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King Charles III clarifies status of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, after their return to the UK
King Charles III authorized the release of a letter clarifying the status of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, now that they’ve returned to the U.K. The letter on Monday confirms that the couple are no longer working members of the royal family and will not use the titles “his or her royal highness | 1080 WTIC NEWSTALK
Microsoft said it would cut Windows 11 ads, then put a Harry Potter ad on your desktop if you use Bing Wallpaper
If you’ve set up Bing-powered wallpapers on Windows 11 (and Windows 10), you might see a full-fledged advertisement for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter + Fantastic Beasts 11-film collection. And if you haven’t seen it yet, the ad doesn’t appear to be showing up on every PC because of how Bing chooses wallpapers, which are auto-rotated […]
Does Harry Shum Jr.’s role on ‘DWTS’ hint at his future on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?
Harry Shum Jr. has starred on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ since season 19 in 2022 — so what happens to Blue now that the actor is on ‘DWTS’?
Does Harry Shum Jr.’s role on “DWTS” hint at his future on “Grey’s Anatomy”?
Blue was fired from Grey Sloan in the season 22 finale.
BID NOW: Bisons Harry Potter 'Patronus Jersey' Auction includes game-issued, autographed jerseys from Schneider, Harry & more!
The Official Site of Minor League Baseball web site includes features, news, rosters, statistics, schedules, teams, live game radio broadcasts, and video clips.
Fulham 2-3 Crystal Palace
Tom: Who would have thought that replacing Premier League experience with novices on and off the pitch would backfire almost immediately? If we don't win before the international break, then Alvaro Arbeloa will have to go. Brian: We knew it would be a massive change from Marco Silva as the majority of players were/are his and that losing Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez would change the dynamics.
Oxford loss 'solely down to the players'
Leicester players failed to produce the "bare minimum" and "have got to take responsibility" for Saturday's heavy defeat by Oxford, says captain Harry Souttar.
Meghan Markle’s next act is anyone’s guess
Harry and Meghan’s plans for the U.K. remain unclear, as does the prospect of Meghan returning to acting
UAE Indoor Entertainment Sector Expands with New Attractions
Explore the rapid expansion of the UAE's indoor entertainment industry, featuring new Harry Potter and Disney attractions, record revenues, and a surge in family entertainment centers.
Indoor entertainment fuels UAE attractions boom
Harry Potter land to join expanding number of theme parks on Yas Island
'Harry Potter' TV series cast reveal: Ginny Weasley, Tom Riddle
Expect to see some fresh faces around Hogwarts.
Health-tracking smart ring maker Oura to list on US stock market
Firm has celebrity fans and ambassadors including Prince Harry, Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian
Manchester United given heads-up over Harry Kane transfer
Bayern chiefs remain confident that Harry Kane will sign a new contract and that it’s only a matter of time.Decision-makers at the club are particularly keen to keep the England international in Mun...
What Harry Maguire Told Bruno Fernandes After Losing Captaincy
In 2023, Bruno Fernandes replaced Harry Maguire as Manchester United captain, and it has now been revealed what the centre-back told Fernandes at the time.
HBO's new 'Harry Potter' trailer looks familiar. Some fans say that's the problem.
New actors are taking over the iconic roles, but the latest trailer suggests HBO isn't straying far from the wizarding world fans already know.
‘Harry Potter’ trailer reveals Quirrell first look, Sorting Hat, and more book moments
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ television adaptation has released a new teaser trailer filled to the brim with book moments, including the first look at Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
American politics: Will Rogers overheard out on the front porch
OPINION — If Will Rogers were here today, he might have something to say: Well, I’ve been watching this country for a spell now, and I’ll tell you something that may not sit easy: …
Why was Harry Maguire’s deflected shot not disallowed after handball?
The Man Utd defender handled the ball in the build-up to Man Utd’s crucial second goal against Ipswich in the Premier League but, after a VAR review, the goal stood
Watch Harry Styles pay tribute to Dolly Parton, leading a sing-along of ‘I Will Always Love You’ in New York show
The country music icon died Aug. 25, the day before Styles began his Madison Square Garden residency.
Rupert Grint will become Ron Weasley again
Rupert Grint, known as Ron Weasley from the “Harry Potter” movies, will reprise his role on Broadway in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” He will perform at the Lyric
Kit Harington boards ‘Harry Potter’ season 2 as Gilderoy Lockhart, replacing Nicholas Hoult
‘Harry Potter’ shake-up: Kit Harington will play Gilderoy Lockhart in season 2 after Nicholas Hoult’s surprise exit.
Kit Harington Joins ‘Harry Potter’ Season 2 As Gilderoy Lockhart In Recasting, Reprising Voice Role
EXCLUSIVE: Game of Thrones star Kit Harington is joining another tentpole fantasy series for HBO. He will play Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of Harry Potter. Harington replaces Nicholas Hoult who was ...
MPs ‘failing to learn lesson’ over freebies after accepting £400,000 of hospitality
Tickets included £858 to a Harry Styles concert at Wembley; £1,839 to the Chelsea flower show and £3,432 of hospitality at the Brit Awards
Prince Harry, Elton John, others ordered to pay $13M after losing privacy case
Prince Harry and six others have been ordered to pay an initial 9.5 million pounds ($13 million) to the publisher of Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper following their failed invasion of privacy case.
A new role for Meghan? Acting could be one reason for her UK return
Before marrying Prince Harry, the former Meghan Markle was known for her role playing Rachel Zane in legal drama "Suits."
Meghan Markle could return to acting after moving to U.K. with Prince Harry and their children
Apart from a recent cameo in the movie “Close Personal Friends,” the Duchess of Sussex hasn’t done any scripted acting since “Suits.”
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's shock UK return
LONDON – Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are returning to Britain, and with that comes a lot of questions.
How Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royals unraveled
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are returning to the United Kingdom after six years based in the United States and a long public rift with the royal family.
Man Utd transfer news: Barcelona midfielder Gavi rejects chance to join Old Trafford
Latest transfer news and headlines as Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton emerges as a Man City midfield target; Saudi side Al Hilal have submitted a £38.5m bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins; Harry Kane is ready to snub Saudi millions and commit his future to Bayern Munich
amBroadway | Tom Felton extends ‘Harry Potter’ run for final time, reality stars to join ‘Just in Time’ cast and more
Tom Felton will remain on Broadway a little longer than expected, extending his run as Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” through Jan. 3,
FTC investigating Epic Systems over potential antitrust violations
The agency is looking into claims that the EHR vendor is blocking data access to its over 300 million patient records. If true, such actions would violate federal regulations.
EA Sports FC 27 player ratings revealed: Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé top list ahead of Rodri, Harry Kane
EA Sports have revealed the 27 top-rated men's and women's players ahead the much-anticipated release of FC 27.
Arsenal 3-0 Man City: What Maresca said
Enzo Maresca suffered the joint-heaviest defeat by a Manchester City manager in their first game, with Harry Newbould in 1906 the only previous one to lose by 3+ goals (1-4 v Arsenal). City's 0-3 loss is Maresca's joint-heaviest defeat as a manager in English football, having only once previously lost by a 3+ goal margin (Chelsea 0-3 Brighton in February 2025).
Arsenal 3-0 Man City: Did you know?
Arsenal's 3-0 win over Manchester City is the biggest margin of victory in a Community Shield game since 2014, when the Gunners beat the same opponent by the same scoreline. Enzo Maresca suffered the joint-heaviest defeat by a Manchester City manager in their first game, with Harry Newbould in 1906 the only previous one to lose by 3+ goals (1-4 v Arsenal). City's 0-3 loss is Maresca's joint-heaviest defeat as a manager in English football, having only once previously lost by a 3+ goal margin (Chelsea 0-3 Brighton in February 2025).
Exclusive | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle advised to 'disappear professionally' after latest business fail to salvage reputation
The buck stops somewhere else: A look at Trump's tendency to avoid blame when things go awry
President Harry Truman famously kept a “The Buck Stops Here” sign on his White House desk
The buck stops somewhere else: A look at Trump's tendency to avoid blame when things go awry
President Harry Truman famously kept a “The Buck Stops Here” sign on his White House desk.
The buck stops somewhere else: A look at Trump's tendency to avoid blame when things go awry
President Harry Truman famously kept a “The Buck Stops Here” sign on his White House desk.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Officially Announced By Warner Bros.
It's official: a sequel to the hit Harry Potter RPG is coming
Nicholas Hoult cast in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ season 2 as Gilderoy Lockhart
Nicholas Hoult is joining the second season of HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ show as Gilderoy Lockhart, the wizard previously played by Kenneth Branagh on the big screen.
Ari Emanuel's Mari to Acquire Broadway and West End Theater Giant ATG Entertainment
ATG operates 70 venues across the U.S., U.K., Germany and Spain and hosts Broadway productions such as "The Lion King," "Wicked" and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"
ATG Entertainment, Owner of 7 Broadway Theatres, Acquired by MARI
The group will control a global fleet of theatres including Broadway's Lyric, Hudson, Al Hirschfeld, and more.
Villa interested in Endrick loan
Aston Villa interested in Endrick loan, Harry Kane expected to extend Bayern Munich deal and Arsenal make Bradley Barcola contact, plus more.
'Harry Potter' star Jessie Cave says joining OnlyFans 'saved' her life
Jessie Cave has revealed she has already made more money on OnlyFans than she did in her nearly two-decade career as an actress, which includes several "Harry Potter" movies.
‘Harry Potter’ star reveals how much money she’s made from OnlyFans
‘Harry Potter’ actress Jessie Cave shared a staggering milestone about how much she’s earned in her 1.5 years on OnlyFans: ‘It’s genuinely saved our lives.’
Duchess Meghan reveals Prince Harry's sweet advice for 'hard days'
If Prince Harry has taught Duchess Meghan anything over the years, it's how to look on the bright side.
Crawley and Brook help Sunrisers beat Super Giants
Leeds Sunrisers end Manchester Super Giants' unbeaten start to the season after chasing down 182 thanks to half-centuries from Mitch Marsh and Zak Crawley while Harry Brook chips in with 42.
'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' coming back to theaters with 12 minutes of bonus footage
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ returning to theaters with 12 minutes of bonus footage (exclusive)
For its 25th anniversary, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ will return to theaters in late August with 12 minutes of never-before-seen bonus footage.
Gossip: West Ham keen on Foxes defensive duo
West Ham are considering a move for Leicester City's English defender Ben Nelson with the Hammers hoping they can secure the 22-year-old for a cut-price fee following the Foxes relegation to League One. Football Insider) West Ham are also interested in Leicester City centre-back Harry Souttar, though they face competition from Wrexham for the 27-year-old Australia international. Daily Record) West Ham's French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, 26, is wanted by Juventus.
Harry Styles Cancels Show in Brazil Over 'Health Issue'
The star was scheduled to perform four nights in the city, and Live Nation Brazil said Friday's show in São Paulo will proceed as normal.
Palliative Care team manifests dreams of butterbeer and Harry Potter
The Vanderbilt Health Palliative Care team worked magic to make a dream trip possible for a patient with terminal pancreatic cancer.
Harry Kane on World Cup future with England
Harry Kane reflects on England's successes and failures at the 2026 World Cup as well as his future with the national team.
Life after Kane - are England facing a false nine future?
Are England facing the prospect of using a false nine up front once record scorer Harry Kane calls time on his international career?
Outrage after ICE agents tackle man at Las Vegas airport
Las Vegas police identified the pair as ICE agents and found no warrants for the man.
At TIME100 Sports Gala, Honorees Toast to the Power of Sport and Support
Jalen Brunson, Alysa Liu, Alex Morgan, Prince Harry, and LeBron James spoke at the inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala.
Nationals to Recall Top Catching Prospect, Activate Max Kranick
Harry Ford is expected to join the Nationals after the All-Star break, while Max Kranick returns after rehabbing from last year’s flexor tendon surgery.
Yankees Birthday of the Day: Harry Wolter
Happy birthday to a man with an odd career path.
Prince Harry and Meghan's kids reunite with King Charles
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's kids have reportedly reunited with their grandfather King Charles and Queen Camilla after four years.
World Cup 2026: Superstar players, politics and hydration breaks among the standout themes of tournament so far
Harry Styles realizes his fly is down during final song at record-breaking Wembley Stadium residency
‘Aperture’ singer Harry Styles realizes his fly is down during final song at record-breaking 12-night residency at Wembley Stadium in London.
First look at Harry Jowsey’s new Netflix reality dating show “Let’s Marry Harry” (exclusive)
Harry Jowsey of “Too Hot to Handle” and “Perfect Match” fame is looking for true love.
World Cup 2026: Mexico 2-3 England - Three Lions into quarter-finals after knocking out co-hosts in epic five-goal thriller
Match report as England beat Mexico in five-goal thriller; kick-off delayed by an hour; Jude Bellingham scores twice in 98 seconds before Julian Quinones pulls one back; Jarell Quansah sent off but Harry Kane nets penalty; England face Norway on Saturday in quarter-finals
The 17-year-old beekeeper busy with his own bee business
Harry took up the hobby after discovering his grandmother's old bee equipment in his family's shed.
Why did Scott Patterson leave 'Sullivan's Crossing'? Inside the conflicting stories of his exit
When Harry Sullivan left the Crossing at the end of season 3, he promised to return, but Scott Patterson remains absent in 'Sullivan's Crossing' season 4. Here's what we know.
Harry Kane likely to sign new Bayern Munich contract despite Barcelona enquiry
Barcelona made an enquiry to Kane's representatives and have been informed that the 32-year-old is happy in Munich.
Harry Styles chokes on water, collapses on stage at London concert amid U.K. heat wave
Harry Styles caused some serious fan concern after lying down on stage at the end of his Friday night Wembley Stadium set.
Prince Harry accepts King Charles' family accommodations offer for UK visit
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have accepted an invitation from King Charles III to stay at a royal residence, at least partly, during their upcoming visit to England.
This weekend in Clarksville: Science guy, rodeo, Nunsense, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
From science to fantasy, from rodeo to religion, there's a range of stuff going on in Clarksville this weekend.
New Enhanced Services Pilot Brings Home Health Aides to New Yorkers in Their New Homes
New York, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals’ Housing for Health initiative today announced Bridge to Care, a pilot program funded by The Leona M. and Harry B.
The best Prime Day Lego deals include 'Star Wars' ships, Disney villain cars, and more — top finds start at $28
Lego fans can save big during Amazon Prime Day, with deals on “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” Lego Technic, and Ninjago sets, plus builds inspired by Marvel, Disney, “Jurassic World,” Minecraft, Formula 1 racing, and more. We've rounded up Prime Day’s 17 best Lego deals, including several at their lowest prices ever
Harry Collett on 'House of the Dragon' premiere cliffhanger and Jace's big gamble
'House of the Dragon' star Harry Collett goes behind Prince Jacaerys Velaryon's big gamble on the season 3 premiere and the cliffhanger aftermath.
King Charles offers Prince Harry, family accommodations for UK visit
King Charles is welcoming Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle back to the United Kingdom.
Businesses encouraged by demolition of Cole Manor Motel in Dallas
Neighbors say fences and demolition plans for Cole Manor Motel are changing the feel on Harry Hines after years of crime complaints.
From The Sports Desk: Harry Kane scores two goals, spurs England’s strong World Cup start
England beat Croatia 4-2 yesterday, in what might be considered the game of the tournament so far. Tonight, co-hosts Mexico and Canada are both in action.
Museum
Finalists: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria, The Museum of Human Achievement, Harry Ransom Center “Free Tuesdays rock! I...
House of the Dragon: Season 3
Harry Collet (left), as Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon and Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in "House of the Dragon: Season 3."
Psst! Grab these early Amazon Prime Day Lego deals on collectible sets before the crowds discover them
We found record-low Lego deals at Amazon ahead of Prime Day, including collectible sets from “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and “The Lord of the Rings.” Shop favorites like Diagon Alley, a Balrog book nook, and a “101 Dalmatians” puppy while they're at their lowest prices ever
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Learn science-backed strategies to make better connections
Relationship experts Sonja Lyubomirsky and Harry Reis offer evidence-based strategies for forging meaningful, loving ties in their book, “How To Feel Loved.”
Sydney Sweeney, Prince Harry, Timothée Chalamet and other celebrity fans were courtside as the Knicks clinched their first NBA title since 1973
Taylor Swift, the Haim sisters, Adam Sandler, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Spike Lee and Larry David were among those in attendance at Game 4.
Harry Strunk Lake Health Notice
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of high levels of E. Coli at Harry Strunk Lake in Frontier County also known as Medicine Creek Reservoir. This means the water…
Chesterfield-based entertainment agency forms music education nonprofit
“(It’s) basically a proof of concept ... what we’re doing, who we want to help,” Harry said. “We’re going to lean preferably to nonprofit organizations in this space that are focused on kids. Getting them exposed to music at an early age.”
TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Find out why Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex is on the list
The Odds: Trump’s hometown
CNN News Central’s John Berman and Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten explore what the latest polling and prediction markets say about the President’s popularity in his hometown of New York City.
Harry's and Coterie owner Mammoth Brands has ambitions to be the next CPG giant
Mammoth's direct-to-consumer brands have helped upend the razor, diaper and deodorant categories.
Full-length Replay: Camp, Country, and Club
Weston hits USMNT camp and press day, Cucurella backs Spain while unwinding with Chelsea teammates, and Harry represents Wales in a crucial qualifier.
Harry Maguire lands surprise World Cup role after England omission
Harry Maguire will not be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup, but the Manchester United defender is still set to have a visible role around the tournament. The 33-year-old has been lined up as a guest on Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football podcast during the competition.
Carolyn Bessette 'urged' JFK Jr. to call Princes William and Harry after Princess Diana's death, new book claims
Carolyn Bessette 'urged' JFK Jr. to call Princes William and Harry after their mother Princess Diana died following a car crash, a new book claims. The Kennedys and the Windsors had both experienced profound loss publicly.
Happy Harry's RibFest brings heat to summer entertainment lineup
“It’s probably our strongest four nights of entertainment," said Fargodome Director of Marketing & Sales Sarah Dykema.
World Cup 2026: England boss Thomas Tuchel has 'full belief' his side can mount serious challenge to win tournament
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Had a Secret U.K. Home Before Frogmore Cottage
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once lived in a $3.3 million farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Learn more about their lesser-known former home, here.
'Harry Potter' TV show recasting: Gracie Cochrane leaves series
Gracie Cochrane will depart from her role as Ginny Weasley due to 'unforeseen circumstances.' The character will be recast for Season 2 of HBO's 'Harry Potter' TV show.
Wethersfield fourth graders make discoveries at science fair
***This article was written by Aundrea Serna, a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Fund. Curiosity, creativity and perseverance were on full display during the fourth-grade science fair at Wethersfield Elementary School last Tuesday. Students presented projects across multiple branches of science, including physical science, life science,… Continue reading Wethersfield fourth graders make discoveries at science fair
Chartbook 449: Voldemort on Threadneedle street. The Bank of England and the "haunted house" of English politics.
Imagine the scene: In some Harry Potter version of 21st-century London, a group of deathless UK Treasury officials gathered from across the last century huddle over warm pints and glasses of Chardonnay. Around the table there are officials from the 1920s, the 1930s, the 1970s, 2022 and today. Inevitably, in May 2026, the subject of conversation is the disintegration of the current Labour government. Despite its huge majority in parliament, it has been reduced to tatters by catastrophic local election result. These exposed the fact that rather than having a government with a clear popular majority, the UK is like most other modern societies divided into 5 segments each of which commands between 26 and 16 percent of the vote. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the leadership at Nos 10 and 11 Downing Street - where the Prime Minister and the Chancellor (Treasury Secretary) work - seem paralyzed. They are caught between mounting discontent over unfairness and the cost of living, and tough fiscal strictures that push them into making unpopular spending decisions. In the London pub, the Treasury officials from across the ages, can barely hide their satisfaction at the latest display of democratic politics caught in the vice-grip of financial logic. “Remember the mur d’argent and the banker’s ramp?” “Just like yesterday!” There are smirks around the table. Then the representative of 2026 pipes up: “One thing you have to say about the current lot (referring to the latest hapless Labour government), you don’t have to teach them about the bond market!” There is a murmur of ascent from the Treasury Mandarins. The trauma of the fiscal crisis of September-October 2022 sits deep. Back then, in the final stages of Tory decay, a ‘mini budget’ that challenged fiscal orthodoxy led to a brief but fierce panic in one of the oldest government bond markets in the world (aka gilt market). Now all you have to do is to mention the “bond market” to hush debate. [ Paul Mason@paulmasonnews In the name of public service, and as ex-economics editor of BBC Newsnight, I offer to do a zoom call, tonight, with any Labour MP who wants to understand why bond markets do not "fall into line" with governments. 1/ 3:57 PM · May 12, 2026 · 466K Views 224 Replies · 674 Reposts · 3.93K Likes ](https://x.com/paulmasonnews/status/2054229532404519082?s=20) “And the funny thing is”, the young man in the huddle continues, “they don’t even want to talk about … ”. There is a sudden hush. Significant looks are exchanged around the table. About? One of the senior figures puts down his glass with a decisive “clink”. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has entered their thoughts. Meanwhile, a few miles away in a grubby pub in Bloomsbury, two conspirators from the camp of Critical Macrofinance huddle over cans of low-alcohol IPA. They look at each other and blurt out loud: “The Bank!” “Everyone in the bloody Labour party is talking about the bond market. But why aren’t they even mentioning … the Bank of England!?” “Why is no one talking about Voldemort?” In Paul Mason’s blogpost, after much chest-thumping about basic fiscal logic, the basic point about the Bank of England is buried in the fine print at #3 in his list of suggestions as to what a radical Labour government might actually be able to do! [ Conflict & Democracy Down with the bond market! Down with gravity! It may seem unfair to focus on Labour MP Paula Barker for her off-the-cuff assertion that the bond market would have to “fall in line” with Andy Burnham, should he replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. But Burnham himself told the New Statesman that Labour had to “get beyond this thing of being in hock to the bond markets… Read more 2 days ago · 100 likes · 3 comments · Paul Mason ](https://htsf.substack.com/p/down-with-the-bond-market-down-with?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web) Back in Bloomsbury they shake their heads and ask: “Didn’t we learn anything from the Eurozone crisis?” Meanwhile, as if summoned to the conversation by some higher force, the “pink pages” announce: “The days of ultra-cheap government borrowing have come to an end” and Martin “Whizzard” Wolf publishes the graph of the season Look at the UK in 2026, perilously positioned on the upper edge of the pack. No wonder no one in London needs any lessons about the “bond market”. But, look again. Imagine how they feel in Rome. What is London’s nightmare in 2026? The nightmare is that you end up like Italy in the early 2010s during the Eurozone crisis. Once comfortably situated in the middle of the pack, watching with horror as your ten-year yields explode to 7 percent and “spreads” become a national nightmare. One of the largest economies in Europe, a founding member of the euro, stigmatized. But the message of the Italian experience is ambiguous. After all, the stigma didn’t last. In 2026, Italy borrows at rates lower not only than the UK but the US. The US, which, as everyone knows, enjoys the “exorbitant privilege” of being the issuer of reserve, safe asets. What kind of magic is this? How did Italy, in the space of fifteen years, go from being good, to bad and back again? Which brings us back to our dissident friends in their Bloombury boozer and their memories of the Eurozone crisis. Italy never was Britain - with its ongoing fiscal deficits. Without interest payments, on primary balance, from 2000 to 2020 Italy ran a tight fiscal ship. Even in 2008 it barely went into deficit and when it was being put on the rack in the early 20210s its primary surplus matched that of austere Germany. So, what happened? How did it end up stigmatized? Of course Italian politics didn’t help. Berlusconi was at the helm and he had legal issues. But amongst friends in the Bloomsbury pub, Berlusconi is a sideshow, the name we whisper to each other is “Trichet”. From 2004 to 2011 the ECB was headed by Jean-Claude Trichet, ex of the French Treasury, more German than the Germans. After 2009 as the news of the Greek fiscal disaster broke, the European bond markets wento into panic mode and Trichet began a brutal game of cat and mouse. Between 2009 and 2011, Trichet intervened in the bond market to help, only when he thought he had compliance with austerity. When he thought they were uncooperative, he withdrew. In the summer of 2011, he even made direct suggestions to his Italian counterparts in Rome, as to how Italy should be governed. It was this cat and mouse game that drove the bond markets crazy and exposed Italy to a violent squeeze. When Mario Draghi took over the ECB at the end of 2011 and declared “whatever it takes”, the pressure on Italy, gradually eased. It is that starring role that has made Draghi into the towering figure in European politics that he remains today. So now you see why voices in London hush when it comes to the Bank of England. “The bond market” isn’t an irresistible objective force like the weather or an avalanche. It can appear like that. But that depends on the way it is being handled, or not handled by the central bank. Which is why the silence about the Bank of England in London right now is so significant. If you think this all sounds a bit fishy, coming from a left-liberal Keynesian like myself, well, let me introduce you to Robin Brooks, who, to put it mildly, plays on a different quidditch team to me. Here, from the position of a fiscal hawk is Robin’s celebratory account of the Bank of England’s role since 2022; In October 2022, at the height of the bond market blow-up in the UK, something incredible happened. Governor Andrew Bailey told British pension funds the Bank of England would end its support program for the country’s fragile gilt market, drawing a line under how much help the central bank was willing to give to exposed pension funds and - implicitly - the government. By the end of that week, Kwasi Kwarteng - the finance minister - had resigned. Prime Minister Liz Truss would soon follow. This episode is so incredible because it contrasts with what happened in the Euro zone earlier that year. Bond markets in Spain and Italy were under pressure amid high inflation and rising interest rates. In the middle of this, Mario Draghi - Italy’s Prime Minister - resigned, compounding pressure on bond markets of high-debt countries on the Euro periphery. Unlike the Bank of England, the ECB caved. It bought Italian and Spanish government bonds in an effort to cap yields and introduced a new tool that signaled to markets it might do such caps more frequently going forward. Faced with pressure on bond markets, the ECB capitulated to political pressure from high-debt countries like Italy and Spain. The Bank of England stood its ground and toppled the Truss government. This kind of thing has long-lasting consequences. It means markets price a higher probability of yield caps in the Euro zone, which keeps Italian and Spanish yields artificially low, while markets feel free to push up UK yields without fear of central bank intervention. As I flagged in yesterday’s post, this means you really can’t compare UK yields to those of other high-debt countries. The UK looks worse, but only because its central bank isn’t interfering with markets. There’s more to this than just that 2022 episode. The Bank of England has also been much more aggressive in its quantitative tightening (QT) than other central banks. If one motivation for quantitative easing (QE) is to lower bond yields - especially longer-dated ones - then it stands to reason QT pushes yields up. The left chart above shows a four-quarter moving average of UK government debt issuance (black line) in percent of GDP and which sectors absorb this issuance, including the Bank of England (blue bars). The right chart above compares the Bank of England’s accumulation or run-off of government bonds (blue line) with that of other central banks, where this blue line is the same as the blue bars in the left chart. The Bank of England was quicker and more aggressive than other central banks in downsizing its bond holdings, so UK yields will have risen more than elsewhere also for this reason, not just because of Governor Andrew Bailey’s remarks in October 2022. Back in October 2025, after a conversation in New York with friends in British politics, my sense of dysphoria was such that I raised the issue of the Bank of England openly in the FT Since 2008, the UK has slid into a deep economic and political predicament. Growth has stagnated to a degree far worse even than in the 1970s. The Tory leadership’s wager on the Brexit referendum spectacularly backfired, leaving the UK isolated from Europe and at the mercy of its special relationship with the US, many of whose political class regard the UK as a basket case. After years of austerity, the Labour party lurched to the left and then back to the centre. The Tory party has been eclipsed by the populist nationalism of Reform. Any British government should be worrying first and foremost about how to restart growth. Instead, Keir Starmer is beset by shades of the gilt market panic triggered by the Liz Truss government in 2022. The debt level is higher than in recent years, but there is no cause for panic. UK debt is at far from critical levels and of long duration. Whether you want to “take back control” or launch progressive economic policy, a democracy dogged by fear of bond market vigilantes is unhealthy. In a country that is a monetary sovereign, this climate points to one thing: a disconnect between the government and the central bank. Since 1997, the independence of the Bank of England has become a sacred cow. But independence is what you make of it. And in the wake of the gilt market crisis of September 2022, relations between the Bank of England and the UK government need a reset. In normal times, there is no doubt that an inflation-targeting independent central bank can serve a country well. But since 2008, the UK and other advanced economies have not had the luxury of such simple problems. To their credit, central bankers around the world have not stood on orthodoxy. After 2008, the US Federal Reserve rescued the global banking system and, through quantitative easing, it stabilised the Treasury market in the face of huge deficits. In Europe, things were trickier. Both the Bank of England under Mervyn King and Jean-Claude Trichet’s European Central Bank played cat and mouse with national governments. This was a high stakes wager that between 2010 and 2012 escalated bond market tension and triggered a disastrous turn to austerity. Shaken by the impact of those shocks, their successors, Mark Carney and Mario Draghi adopted a more protective stance (assuming you were not the government of Greece). Recall that Draghi’s legendary slogan, “Whatever it takes”, was uttered to face down the City of London’s bond vigilantes. In 2015, Draghi launched QE — financial repression by another name. In 2016, Carney used the authority of the Bank of England to stabilise markets following the vote for Brexit, an exemplary demonstration of how central banks can underpin democratic choice, even when those choices are wrong headed. All these were independent central bankers steeped in the best practice of the 1990s, who recognised that historic crises demanded radical action. It was the price surge of 2021-2023 that poisoned the atmosphere. Though the shock came mainly from the supply side, central banks ended up in the dock. Nowhere more so than in the UK. The Bank of England reacted with aggressive normalisation. Faced with a cost of living crisis, the governor called for workers to accept real wage cuts. In early 2022, as gas prices were at record levels and Russia’s army was poised to invade Ukraine, the Bank adopted a stringent programme of quantitative tightening, elevating interest rates. When the Truss government got itself in trouble, the Bank took almost a week to come to the rescue. Rather than enacting a charade of normality, it is time to recognise that in 2025 the UK faces a period of historic transition. To meet this challenge, what is needed is a new concordat with the Bank. This should not ignore inflationary pressures or the long-run trajectory of debt, but should affirm the priority of reviving investment-led growth. One could follow Donald Trump in demanding interest rate cuts. The Bank could shadow the ECB in its commitment to capping Eurozone yields. But the top priority should be to lay the ghost of September 2022. The Bank’s slowing of QT last month was a concession. An immediate and complete end would send the right signal. Such a concordat will not by itself restore sanity to politics, solve the housing problem or rebuild the NHS. But it would help to lift the fear of bond market crisis, which is paralysing the effort by democratic politicians to answer the fundamental questions facing the nation. Now, that call for a new concordat between government and Bank of Englands seems more urgent than ever. The problem is that in October 2025, Starmer still had some authority. Today the government is in tatters. And when you are the “under the harrow” - to echo a phrase of Montagu Norman’s from the 1920s - it is the worst possible time to consider institutional change. To make general arguments at a time of crisis can only seem like special pleading rather than a general argument for long-term change. The same, unfortunately, is also true for the other basic institutional reform that Britain urgently needs i.e. the abolition of the out-dated first past the post electoral system and its replacement by a moderated form of proportional representation. And thirdly - whilst we are saying the quiet parts out loud - Britain needs to reopen the question of EU membership. What the local election results of 2026 show is that this remains a key issue. And what they also show is that there is a clear majority that would favor a return. Until these basic features of Britain’s political economy are addressed the country will carry on its politics as though in a haunted house, governed by governments that lack actual majorities, conjuring up false constraints whilst ignoring the real ones. This one is for DG and MI. I love writing the newsletter. If you enjoy it too and fancy buying me a coffee once a month, you know what to do. Click below! Subscribe
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’: Kevin McKidd Responds to Arthur Weasley Speculation
A certain Instagram follow has fans thinking McKidd has been cast in a magical HBO project.
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’: Kevin McKidd Responds to Arthur Weasley Speculation
A certain Instagram follow has fans thinking McKidd has been cast in a magical HBO project.
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’: Kevin McKidd Responds to Arthur Weasley Speculation
A certain Instagram follow has fans thinking McKidd has been cast in a magical HBO project.
Kevin McKidd reacts to speculation he's playing Arthur Weasley in HBO's 'Harry Potter'
Kevin McKidd opens up about the social media chatter that he could be playing Ron's dad in HBO's 'Harry Potter' TV show — and reveals he was nearly in the movies.