Newspaper headlines: Calls for Andrew 'inquiry' and hiding from 'Putin's killer drones'
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sunday’s newspapers are dominated by fresh developments in the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal and ongoing coverage of the Ukraine conflict. The Sunday Mirror and Sunday People highlight claims from a former Royal protection chief that there was a "conspiracy of silence" surrounding Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, sparking calls for an inquiry to uncover who knew what and when. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has demanded accountability over taxpayer-funded flights used by Andrew during his trade envoy role to meet Epstein. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat has called for a special committee to investigate both Andrew and former ambassador Peter Mandelson’s links to Epstein, potentially leading to treason charges.
The Mail on Sunday revealed that King Charles was warned in 2019 about Andrew's controversial business ties, including secret financial connections to millionaire financier David Rowland. These claims could further entangle the monarchy in the growing scandal. Melvyn Downes, a former SAS operator, criticized Andrew for being "arrogant and ignorant," sharing his negative experience meeting the prince during his military service.
In stark contrast to the royal crisis, The Independent reported on the harrowing reality of life in Ukraine four years after Russia’s invasion. In Nikopol, southern Ukraine, residents described how schools serve as makeshift shelters from Putin's killer drones. One teacher shared that the only safe place is their underground classroom, capturing the grim daily struggle for survival.
Elsewhere, Sunday Express focused on Dame Priti Patel’s efforts to prevent the UK government’s planned surrender of the Chagos Islands. The deal, opposed by Donald Trump and criticized by former colonies, could become a political headache for Prime Minister Keir Starmer if reversed. Patel’s mission in Washington aims to broker a U-turn, potentially reshaping international relations and British diplomacy.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026