubbing duo should be told: “It’s curtains for you!” by King Charles and then they should be sent off to where they belong: Siberia.

Twitter reacts to Ngozi Fulani’s ongoing publicity stunt at the expense of an 83-year-old pensioner…

December 8, 2022
The Boat Britain Didn’t Ask For (Or Need)

Nikolay Kalinin joins those condemning Boris Johnson’s decision to waste £200 million on a boat Britain didn’t ask for (or need)

Remember when Eurosceptics pledged Brexit would enable the government to give £350 million per week ($496 million, €406 million or درهم1.8 billion per week) to the NHS? Well, now we finally know where that money is actually going as the government has officially decided to waste some of it commissioning a vanity ship they claim will showcase the “best of British.”

The £200 million ($284 million, €232 million or درهم1 billion) gin palace – which was to be named after the late Duke of Edinburgh though even the royal family have supposedly raised objections to such as they don’t think an association with it will do them any favours – is set to be the successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was retired in 1997. Boris Johnson has stated that the vessel will “represent and promote the best of British – a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage.”

Yet, one cannot ignore that this project seems so pointless and unnecessarily expensive, a fact that has been called out by figures in Parliament. When asked about the diplomatic benefits of “recommissioning HM Yacht Britannia” by Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, President for COP26, Alok Sharma, admitted: “The royal yacht was used on just 37 occasions for… signing trade deals during 1989 – 1997. There’s no evidence that the yacht made a difference to the trade deals secured in these years and this level of use would not represent a good return on investment.”

The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Bridget Phillipson, also seemed to agree, stating: “We want to see public money used for targeted investment in a green economic recovery, resources for our NHS, and supporting families to succeed.”

She added that if the government does go ahead with the plan to build the yacht: “We’d want to see it built in Britain, supporting jobs and skills in shipyards here, and with a real focus on value for money at every stage.”

What we are seeing here once again is the government misappropriating taxpayers’ money in order to reinforce the fake vision of muscular unionism. The government is trying to reinforce a vision of a united Britain and ‘Britishness’ not through progressive deeds that reflect ‘British values,’ but through objects such as yachts named after recognisable things.

It’s not only the costly yacht however that reflects the idea that ‘muscular unionism’ is so empty, as some time ago an autonomous company launched trials of a self-driving bus in Cambridge, which was draped in the Union Jack.

Comedian Jonathan Pie reacted to the news by calling the bus “the perfect visual metaphor for a country in the grips of such inept and directionless leadership,” while Lord Andrew Adonis mockingly wrote that it “looks like a Brexit bus.”

While I like flags as much as the next man, the fact that ‘BoJo’ seems hellbent on putting them up everywhere demonstrates that his government has nothing much to offer. If Johnson really wants to unite the people of his country, he should work on fixing the rift between his government and Scotland and solve the problems Northern Ireland is facing as a result of Brexit.

The Queen’s love of the Royal Yacht Britannia was never a secret, but even she’s said to believe the decision to order a replacement to be quite beyond unrequired. Meanwhile, the most enthusiastic tin banger for the expensive tub has been Christopher Hope of ‘The Telegraph.’ He has run the paper’s campaign for the vessel since September 2016 and written three dozen articles in support of what he believes to be “putting right [the] historical wrong” of not having a royal yacht.

June 1, 2021
Is a Republic on the way?

Nikolay Kalinin analyses the results of a YouGov poll that came out in favour of a republic and elected head of state

Breaking away from the traditionalist views of their predecessors, the youth of today in Britain recently proclaimed support for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of an elected head of state, a YouGov poll has found.

According to YouGov, which conducted its survey between 2019 and 2021, more than four in ten 18 – 24 year olds surveyed supported removing the monarch and replacing it with an elected representative. Meanwhile, 31% of 18 – 24 year olds were found to still support the monarchy, a 15-point decline from 2019.

Another key headline was that general support for an elected head of state rose over the past two years, from 26% in 2019 to 41% in 2021.

These results come after two years of controversies surrounding the royal family, including Prince Andrew’s juggernaut wreck of an interview on the BBC’s Newsnight regarding his friendship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interview on CBS.

Nevertheless, backing for the royal family itself actually remains high – three in five support the Queen and her heirs – especially amongst the older age groups. Seven in ten people between the ages of 50 – 64 were found to still be in favour of the monarchy, whilst of people aged 65 plus, that number rose to 8 out of 10.

The results of this poll to me are not surprising. Many young people don’t like the idea of a monarchy and its disconnect from the rest of the population in general. Many also resent spending millions to sustain their palaces whilst more and more people become homeless in the UK every year.

We also have to remember that the government is planning on spending £200 million of taxpayers’ money – which could have been used to fund the NHS or to build more police stations – on a massive yacht named after the late Duke of Edinburgh. I join those questioning how that yacht will benefit the British public.

To young people, the monarchy is a reminder of an age when society was more backward, and to them there is also no need for a sovereign ruler whose very existence undermines the principle of democracy. Young people are also more likely to be critical of what they see as the cult-like attitude of the media towards the monarchy, even having ‘royal correspondents’ who report on their affairs. To them, it’s all so unnecessary and out of place in the 21st century.

Opposition to the monarchy is not leaderless; the pressure group Republic has risen to prominence in the recent years and currently has around 80,000 supporters in the country. Responding to the poll results, the organisation’s CEO Graham Smith stated: “Support for the monarchy has been sustained by the Queen’s long reign. The automatic succession of King Charles will dramatically alter the debate and public attitudes, putting the monarchy on collision course with modern British values. This latest poll is another reminder of the urgent need for a serious, honest and grown up debate about the future of the monarchy and the democratic alternative.”

Still, just as the Martin Bashir scandal and the intense hatred of the British public for ‘MeGain’ rumbles on, the royal family continues to enjoy popularity amongst the older traditionalist crowd. This comes especially as the Queen herself has reportedly been “deeply upset” by Prince Harry’s comments on his upbringing in a “cycle of suffering,” which he revealed on his new Apple TV+ series with Oprah Winfrey.

Inevitably, however, the older generation is going to die out, and the increasing republican and younger members of society will become more outspoken. There is even a parliamentary petition with almost 7,000 signatures calling for a referendum on the abolition of the monarchy, though it still needs to reach 10,000 signatures before a government response is even orchestrated.

This dissatisfaction with the monarchy can be easily reflected in Nick Abbott’s radio episode on LBC on 21^st May, in which he commented on the negative response to Prince Harry’s comments by stating: “It’s as if though we’re obsessed with time not advancing, and Brexit is a lot like that. We just want to regain some imagined past, some Disneyfication of the nation.”

Will the monarchy survive into the 2030s? Young people don’t seem especially enthusiastic for it if YouGov’s latest poll is to be believed. The scandal of Prince Andrew’s involvement with Jeffrey Epstein and other unsavoury characters hasn’t helped and nor has the behaviour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but the Queen remains firmly in the nation’s hearts – that is for sure.

“Replacing the monarchy with a museum” is the desire of some in the UK, but that most certainly is not backed by older British citizens.

In June 2012, ‘The Steeple Times’ featured reader favourite Anton Lorien’s tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It stands as a testament to the legacy of an esteemed lady whose service to her country is widely believed to have been exemplary.

May 25, 2021
A Boat For Brenda

As decidedly dippy Dame Esther Rantzen calls for tyrannical twerp Sir Philip Green to hand over his behemoth boat to the Queen, we suggest Sir James Dyson or Sir Charles Dunstone’s gin palaces as other options that could be commandeered

This morning on Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, Dame Esther Rantzen, for once in her somewhat curious career, made a valid suggestion when discussing the current hullabaloo over whether or not the nation should spend £200 million on a new royal yacht.

Commenting to the programme’s Paddy O’Connell of a “pomp and ceremony” focused proposal that the Conservatives are plainly using to wind up Labour, Dame Esther remarked:

“This is to me a crazy idea at a time when our economy has been obviously dealt something of a death blow by COVID, when we have no plans for social care, when food banks are thriving. Do we really think that the taxpayer, let alone the royal family, want £200 million spent on a royal yacht?”

“I think it’s an example of a newspaper starting a campaign which is so out of touch. However, perhaps, I have the solution: Sir Philip Green, do you remember him? He has a knighthood – which some people have questioned. He lives in Monaco, where there’s plenty of other people with yachts. Why doesn’t he donate his boat to the royal family?”

“If he’s got monograms with the words ‘Philip’ on it, that would be suitable for those who feel that the yacht should be named after Philip, Duke of Edinburgh… Prince Philip, you could just add a few, a few, you know…”

Equally, given the late NCP car park tycoon Sir Donald Gosling left £50 million in his will towards a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia, we suggest some potentially cheaper boating options to Sir Philip Green’s £100 million gin palace below that could also be commandeered.

Pictured top: The late Sir Donald Gosling’s former yacht Leander and its owner with the Queen and her late husband in 2012.

Option 1 – Sir Philip Green’s ‘Lionheart’

Pros – The disgraced businessman’s gin palace is definitely big at 295-foot and can accommodate 12 guests with a crew of 30. It’d probably also appeal to ‘Randy Andy’ given his liking for living it large and there is plenty of space on the boat’s deck for the ‘Duchess of Dork’ to engage in a bit of toe sucking as well.

Cons – This boat’s décor would likely be considered a bit ‘lowbrow’ by the Queen given “Call Me Lady Tina” – the rotten retailer’s wife – is known more for brass than class. The tacky tub might need a bit of a clean also as in September 2020, the vessel was impounded in Monaco due to two of its staff contracting coronavirus.

Option 2 – Sir James Dyson’s ‘Nahlin’

Pros – Given all the breaks billionaire Sir James Dyson and his carpet designer wife ‘Lady Deirdre’ have been given by Boris Johnson in spite of disgracefully relocating their operations abroad, you’d think they might want to give something back and hand over their boat.

As was reported in the Guardian yesterday, this steam yacht has also been subject to a £25 million restoration and has ‘previous royal form’ in that it housed the then King Edward VIII and Mrs Wallis Simpson just prior to the 1936 abdication crisis. Perhaps that might attract that devious duo’s modern day equivalents, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, onboard for peace talks.

Cons – The Queen could find herself like the majority of the population, who’ve wasted money on his frankly mostly useless products, a little frustrated with the vessel’s hypocritical Brexiteer owner and we don’t think she’d like ‘Dreary Deirdre’s’ appalling rug designs either.

Option 3 – Sir Charles Dunstone’s ‘Shemara’

Pros – The 210-foot motor yacht Shemara is a favourite of all at The Steeple Times. Built by Sir Bernard Docker at the behest of his brilliantly batty wife, ‘Lady Nora,’ in 1938, this vessel has played host to everyone from King Farouk of Egypt to coalminers.

Cons – If the Queen took over this boat, she might find herself a little beholden to the ‘Chipping Norton set’ given Sir Charles Dunstone is considered one of that group’s most illustrious members. Conversations with Rebekah Brooks about her thoughts on her wayward grandchild and his money grabbing wife might not prove easy, but Jeremy Clarkson could break the ice with a drink or five.

May 16, 2021
Maxwell Delayed

Matthew Steeples suggests that Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial being delayed is not surprising given new charges against the mucky madam; it is now time Prince Andrew spoke to the FBI, he adds

After banging on about her ‘black eye’ and her lawyers having had shared an undated image of a woman who shouldn’t be posing for pictures given she’s incarcerated anyway, the disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has finally secured a ‘win’ after her trial was given “a short continuance until the fall of 2021 to allow the defence to prepare for the additional charges brought.”

The fact of the matter in this development, however, is that the new charges brought against Maxwell recently not only extend the timeframe in question from 1994 to 1997 to 1994 to 2004 – key to the period in which the mucky madam was especially involved with the likes of Prince Andrew – but also increased her number of “minor” accusers from 3 to 4 victims. Here, now, we have before us a wicked wastrel of a woman facing a likely far worse fate and, frankly, thus, a small extension to allow her to “prepare” can be considered reasonable.

In other legal correspondence yesterday, the Honorable Alison J. Nathan stated “the Court declines to take further action at this time” in response to Maxwell’s lawyers claiming that paperwork supposedly destined for their client had been interfered with by her jailors. Dismissing yet more distraction technique by the ‘Bouncing Czech’s’ deviant daughter, Nathan also added that the trial delay must be “no longer than necessary” and after ordering both sides to quickly work towards a new proposed trial date quite rightly added:

“No [further] additional delay is necessary or in the interests of justice… Importantly, any victims and the public more broadly have a strong interest in trial proceeding without undue delay.”

Pictured top: Ghislaine Maxwell looking smug. No doubt, today, she’s feeling such at having her trial delayed, but isn’t she just delaying the inevitable? Someone sane, would seek a plea deal, but this mendacious minx has the same attitude as her fraud father and will remain arrogant to the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0HuM8Sg9u0&t=1790s
Maxwell Delayed – On Friday, I appeared on Shaun Attwood’s YouTube channel to discuss Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘black eye’ and other recent developments in the case. Also featured was author, sex abuse survivor and advocate Kirby Sommers and a gentleman named Charlie Robinson.

Maxwell Delayed – Now, after a period of mourning for his late father, it is jolly well time that ‘Randy Andy’ faced the music and went to answer the questions of the FBI about his involvement with his ‘bestie’ Ghislaine Maxwell and the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. On Saturday, the ‘Daily Star’ reported that the “Queen [is] ‘trapped in Catch 22’ with Prince Andrew ahead of Ghislaine Maxwell trial” and reported royal commentator Daniela Elser claimed: “Her Majesty is in ‘dangerous territory’ regarding how [she] manages the fallout of the Duke of York’s ties to the disgraced late financier and his alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.” Elser added: “The public wants to see Andrew disciplined and forced to pay more of a price for his abysmal choices however having lost his royal job, patronages and reputation what else is there to take away? Short of Her Majesty forcing him to mow the acres and acres (literally) of palace lawn every week or pushing him out of a speeding Range Rover in front of the US Embassy and leaving him to the FBI, royal hands are tied.”

Maxwell Delayed – Ghislaine Maxwell used to pose naked at Jeffrey Epstein’s mucky mansion in Palm Beach; now after supposedly faking photos at burger joints, the alleged vegan is posing with black eyes. How times change for this daughter of the pension plunderer Robert Maxwell.

Maxwell Delayed – Last week, this not-seen-before image of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein with Bill Clinton emerged. Given the multiple interactions between the former POTUS and the deviant duo, Clinton must, like Prince Andrew, be squeamish about what will be said about his ‘involvement’ at any forthcoming trial.

Maxwell Delayed – Responding to the delay to Maxwell’s trial, Kirby Sommers tweeted: “This ‘trial’ is going to go sideways.”

Maxwell Delayed – Going further, Sommers added: “[Her] legal strategy is to wear down the prosecution. Wear down the victims… And try to get out of jail. No way she’s releasing names. And no way does she want to stand trial.”

Maxwell Delayed – Referencing another element to the case, Sommers linked to a ‘Maza Inside’ article about a former friend of Maxwell who’ll be giving evidence against the alleged mucky madam. She quoted that ex-friend as saying: “[Maxwell] told me she could get into anybody’s pants and that girls are like candy.” Going further the unnamed “wealthy Californian woman” added: “This woman was worse than Jeffrey Epstein. She has no conscience. I wondered about a lot of things with her, sometimes.”

Maxwell Delayed – Elsewhere on Twitter, echoing the late Caroline Aherne’s words to Debbie McGee in character as ‘Mrs Merton’ Malcolm Finch told his 4,200 followers: “Peter Mandelson used to spend his time hanging around Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s Palm Beach mansion. I wonder what attracted Peter Mandelson to billionaire Jeffrey Epstein?” In May 2020, ‘The Steeple Times’ reported on the late Paul Daniels’ wife Ms McGee “boasting about her connections to ‘Randy Andy’” and in June that year we also explored the somewhat curious relationship between ‘Prince of Perv’ Epstein, ‘Prince of Darkness’ Mandelson and ‘Princess of Pugnacious’ Maxwell.

May 4, 2021
Don’t Come On Carrie!

Matthew Steeples argues that Daniel Johnson’s “Come on Carrie: your country needs you!” call to Boris Johnson’s wine chucking latest baby mama is nothing but claptrap

The Article is one of those online titles that one can dip into from time to time and find an array of opinions about politics. It claims to show “the world in all its shades of grey” and though that’s not meant in a ‘John Major style’ (thank the Lord), the publication’s attempts to “see a story from every angle” is indeed refreshing.

Yesterday, however, the title’s editor Daniel Johnson – the brother of the controversial right-wing Vote Leave and anti-lockdown COVID Recovery Group funding former owner of the Pizza Express group Luke Johnson – penned quite frankly the most bizarre article known to man.

Daniel Johnson, also a founding editor of Standpoint and described by the Independent as having “the air of a classics don” and listed on Wikipedia for having “asserted that Islam in not a peaceful religion,” asked: “Why isn’t the Prime Minister calling for a post-Covid catch-up campaign [for British school children]?” He then turned to what he believes should happen in the wake of Prince Philip’s funeral tomorrow.

Bizarrely and from utterly nowhere, the journalist went off on a seriously odd tangent and declared:

“Our sympathy for the Royal Family is all the greater because this has been a sad time for so many others, too. After so many funerals, a wedding would not come amiss. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a divorced man in possession of the good fortune to be Prime Minister must be in want of a wife.”

“Next month Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds will have been engaged for 18 months. Once the restrictions on weddings have been lifted in June, there is nothing to stop them getting married. Not everyone would rejoice, but most people would wish them well. Royal weddings happen regularly; prime ministerial ones are rare birds. Indeed, the last time a Prime Minister tied the knot while in office was in 1822, when Lord Liverpool remarried after being widowed.”

“If a week is a long time in politics, two centuries is an aeon. There are many reasons why Boris might be hesitant, but his fiancée is no shrinking violet and is quite capable of insisting that the time has come. Little Wilfred is growing fast. The nation needs cheering up. Come on, Carrie: your country needs you!”

Aside from the fact that most of the nation would prefer Prime Minister Johnson to be focusing on getting the current out of the Covid crisis and fixing our economy, ‘Journalist Johnson’ misses the point entirely about the country’s thoughts about our serial shagging head honcho.

Whilst Tory sleaze – with the Greenshill scandal and the likes of Matt Hancock handing out multi-million pound contracts willy-nilly to his mates – is dominating the headlines, I’d argue that our country needs a little less of ‘Costly Carrie’ and not a bit more. With her penchant for £200,000 “monstrous” interior design makeovers and £12,500 deliveries of food from ritzy Daylesford, here is a Barbara Amiel-esque wastrel completely out of touch with the nation.

A wedding for Carrie Symonds would certainly cement the status of a wine chucking wench with a penchant for hanging around with members of the far-right Traditional Britain Group and working for organisations supported by the deservedly incarcerated mucky madam Ghislaine Maxwell, but what would it actually do for the great British public?

“Absolutely nothing” is frankly the only acceptable answer.

Next!

Don’t Come On Carrie! Boris Johnson’s current squeeze Carrie Symonds was described by her alleged spreader of fake news about Russia ex-boyfriend Oliver Haiste (sometimes spelt ‘Haste’) as: “Any relationship with Carrie or friendship with Carrie is very intense and can often burn brightly… Never boring… Tumultuous… Intense and passionate… That passion can work the other way when she is not happy with you… It’s the most up and down relationship I have had.”

Don’t Come On Carrie! Rumours of Boris Johnson’s affairs continue to do the rounds on social media. Aside from a supposed ongoing fling with a certain tame BBC journalist, the Prime Minister has been repeatedly linked to various Russians.

Don’t Come On Carrie! The man pictured left believes “Boris Johnson was sent by Christ” to “fulfill bible prophecy” whilst a parody magazine mocked the Prime Minister with a headline: “Scumbag Exposed! My hubby had TWELVE children before WE MET!”

April 16, 2021
A Meterless Cab

Black cab (in green) that has never carried a paying passenger to be auctioned in May; it was originally owned by construction giants Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd.

What do the Duke of Edinburgh, Noel Edmonds, Yvette Fielding, Stephen Fry, Simon Hughes, Stanley Kubrick, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kate Moss, Sir Laurence Olivier and Arnold Schwarzenegger have in common? All of them, variously, have owned black cabs (also known as ‘Hackney carriages’ and ‘hacks’).

Stephen Fry with the black cab he owns.

The ex-Nubar Gulbenkian 1960 Austin FX4 Brougham Sedanca taxi with coachwork by FLM Panelcraft. It was sold at auction for £31,900 ($39,000, €36,200 or درهم143,600) in 2015 by Bonhams at their Quail Lodge auction in Carmel, California.

Whilst in the past, the eccentric Armenian business magnate and socialite Nubar Gulbenkian went one stage further and “dolled-up” a 1960 Austin FX4 taxi to his own specifications, a more modern adapted example is to be sold by Bonhams in May.

Lacking a traditional amber light on its roof, the 2006 London Taxi International TXII Gold to be offered has “never carried a fare paying passenger in its life.” This vehicle, instead, was bought new by the construction company Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd. and subsequently given a “bespoke upgrade” costing £12,000 ($14,700, €13,600 or درهم53,900) by LTI dealers KPM Automotive.

Fitted with replacement green velour seating in the passenger section, the 2.4-litre, automatic car has two Motorola telephones, air-conditioning, an intercom and a fold-down wheelchair access ramp. It has covered 18,000 miles from new and is described as being in generally “superb condition” and having a “distinguished air.”

Bonhams will offer the taxi at their online Bicester sale on 30^th May. They have set an estimate of £12,000 to £18,000 ($14,700 to $22,000, €13,600 to €20,400 or درهم53,900 to درهم80,900).

As someone named Lou Erickson once said: “Life is like a taxi. The meter keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still.”

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April 3, 2020
Drive On Phil

Public outrage over Prince Philip returning to the road is ridiculous suggests Matthew Steeples

Even the normally anti-PC Jeremy Clarkson has taken up the new popular cause of demanding Prince Philip be retired from the roads.

Yes, the royal had an accident (but one in which nobody was seriously hurt) and yes, he ought to wear a seatbelt whilst on the public highway, but one cannot expect this national security risk to exactly get out his bus pass and hop on the number 19.

“What the bloody hell is a man of that age doing behind the wheel of a car?” ranted Clarkson in a column for The Sun whilst the know-nothing and self-proclaimed ‘royal expert Ingrid ‘Sewage’ Seward also weighed in. She, without a shred of evidence to support her remarks, claimed the Queen was “likely annoyed” with her husband.

The Duke of Edinburgh, it was later revealed, supposedly passed an eye test and in spite of his faculties having most amusingly been off-centre for decades, the moaning Minnies should find something more important to get upset about. Drive on Phil!

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January 20, 2019
Moron of the Moment – Emma Dent Coad

Hectoring horror and Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad’s remarks about the royal family simply illustrate her ineptitude for high office

Prior to the election, Emma Dent Coad was just a Kensington and Chelsea councillor, but, due to the ineptitude of Lady ‘Call me Victoria’ Borwick – a Tory with more interest in ivory than representing the 69% of her constituents that chose to vote ‘remain’ in the Brexit referendum – this equally awful red head unexpectedly also became Labour’s Member of Parliament for Kensington earlier this year.

Now, aside from bizarrely being lauded by the truly ghastly hypocrite Diane Abbott at Labour’s party conference in Brighton, this firebrand Commie has gotten herself into a lot of bother with a series of pugnacious remarks about the royal family.

Speaking at a fringe event, Dent Coad – whose Twitter handle contains numerous references to followers as “comrades” – told the assembled audience of anti-monarchists:

“[Prince] Harry can’t actually fly a helicopter. He tried to pass the helicopter exam about four times and he couldn’t get through it at all so he always goes for the co-pilot. So he just sits there going ‘vroom ‘vroom.”

“Harry and William are not very bright. Just let them drift away, be playboys or whatever… Their MP thinks the system is ridiculous. We should not be funding them.”

Turning to the Duchess of Cambridge, she remarked:

“It is disgusting [that she bought jumpers that cost £150 each]… That’s a food bill for a family of four. That’s absolutely outrageous.”

Of the Duke of Edinburgh, Dent Coad went further:

“The Queen might want to step back when her (cough, cough) soulmate is gone. He’s been mucking about and [been] quite unfaithful for quite a few years.”

Of press coverage on the royals, this ranting Labour loudmouth suggested:

“[The BBC produce] sickeningly gratuitous coverage of anything royal. [They are] very heavily directed by right-wing politics and the monarchy. It is a piece of the whole propaganda machine.”

Though plainly Dent Coad thinks herself very funny, the nation did not and on Twitter, Rupert Myers, a political correspondent for GQ and The Telegraph, termed the remarks “absolutely vile stuff.” Another user, @Ferruzzicati, added: “My god you are one opportunistic, virtue signalling ingrate. A disgrace to your office. Resign woman” whilst Ned Donovan of the Daily Mail rightly concluded: “[You] are an incredibly unpleasant and spiteful person.”

They are all right: Emma Dent Coad – a woman who previously sat on the TMO in charge of Grenfell Tower (and now wishes we’d all forget that) – should simply crawl back under the stone from whence she came. She is ridiculous, rude and would best rod off.

September 27, 2017