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On yer bikes

The Observer

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February 22, 2026

It’s time the royals embraced modernisation and converted to a Scandi-style cycling monarchy

Roughly 12 centuries ago the Anglo-Saxons consented to be ruled by kings. Fifty-one years ago, the basis of that supposed consent was comprehensively lampooned by Monty Python as a “farcical aquatic ceremony” involving a sword emerging from a lake. In 2026, at last, life trumps art.

The former Duke of York has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as a trade envoy. Released “under investigation”, he denies wrongdoing but cannot deny he is disgraced. His day last week in a police cell in Aylsham may have felt like the end of a long humiliation but it may be only the start of a prosecution and it needs to be the start of a process for his family — a process that drastically shrinks “The Firm” of working royals; replaces “never explain” with an expectation of radical transparency; and sweeps away a culture of unearned privilege and deference that regarded a scandal involving abused young women as one to be managed rather than investigated.

The Observer'den DAHA FAZLA HİKAYE

The Observer

The Observer

AI may well pose a threat to jobs, but it’s the tech dystopia that’s the real worry

Recent scare stories obscure the fact that the risk posed by artificial intelligence is most likely to come from its misuse by the powerful

time to read

4 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Rules aren't enough – we need traffic lights to show the way

The choices the government makes about tax and public spending – the who, what and how much – matter for all of our economic lives.

time to read

2 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

This is the moment to redefine royalty

European monarchies are hardy institutions, survivors of almost every calamity. Spain’s King Juan Carlos, for example, was forced to abdicate in 2014 over sexual infidelity and financial chicanery that should have overwhelmed him and his office.

time to read

2 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

With Andrew’s fall, the monarchy’s magic spell over the public has been broken

The king’s brother is arrested, his house is searched and we question the suitability of public magic as a system of rule, as we should.

time to read

4 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

'Ukraine is not just a map point. It is a spirit in all who believe, fight and refuse to give up'

Four years on from the start of Russia's invasion, the people of the once occupied city of Kherson remain defiant, united and hopeful in the face of constant drone strikes.

time to read

7 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

Royal calamities are nothing new – but this will go down in history

Was Thursday, 19 February 2026 the worst day faced by a British royal family since the death of Diana?

time to read

2 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

To leave or not to leave, that is Lagarde's question

The decision on whether to leave her post early may define Christine Lagarde's legacy, but there is no denying she has “accomplished a lot” as president of the European Central Bank (ECB), as she told the Wall Street Journal last week.

time to read

1 min

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Macdonald reaches for the sky at London fashion week

With a catwalk look inspired by Britain’s tallest building, the Welsh designer helped put an ailing UK fashion scene — as well as his own career — back on the map.

time to read

3 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

A warning from the future: after Ukraine, Putin looks north to the Baltic states

Military analysts are wargaming scenarios in which Russia turns its sights on Estonia as soon as 2028 - putting Nato's Article 5 to the ultimate test.

time to read

6 mins

February 22, 2026

The Observer

On yer bikes

It’s time the royals embraced modernisation and converted to a Scandi-style cycling monarchy

time to read

3 mins

February 22, 2026

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