The hugely popular film of The Lady in the Van, in which Alex Jennings played the writer Alan Bennett and Maggie Smith the eponymous lady, introduced Alan Bennett to a far wider audience. 

Prince Harry is said to be considering hiring a retired Scotland Yard personal protection officer to guard his American girlfriend Meghan Markle, according to reports.

“I know there is room for improvement and I am confident I can achieve it.”

Here's what we recommend to watch on the box tonight.

Cirrus Des Aigles could have a first run in Ireland next month ahead of his intended outing in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

We don't hink he'll forget this passport…

A century ago the theft in Dublin Castle exposed a bunch of ‘unsavoury characters’ at the top of society. It was a scandal, says Caomhan Keane.

Spring style is in full bloom, says Annmarie O’Connor.

LENNON COURTNEY

Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens has been named Britain’s best-dressed man.

Bookmakers will be taking flurries of bets on what the duke and duchess of Cambridge will choose to call the eagerly anticipated new prince or princess.

London 2012 has been hailed as “the best ever” Olympics for equestrian sport.

IF the Devil wears Prada, then God must shop in LK Bennett — alongside Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.

FOR a moment, in a parallel universe, it looked like it might be her namesake Elizabeth Dawn, aka Vera Duckworth, sidling up to the bar in a futuristic version of The Rover’s Return on Coronation Street.

THE queen has taken no offence at being inadvertently demoted in radio ads flagging her official visit to Ireland, Buckingham Palace has said.

Prince William had his first glimpse of his stunning bride Kate Middleton as she walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey today.

The world was given its first tantalising glimpse of bride Kate Middleton in her wedding dress today as she left to meet her royal groom at the altar.

KATE Middleton faces a very different future now she is to marry Prince William.

Jean Todt was today elected the new president of the FIA following a landslide victory over Ari Vatanen.

ACCUSATIONS from fans that rugby star Ronan O’Gara deliberately snubbed Queen Elizabeth II at a civic reception at Hillsborough Castle have been kicked into touch by the IRFU.

Under-fire FIA president Max Mosley will attend his first official function next week since allegations relating to his private life surfaced in a Sunday newspaper.

A 26-year-old engineer has been sentenced to three years in prison for “usurping” the identity of the brother of Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Facebook.

The ICC Board has unanimously approved a recommendation for Cricket South Africa to nominate an Acting President following the death of Percy Sonn last month.

Retired trainer Nick Gaselee was back in the winner’s enclosure after The Local proved a star turn at a wet and windy Wincanton.

The Local was the star of the show at a wet and windy Wincanton, running out an impressive winner of the Weatherbys Support The Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle.

Twenty-two telegrams Howard Hughes sent to Katharine Hepburn during their brief romance in the late 1930s are to be put up for auction.

THE Duchess of Cornwall kissed the queen goodbye and also received a peck on the cheek from new stepsons Princes William and Harry.

The Prince of Wales will finally marry Camilla Parker Bowles today.

THE British government has confirmed the Prince of Wales’s marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles will not be “morganatic”, meaning she would automatically become queen when he succeeds to the throne unless legislation is passed.

Mike Ruddock tonight revealed that he expects Ireland “to come out firing” in their quest to gatecrash Wales’ planned Grand Slam party.

CLARENCE HOUSE yesterday rejected claims that the forthcoming civil marriage between the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles would not be legal.

AFTER her marriage, Camilla Parker Bowles will become the most senior female royal behind the queen.

Queen guitarist and amateur astronomer Brian May was being awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science today.