Long synonymous with ladies who lunch – including Princess Diana when she was in the mood for a change from Le Caprice or San Lorenzo – Chelsea restaurant Daphne’s celebrated its 60th anniversary in characteristic fashion this week.
But as Charles Delevingne – father of Cara, Poppy and Chloe – and other guests were showered with champagne and treats, it was a newer member of the Chelsea Set who made the most stimulating contribution to the evening.
Former England striker Jermain Defoe (41) has lamented what he sees as society’s tendency to rush to judgment on public figures.
“We all make mistakes,” he reflects. ‘[But in] In today’s society, someone does something and it’s cancelled.’
No case has appalled him more than that of fellow former England star Jermaine Jenas, whose treatment, Defoe tells us, is indicative of sad double standards seemingly based entirely on the color of a person’s skin.
Jenas was a presenter of The One Show and Match of The Day expert until he was summarily dismissed by the BBC in August following allegations that he had sent ‘inappropriate’ messages to a female colleague.
Former England striker Jermain Defoe (pictured with Alisha Lemay) laments what he sees as society’s tendency to rush to judgment about public figures
‘He’s my friend,’ says Defoe of Jenas, presenter of The One Show and expert on Match of The Day, until he was summarily sacked by the BBC in August after allegations he had sent ‘inappropriate’ messages to a female colleague.
“What I don’t like is that if you’re black and you do something wrong, all the opportunities you have are gone,” Defoe adds, “but if you’re someone else, you’ll find ways to come back.” in.’
He refrains from mentioning those who are “given opportunity after opportunity.” Others may note that the first complaints about Huw Edwards were made to the BBC in May 2023.
It was only in April this year that Edwards resigned – five months after his arrest, which was revealed to the BBC, for possessing the most serious category of indecent images of children.
Ding dong, merry Highgrove!
- King Charles is selling Christmas decorations inspired by Camilla’s rescue dogs, Bluebell and Beth, for £12.95. ‘Complete with a regal red crown, this charming Jack Russell… will make a beautiful addition to your decor collection,’ says the Highgrove store.
Queen Camilla poses with wicker dogs Bluebell and Beth in the Highgrove Garden
Harry Potter actress learns while she earns
When it comes to being Britain’s richest student, Emma Watson has a magical touch.
I hear the Harry Potter star, who is studying for a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University, has topped up her acting fortune with a £1.9million profit from Hestia Hebe, the private company she funnels her earnings into.
Emma, 34, who played Hermione Granger in the film series, reports £23.9 million in total earnings for 2023.
Last year she recorded a £2.6 million valuation increase on her City deals.
Emma Twason (pictured in February) has added to her acting fortune with £1.9million winnings from Hestia Hebe
The very poignant night of Santa Claus
The 60th anniversary celebration for Daphne’s, the beloved Italian restaurant in Chelsea, was a bittersweet affair for novelist Santa Montefiore, who attended with her daughter Lily.
Santa visited her sister, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, the socialite and television presenter, who died in 2017 aged 45.
“When my sister went out with Mogens Tholstrup, who owned it, this was her home away from home,” says Santa, who is married to historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. “So us in our early 20s were here all the time. I have so many memories.
“I think it’s bittersweet, but I don’t come here and think about her loss. I come here and think, ‘Oh, weren’t those days wonderful?’”’
Lily Sebag-Montefiore (left) and Santa Montefiore (right) attend Daphne’s 60th birthday
Becker girls vacation after wedding abuse
Boris Becker’s daughter Anna Ermakova appeared lost in thought as she basked in the Mediterranean sun after missing her father’s wedding.
The 24-year-old singer was conspicuous by her absence when Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro, 33, a political risk consultant, married the 56-year-old former Wimbledon champion in Portofino, Italy, last month.
Becker’s sons Noah, 30, and Elias, 25, were present, but his fourth child, Amadeus, 14, was also absent.
Boris Becker’s daughter Anna Ermakova appeared lost in thought as she basked in the Mediterranean sun after missing her father’s wedding.
Becker and Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro married last month in Portofino, Italy
Harry not invited to Firehouse’s lavish ball
Chiltern Firehouse, where Princess Beatrice held her engagement party and Britain’s richest artist Damien Hirst met girlfriend Sophie Cannell, who was a waitress there, is celebrating its tenth anniversary party tomorrow with a lavish masquerade ball.
Its owner, American hotelier Andre Balazs, describes the bash as a “black and white affair” in tribute to the celebrated Black and White Ball organized by author Truman Capote in New York in 1966.
The ultra-strict guest list has caused a stir, with ‘plus-ones’ not allowed. Prince Harry is in London this week, but has not been invited. “He is not part of our group,” a source told me.
Princess Beatrice had her engagement party at the Chiltern Firehouse (pictured)
Prince Harry is in London this week but has not been invited to the Chiltern Firehouse’s 10th anniversary party
Will Ofcom boss be the next Cabinet Secretary?
Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes, one of those tipped for the role of Cabinet Secretary, would certainly bring a touch of landed class to Sir Keir Starmer’s Downing Street.
Mrs Dawes comes from one of the finest historic houses in England, Birtsmorton Court in Worcestershire.
It has a splendid moat – perhaps a good defense against any unwanted incursions from Sir Keir’s wily chief of staff Sue Gray, with whom the new Cabinet Secretary will have to build some sort of working relationship.