Scotland Yard Busts Royal Sex Tape Blackmailers

Reporting would show him media's point of view, handlers say

(NEWSER) - In an odd twist, Prince William may try a stint in journalism to train for public life, the Guardian reports. Officials say he would benefit from reporting on others, as journos will one day report on him as heir to England's throne. His handlers are also considering spells for William in civil service, sports, and law. More»

Royal accounts reveal surge in spending

(NEWSER) - Anti-monarchists in Britain are wondering why public spending on Prince Charles and his household shot up 18% at a time when most government departments are grappling with major cutbacks. The prince's annual accounts show that government grants to cover things like his official travel and the upkeep of his residence rose to $3.13 million over the last year, reports the Independent. More»

US president, first lady welcomed at Buckingham Palace

(NEWSER) - The Obamas were grandly received at Buckingham Palace today, greeted by a 41-gun salute as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip welcomed them to London. Earlier in the day, the president and first lady had a chance to meet with Prince Charles and wife Camilla, as well as newlyweds Prince William and wife Kate—and the Obamas are even staying in the same suite Wills and Kate used on their wedding night. According to the AP , royal watchers say the queen took a liking to the Obamas after their 2009 visit, during which the first lady famously touched the royal back . Click for more pictures, and details on what all the ladies wore . More»

Former British detective puts his skills to use for birthers

(NEWSER) - Orly Taitz isn’t the only influential foreign-born “birther” trying to prove that Barack Obama is himself foreign-born. Meet Neil Sankey, a former British detective and naturalized American citizen who is using his Scotland Yard skills to look for dirt on the president's origins. Taitz, for one, says he's been a huge help to the movement. "He has had superb training," she tells the Guardian . "I have the greatest respect for Scotland Yard." More»

(NEWSER) - Caustic socialite Brooke Astor lashed Camilla Parker Bowles for perpetuating the "family mistress business" by sleeping with Prince Charles even while he was married to Diana, reports the Guardian. "Your grandmother would be proud of you," snorted Astor, referring to Camilla's great-grandmother, who was believed to be one of Edward VII's many mistresses. Charles finally married Parker Bowles in 2005, eight years after Princess Diana was killed in a Paris car crash. More»