Aircraft Carrier Adrift at Sea, and the Puns Keep Pouring: “Beer We Go!”

Several newspapers lead with political rows, royal finances, military troubles, and a high-profile death announcement.

The Times says Sir Keir Starmer has accused US Vice-President JD Vance of deepening division over the death of Henry Nowak, while an accompanying analysis argues that parts of the US administration are actively promoting Christian nationalism in the West and that Vance has a particular fixation on the UK. The Guardian reports that Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has blamed Reform UK for undermining British democracy, accusing the party of bringing the worst populist tactics into British politics. Reform rejected the accusation and called her a conspiracy theorist trying to divert attention from what it described as a failing Labour government.

The National Audit Office’s report on royal residences continues to dominate coverage. The Daily Mirror asks “How much Andy?” and joins calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to explain how much rent he received for three cottages on his former Royal Lodge estate. The Times reports that the King is reviewing the arrangement under which he currently covers the rent for Mountbatten-Windsor’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, adding to ongoing scrutiny over royal finances and property arrangements.

The Daily Mail leads with concern over the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, which has broken down again and been forced into port in Norway for repairs. The paper says the fault is believed to involve the propeller shaft, though that has not been officially confirmed. The Ministry of Defence says it expects the ship to depart again in the coming days.

The Sun carries a front-page report that a former BBC presenter has been questioned by detectives after a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her on a programme that the paper says was one of his most beloved. According to the newspaper, the well-known figure strongly denies the allegation, which is said to relate to events around 20 years ago.

The Daily Telegraph says the Bank of England is replacing historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill on banknotes with wildlife because research suggested historic portraits were seen as elitist and divisive. The paper says officials were advised to favour animals over people because of concerns that using historical figures projected a backward-looking view of Britain. The Bank denies that characterization, saying the move was based on earlier polling showing that most people preferred nature-themed designs.

Across the entertainment pages, tributes are being paid to actor Anthony Head, whose fame was boosted by the long-running Nescafé Gold Blend adverts. The Express, Guardian, Sun and Mirror all highlight those commercials in their coverage, while the Daily Star notes that Head avoided being typecast and went on to build a varied career in popular television dramas.

Finally, The Sun reports that lingerie brand Gossard, best known for the Wonderbra, has gone into liquidation with debts of nearly £3 million. Its headline declares that the “Wonderbra firm goes bust,” marking the collapse of a brand once associated with a major fashion sensation.