News about Anthony Powell

The 19th century mansion's gilt-edged halls were decorated with photographs of surging warships, casemates and sailors peering at radar screens. Outside, a distant military band was parping something martial. Inside, the talk was of 'the fight-tonight requirement' and 'killing the King's enemies when the moment arises'. When not if. It all felt a bit like the start of one of Anthony Powell's wartime novels in A Dance To The Music Of Time. Ambling up the elegant staircase amid a throng of men, I realised I was the only one not wearing gold braid and aiguillettes. A chap feels naked at such times.

STEPHEN POLLARD: Kenneth Widmerpool, one of Anthony Powell's classic series of books, is an imaginative teen. Despite a career marred by humiliating failures, Widmerpool's ascension from one leading role to another is unstoppable, owing to his unshakeable self-confidence and his ability to mingle with the Organization as if to the manner in which he came from one of the earliest roles. Of course, Widmerpool is fictional, but Britain has more than 100 percent of real-life Widmerpools, whose soaring careers appear to have no connection to any discernible ability and who prosper despite the fact that any solid foundation could lead to the destruction of any remaining image. Which brings us to NatWest Group's chairman. Sir Howard (pictured) has worked in industry, in the City, and public life in general, holding some of the most coveted positions on offer.

The decision was taken without consultation or a referendum, which has enraged the gentlemen of Pratt's. Rather, they were informed by letter and email that the committee had 'unanimously agreed to change the club's customs to include women as members.' What came after if that weren't shock enough. Members were advised that the changes would take place 'with immediate effect.' There will be no appeal, it seems. So how has this news gone down with a membership drawn from the Brigade of Guards, Tory grandees and the aristocracy?

History is playing out before our eyes, which is why this very recent book on Ukraine's struggle against Putin's Russia ranks at the top of my History list. It's also because the past, according to this personal account of one of Ukraine's top intellectuals, has a huge influence on what's going on today. This is a clash of cultures - individualism and independence versus meek conformity to whatever Kremlin dictates - that's been a long time in the making.

Forget Prince Harry's memoirs. It's a rather different book that's giving a ray of delight - and, possibly, a tremor of fear - among others - in the coroneted classes. It's the handiwork of Henry John FitzRoy Somerset (left with his second wife Georgia Powell in 2017; inset in 1985). "Bunter" is the proper name for him. In a carefree youth, the Duke, now 70, obtained this soubriquet. "He wrote his memoirs," one of Bunter's sporting chums tells me, adding that one chapter in particular seems to be destined to ignite excitement.' "The Hooray Years" is the title of the book.'

Issey Miyake (pictured right) died of liver cancer at the age of 84. Over 50 years, he had a global multi-brand fashion and perfume empire. He is mourned by a swathe of women and men across the creative arts and industries, across the media, theatre and academia