Windsor Great Park residence with royal pedigree
Franco-Iranian graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi has died aged 56 after the death of her husband, Mattias Ripa. Relations and cultural figures have paid tribute, with Macron praising Satrapi as a universal voice who transformed an Iranian childhood into a global story. The reporting highlights Persepolis and Satrapi’s influence on countering stereotypes about Iran while noting her activism and anti-regime stance.
The National Audit Office has disclosed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received income from subletting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate while paying a peppercorn rent. The report notes it does not reveal how much rent was charged or income generated. The findings prompt MPs to press for reform and a public inquiry into royal finances. The issue is part of wider scrutiny of royal housing arrangements and the Crown Estate.
The Gates Foundation has released a three-page summary of a WilmerHale review into its past engagements with Jeffrey Epstein. The review finds no evidence of payments to Epstein or illegal activity, but notes that Gates and foundation staff met Epstein about 30 times from 2011 to 2014, focusing on a donor-advised fund concept and a grant to the International Peace Institute. Gates expresses regret and the foundation says it will strengthen governance and vetting.