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The LeadA former chair of an influential parliamentary committee has expressed shock that the public spending watchdog has not established how much money Prince Andrew made from subletting properties on his Windsor estate.Transparency Concerns Over Royal FinancesMargaret Hodge, who led the public accounts committee, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she was "very concerned" that the National Audit Office (NAO) was not able to find out how much money the former prince had made from letting properties. She also raised concerns that a report by the NAO did not cover all of the crown estate properties.Financial Arrangements at Windsor EstateHodge made her comments after the NAO revealed Prince Andrew received private income from subletting three cottages on his Windsor Royal Lodge estate while paying a "peppercorn rent" to the crown estate. The Labour peer emphasized that "we all want a royal family to be continued to be respected, valued and treasured" but "in a modern era that does require proper transparency and accountability."Questions About Non-Working RoyalsHodge raised concerns about other royals including Princess Beatrice and Eugenie and Prince Michael of Kent and his wife, who were "subsidised in the way that they were living on the estate, they weren't paying rent, and yet they're not working royals." She questioned whether it was appropriate for non-working royals to be subsidised by taxpayers from a fund that belongs to the taxpayer.The Crown Estate's PositionThe crown estate is "our money, it's taxpayers' money, it's not theirs," Hodge stated, adding that "whoever runs that has to always ensure the taxpayers' interest." The review also shows that King Charles pays an "adjusted" rent from his private Duchy of Lancaster income, below open market value, for his disgraced brother's non-working royal daughters to live in royal palaces.Prince and Princess of Wales Property DetailsMeanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales's Forest Lodge home in Windsor underwent £400,000 repairs carried out by the crown estate before the couple moved in with their three young children last year. William and Catherine took out a 20-year lease on the Grade II-listed Georgian house and pay £307,200 rent a year, reviewed every five years. They paid no upfront premium and are responsible for internal refurbishments and alterations.Official ResponsesA spokesperson for the crown estate stated that "the crown estate welcomes the National Audit Office's review, which confirms its leases with members of the royal family were agreed in line with independent, professional advice and open market valuations." Buckingham Palace also responded, saying they were "grateful to the National Audit Office for this report, which is in line with the royal household's commitment to transparency."

The Takeover Deal Evoke, the owner of William Hill and the 888 online casino brand, has agreed a £243m takeover by the Greek casino and lottery operator Bally's Intralot. The Background of the Deal Evoke has been locked in talks with the Athens-listed Bally's Intralot, which has extensive international operations including in the US, for the past two months. The deal comes four years after Evoke, previously known as 888 Holdings, paid £2.2bn to buy William Hill's network of 1,400 high street bookmakers. The Impact of UK Gaming Tax Changes The companies said the government's announcement in November of a significant increase in remote gaming duty, from 21% to 40%, triggered a “material shift in the UK operating environment” that will “create meaningful dislocation across the competitive landscape”. Evoke's shares have fallen by 90% since the William Hill acquisition. Market Reaction and Future Outlook Shares in London-listed Evoke soared by more than 12.5% in early trading as investors welcomed the takeover deal. Evoke has net debt of about £1.8bn and a market value of just over £180m. The Evoke chief executive, Per Widerström, has previously said that the changes in gambling tax would cost the business up to £135m a year. Mark Summerfield, the chair of Evoke, said the deal represented “the most attractive and deliverable outcome for Evoke shareholders”. The Future of Evoke and Bally's Intralot Soo Kim, the chair of Bally's, said that Intralot was confident the deal would “deliver substantial benefits for both Intralot and Evoke shareholders”. Intralot provides technology for 12 state lotteries in the US and has operations in Europe, South America, north Africa, south-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

IFR’s Decision to Decline an Expanded EDI MandateThe Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will not adopt Kick It Out’s proposal to impose mandatory EDI targets and annual demographic reporting on the 116 clubs it oversees. After a second round of consultation, the regulator concluded that such requirements lie outside its statutory remit.Kick It Out’s Request and the Outcome of the IFR ConsultationKick It Out, led by chief executive Samuel Okafor, has long urged the IFR to embed stronger EDI obligations in its licensing framework. The regulator’s latest consultation, which closed last month, considered the proposal but ultimately rejected it, citing its primary role as a financial watchdog.Key Figures and Current EDI Landscape116 clubs in the top five English divisions are subject to IFR licensing.The FA’s voluntary Football Leadership Diversity Code targets 15% BME and 30% women hires, but clubs have consistently missed these goals.The IFR board comprises nine government‑appointed members, none of whom are from a minority ethnic background.Annual workforce data reporting is now mandatory under the FA’s strengthened code, with sanctions for non‑compliance.Implications for Football Governance and Club Diversity EffortsThe decision highlights a tension between financial regulation and social policy in English football. By keeping EDI guidance voluntary, the IFR leaves the onus on the FA and individual clubs to meet diversity targets, potentially slowing progress toward broader representation.Looking Ahead: Possible Paths for EDI Policy in English FootballWhile the IFR plans to publish updated licensing rules next month, stakeholders expect continued pressure from Kick It Out and other advocacy groups. Future developments may include:Enhanced collaboration between the IFR and the FA on best‑practice EDI frameworks.Potential legislative amendments to grant the IFR explicit powers over diversity reporting.Increased public scrutiny of board composition and club hiring practices.How these dynamics evolve will shape whether English football can align its financial stability with the broader societal goal of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The Atmospheric Soundscapes of Gintė Preisaitė Copenhagen's Rhythmic Music Conservatory has become associated with a specific gauzy, esoteric sound, which draws on, and reshapes, classical instrumentation and pop songwriting. Following in the footsteps of ML Buch, Astrid Sonne, and Erika de Casier, Lithuanian musician Gintė Preisaitė works with piano, voice, and electronics to create atmospheric, unsettling ambient compositions. The Evolution of Preisaitė's Sound Preisaitė's first solo release under her own name, 'Instruments of Forgetting and the Singing Bone', draws on her background in improvisational techniques and composing for large ensembles. With additional instrumentation from a cluster of collaborators – strings, woodwind, tape – she presents eight tracks that build in intensity through her collage-like assembling of strange sounds and effects. The Experimental Approach The album starts subtly with opening track 'Vigilance', where sustained drones are gradually peppered with birdsong and electronic glitches. Preisaitė's vocals, which appear in the second half, are at first stark and bright, before they are also chopped up and layered in a dreamy haze. On tracks such as 'Summary Saint Mary' and 'I Constantly', disparate instruments creak and clatter around dense blurts of noise. The Intersection of Abstraction and Pop Among the abstraction are shades of left-field pop and modern classical. In standout track 'Deepen', a gorgeous, low-slung refrain emerges from the eerie dissonance, complete with moody vocals and guitars that recall Smerz and Blonde Redhead. Aéroport features a blown-out breakbeat, while penultimate track 'Day' places Preisaitė's piano centre stage for the first time. Other Releases to Watch Other notable releases include 'Bayal', the third collaborative album from Iranian experimental musicians Tegh and Adel Poursamadi, and 'Sinking', a slick and deeply atmospheric journey through UK bass, dubstep, and dub techno by Paris-born DJ and producer Beatrice M.

The tiny West African archipelago has earned a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. With a squad drawn from 14 countries and a coach who insists on Creole as the team language, the Blue Sharks blend diaspora talent with a relaxed "morabeza" mindset. Below is a deep dive into the squad, its leadership and the matches that will decide whether Cape Verde can turn debut dreams into historic results. The Blueprint: Squad Composition and Club Diversity 26‑man roster featuring players from 25 clubs across 14 nations. Six players were born in Rotterdam, highlighting the diaspora’s influence. Positions are well‑balanced: a mix of physical defenders, technically gifted forwards and a midfield engine. Key Fixtures and Scheduling 15 June – vs Spain in Atlanta (noon local, 5 pm BST, 16 June 2 am AEST). 21 June – vs Uruguay in Miami (6 pm local, 11 pm BST, 22 June 8 am AEST). 26 June – vs Saudi Arabia (7 pm local, 1 am BST, 27 June 10 am AEST). Coach Bubista’s Philosophy and Leadership Bubista (Pedro Leitão Brito) grew up on Boa Vista, worked as a lift operator’s son, and played across Portugal, Spain and Angola before captaining the national side. His core tenets are: Mandating Creole on the pitch to preserve national identity. Emphasising collective unity over individual flair. Instilling a “no‑stress” attitude that mirrors the country’s slogan, morabeza. Star Forward Dailon Livramento’s Impact The Rotterdam‑born striker has already become a legend, netting four qualifying goals, including the decisive winner against Cameroon. His profile: Born in Rotterdam to singer Marizia; also a musician. Provides the central attacking presence the team previously lacked. His physicality and finishing will be crucial against the defensive rigs of Spain and Uruguay. Veteran Ryan Mendes: Captain and Goal Threat Ryan Mendes, at 36, remains the team’s captain, top scorer and a potential centurion at the World Cup. Highlights: Former Lille forward, once a replacement for Eden Hazard. Overcame a serious ankle injury to stay central to the Blue Sharks. Could become the first Cape Verdean player to reach 100 caps if he appears in all three group matches. Midfield Engine Kevin Pina’s Role Kevin Pina anchors the midfield after a title‑winning season with Krasnodar in Russia. He: Provides the “dirty work” that frees attacking talents. Excels at forward ball movement despite a low goal tally. Forms a dynamic partnership with Deroy Duarte. Projected Starting XI and Tactical Outlook The likely lineup blends experience with youthful energy, favoring a 4‑3‑3 shape that encourages possession from the back and quick transitions on the wings. Goalkeeper: Logan Costa (Villarreal) – fitness remains a question after an ACL tear. Defence: A mix of European‑based centre‑backs and full‑backs comfortable in both defensive duties and overlapping runs. Midfield: Pina, Duarte and a creative playmaker to link defence and attack. Attack: Mendes (captain) flanked by wingers, with Livramento as the central striker. If the squad can maintain cohesion, exploit set‑piece opportunities and keep the “no‑stress” mindset, Cape Verde could pull off a surprise point or even a historic upset in their inaugural World Cup appearance.

The LeadFormer England footballer Gary Lineker's media production company Goalhanger has been crowned the UK's fastest-growing business, according to the latest Sunday Times list of the 100 quickest-growing private companies. The company, which produces popular podcast series including 'The Rest is History' and 'The Rest is Politics,' achieved remarkable growth with £37.9m in sales in 2025, representing an average annual growth rate of 321% over the past three years.The Podcast EmpireGoalhanger has built a diverse media portfolio centered around its 'The Rest is …' podcast series. This includes 'The Rest is History' hosted by historian Tom Holland and journalist Dominic Sandbrook; 'The Rest is Entertainment' featuring Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde; Lineker's own 'The Rest is Football'; and 'The Rest is Politics' hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. These podcasts exploded in popularity following the coronavirus pandemic and now collectively boast more than 750 million listeners worldwide.The Financial BreakthroughDespite employing just 80 people at its London headquarters, Goalhanger has demonstrated exceptional financial performance. The company has boosted its revenue through paid subscriptions and events, reaching a milestone of 250,000 paid subscribers in January 2026. These subscribers generate approximately £15m in annual revenue for the company. The financial success has attracted significant investment, including a minority stake purchase by Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group in January 2026.The Media Industry TransformationGoalhanger's rise reflects a broader shift in the UK media landscape toward digital-first content creation and distribution. The company's success demonstrates how former public figures can leverage their expertise and audience reach to build substantial media enterprises. Additionally, Goalhanger's expansion into venture capital, with investments in creator-led media businesses like Invisible Media and Backyard Cricket, signals the company's ambition to shape the future of creator-driven media in the UK and beyond.The Future OutlookWith strategic partnerships including a £14m deal with Netflix to broadcast 'The Rest is Football' during the World Cup, Goalhanger is positioned for continued growth. The company's venture capital arm and existing subscriber base provide a solid foundation for expansion into new markets and content verticals. As the UK's fastest-growing business, Goalhanger exemplifies the potential of podcasting as a dominant media format, with further international expansion likely as the company capitalizes on its proven business model and growing global audience.

The Lead Microsoft has announced new measures to tighten human rights controls when working with national security agencies after an inquiry into the Israeli military's use of its cloud technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. Microsoft's Inquiry and New Measures The inquiry was launched last year in response to a Guardian investigation with Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, revealing how the Israeli military used Microsoft's cloud to store a vast trove of intercepted Palestinian phone calls. Microsoft terminated the Israeli military's access to cloud and AI services used to support the surveillance project after initial findings showed its spy agency, Unit 8200, had violated the company's terms of service. The Data Analysis Microsoft's inquiry found that Unit 8200 had used Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to operate an indiscriminate system that allowed its intelligence officers to collect, play back and analyse the content of millions of Palestinian cellular phone calls every day. The company has previously said senior executives such as its chief executive, Satya Nadella, were unaware Unit 8200 was using Azure to store intercepted Palestinian communications. The Impact Analysis The revelations prompted concerns at a senior level within Microsoft that some employees at its Israeli subsidiary had not been fully transparent with headquarters about their knowledge of how Unit 8200 used the company's technology. Sources familiar with the inquiry said it had examined how some of Microsoft's Tel Aviv-based employees had felt conflicting loyalties between their obligations to the company and their support for the Israeli military after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks on southern Israel. The Prediction Microsoft has said it will adopt a series of recommendations intended to improve the "effectiveness of our human-rights governance". The company will examine how it manages security clearances "in certain countries" and "make changes to ensure that our employees understand how to navigate security clearance requirements as part of their work for Microsoft". The new measures include periodic reviews to check whether Microsoft's acceptable use policies are being followed by customers when there are "new political circumstances or changes to sensitive projects", as well as steps to strengthen human-rights due-diligence processes in "conflict-affected and high-risk areas".

France's World Cup Preparation Takes Unexpected TurnFrance brushed aside concerns after suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat by Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up match, insisting the setback would serve as a useful reminder rather than a cause for alarm ahead of the tournament. Didier Deschamps' side led through a superb first-half goal from Rayan Cherki on Thursday, but were overrun after the break as Guela Doue and Amad Diallo turned the game around for the Elephants in Nantes.Key Moments in Nantes FriendlyThe match showcased contrasting halves of football for France. The defending champions dominated the opening 45 minutes, taking the lead through Cherki's clinical finish. However, after halftime, France made numerous substitutions and lost control of the contest as Ivory Coast's pace and intensity overwhelmed them. The Elephants' equalizer and subsequent winner demonstrated their potential to challenge established nations in international competitions.France's Experimental ApproachWith France opening their World Cup campaign against Senegal in New York on June 16, several key players were rested after last weekend's Champions League final triumph. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni emphasized that the result should be viewed in the context of preparations rather than as a warning sign."It's a pity to lose but we're in a preparation phase, we stay confident," Tchouameni said. "There is no conclusion to draw from this game, even if we had won it. We will be ready."Defender Lucas Hernandez also played down the significance of the defeat, noting the numerous substitutions made during the match."We always want to win but we're in a phase of preparation and there were a lot of substitutions," Hernandez said. "We're in good spirits."Tournament Implications and LessonsDeschamps admitted his side had lost control of the contest after an encouraging opening 45 minutes and warned that France would face opponents with similar qualities in the United States."A defeat is never pleasant, even if we did some good things in the first half," Deschamps said. "In the second half we made a lot of changes but that's no excuse. We were not as good after the break and they brought a lot of pace. We will face the same type of team on June 16."The France coach suggested the result could prove useful if it prevented his players from becoming complacent before the tournament."It's a reminder, if we needed one, not to think we're better than we are," he said, with Cherki adding: "It's a little warning, and I can tell you we're not going to the World Cup thinking we're favourites but we're going to crush everyone."Outlook for France's World Cup CampaignDespite the unexpected defeat, France appears focused on their upcoming challenge against Senegal. The match against Ivory Coast, while resulting in a loss, may provide valuable lessons for a team that has been among the favorites in recent international tournaments. The experimental nature of the squad and the opportunity to test different combinations against a competitive African side could prove beneficial as the tournament progresses.

Lead: Anthropic’s IPO Momentum and Investor ConfidenceAnthropic, the AI model maker that just closed a $65 billion fundraise at a $965 billion valuation, has filed a confidential IPO. Daniela Amodei addressed investor doubts about AI returns, emphasizing the need for public‑market capital to fund model training and inference.Anthropic Files Confidential IPO Amid Oversubscribed FundraiseAt the Bloomberg Tech conference, Amodei explained that the decision to go public is driven by the “big upfront cost” of AI development. The company’s private demand remains strong, with multiple investors describing the round as “greatly oversubscribed.”Revenue Surge to $47B Annualized and $1.25B Monthly Compute CostAnnualized revenue reached $47 billion in May, up from roughly $9 billion at the end of 2025.Anthropic’s compute partnership with xAI costs the firm about $1.25 billion per month, as disclosed in SpaceX’s S‑1 filing.Fundraise size: $65 billion at a $965 billion valuation.Implications for AI Spending and Market ConfidenceWhile companies like Uber caution that AI budgets may not always deliver productivity gains, Amodei remains confident that AI use cases—coding, finance, legal, health care—will continue to drive efficiency and creativity. Anthropic’s strategy of avoiding over‑building compute capacity reflects a disciplined approach to capital allocation.Outlook for Anthropic’s Public Debut and AI Industry FundingAmodei predicts that as businesses become more familiar with AI tools, demand will outpace supply, encouraging further public‑market investment. The upcoming IPO could set a benchmark for how AI firms balance private funding, compute costs, and market expectations.