There are few things the British media loves more than a royal drama.
With his memoir Spare, Prince Harry has given the members of what used to be known as Fleet Street a deluge of material to fill their newspapers, websites and TV screens.
Friday's front pages lay out the highlights after a handful of copies, mostly in Spanish, were grasped by correspondents and pored over in detail. Fighting with his brother makes for fascinating reading but it seems doubtful that it will do anything to help Harry's cause — other than boost his bank balance.
As is the way with British newspapers, they do not stick to just facts and reportage, but frequently editorialise in their tone. It was perfectly clear which papers were truly appalled by the prince's revelations and which were simply loving a new scandal.
The Daily Telegraph, which has an older readership and is staunchly royalist, focuses on Prince Harry and his brother Prince William's feelings towards their father's second wife, Queen Consort Camilla. In his book, the prince writes that they were willing to accept their relationship but “begged” their father, the Prince of Wales at the time, not to marry Camilla, fearing she would become a “wicked stepmother”.
Prince William and Prince Harry through the years — in pictures
The Daily Mail leaves no room for doubt that it is unimpressed with his revelations. The paper has been caught up in a long-running legal battle with the Sussexes and has been the most outspoken in its dislike of Harry and Meghan's opinions or decision to leave the UK.
It starts its 17-page “truth bomb special” by screaming “Oh Spare us!” as its splash headline, referring to the “millions who will groan” at his hypocrisy. It highlights columnist Jan Moir's opinion that the prince is a “grudge-toting manbaby” and uses a picture of the prince in Afghanistan with the headline “Astonishment as he declares: I killed 25 Taliban fighters'. Inside, its royal editor Rebecca English suggests readers should “let this sink in”, as the prince had “stooped to revealing a private remark from his grieving father at Prince Philip's funeral”, a reference to King Charles pleading with the siblings to call a truce and not make his final years a misery.
The Express, another royalist publication with its feet firmly in the Team Charles camp, asks how the prince's desire for reconciliation can happen, saying “you sold your soul, Harry”.
While other publications might not show quite so much vitriol, they do have blanket coverage.
The Times described the most devastating royal revelations for more than a generation, while the Mirror declared “It's all over now”, with a picture of the brothers as children.
With “Put your dukes up”, The Star focused on the altercation between the brothers in the kitchen at Kensington Palace, while The Sun honed in on the prince's admission that he took cocaine and anger at his claims he killed 25 Taliban while serving in Afghanistan.
The Guardian, which usually likes to steer clear of royal events, had set the ball rolling by being the first to get hold of a copy of the book. It used its front page picture to point out Harry's accusation: “William attacked me”.
The BBC and Sky News were equally enthralled, providing rolling coverage and live blogging events. At one point, Sky's main news was “Sky News has obtained a copy of Spare” as it dashed to publish paragraphs. They also lined up a number of mental health workers to suggest the prince is still traumatised by his mother's death, and that treatment so far has failed to deal with it successfully.
Being seen to be believed, as the late Queen Elizabeth II used to say, means it is important for the royal family to stay in the headlines, but having its dirty laundry aired in public in this way is a PR nightmare.
There is no doubt the royal family will be hurt by the allegations and concerned at the damage the claims are doing to its reputation.
But Prince William having a punch-up with his brother may even endear some people to him more as they might see him standing up for the monarchy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex through the years — in pictures
From the allegations which have been published so far, it is Prince Harry himself who risks the most damage.
There is a genuine concern that by revealing his “kill list” of 25 during his time in Afghanistan he has broken a soldier code, undone the good feelings many in the UK had towards him for fighting for his country, and caused potential consequences for the military.
While some, particularly those of a younger generation, may believe it is his right to tell “his truth” and believe he has been treated harshly by a family focused on succession, others may find his sharing of personal details around his sex life and drug-taking unnecessary.
The hashtag “shutupharry” was trending on Twitter at one point.
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September, the royal family's position as a bedrock of life in Britain is no longer quite as secure as it was once. King Charles no doubt wishes his second son would put family first and keep his thoughts out of print.
However, as agonising as it must be for the Windsors to be dragged through the mud in this fashion, there is no new incendiary accusation such as racism that could do real damage.
The prince has continued to churn out his mantra that his own family has treated him unfairly but there is little to change the minds of those who have already decided if they are pro or anti Harry.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
NYBL PROFILE
Company name: Nybl
Date started: November 2018
Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence
Initial investment: $500,000
Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)
Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The Lowdown
Kesari
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Anubhav Singh
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra
SPECS
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Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company%20profile
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HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Brief scores:
Manchester City 3
Aguero 1', 44', 61'
Arsenal 1
Koscielny 11'
Man of the match: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Specs
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Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
Representing%20UAE%20overseas
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