King Charles is forging ahead with Balmoral Castle plans despite a new allegation linking Andrew and Epstein to the beloved royal residence.

According to a social media announcement shared by the royal estate over the weekend, visitors will once again be invited inside the King’s Scottish home following the winter break.

In an Instagram post, Balmoral detailed what guests can expect when the castle reopens. “Tickets for Balmoral Castle in Spring & Summer 2026 are now available to book online,” the message read.

From March 28 through mid-August, visitors can explore the grounds and gardens, the Ballroom Exhibition, the Mews Gift Shop and the restaurant. The post added that “Afternoon Tea with General Admission during the summer months is also available,” along with several premium experiences, including interior castle tours and the Balmoral Expedition Tour.

“Whether you’re planning a return visit or discovering Balmoral for the first time, it’s a wonderful way to experience the Highlands at the Highland home of the Royal Family across the spring and summer seasons,” the statement continued.

The update comes as Charles has been enjoying the festive period at Sandringham, though Balmoral has recently found itself back in the headlines for less celebratory reasons. An exclusive report by The Mail on Sunday alleged that a former model was flown to Balmoral in 1999 by Jeffrey Epstein and told she would be expected to massage the then-Prince Andrew. The woman, now in her 50s, said she refused, explaining, “It felt weird and I didn’t want to.”

She claimed Andrew personally welcomed Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and herself to the 50,000-acre estate, where they were entertained with a picnic. 

Royal author Andrew Lownie said the new allegations raises serious concerns. “That this young woman was flown to Balmoral raises questions about Andrew’s abuse of royal residences and the suspicion that courtiers turned a blind eye,” he expressed. 

Al Pacino and Noor Alfallah have once again set tongues wagging after being spotted together on a dinner date in Los Angeles over a year after their split.

According to Page Six, the Oscar winner, 85, and the film producer, 32, were photographed arriving at San Vicente Bungalows, a members-only hotspot in West Hollywood on Friday, January 16. Alfallah kept things sleek in a dark overcoat layered over a little black dress, paired with sheer stockings and knee-high combat boots, while Pacino opted for a dark trench coat, black trousers, and sneakers.

The outing follows a cryptic exchange Alfallah had with a TMZ photographer earlier this year. When asked how their son Roman was doing, she replied, “He’s 2 now. Getting big!” Pressed on whether she and Pacino were officially back together, she deflected, saying, “We’re together every day!” She added, “Who doesn’t want to be together with him? He’s the coolest guy.”

She also used the moment to plug their professional collaboration, Dead Man’s Wire, signalling that their bond extends beyond parenting.

Speculation around Pacino’s personal life intensified in December after he was seen wearing a gold ring on his left hand, though a rep later clarified that the actor “is not married.”

While a representative previously told People magazine that Pacino and Alfallah are “very good friends” and focused on co-parenting, their latest public appearance is sure to reignite questions about whether romance is once again in the picture.

Pakistan is expected to reassess its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India-Sri Lanka, following increasing concerns related to the Bangladesh cricket team, sources told Geo News.

The Bangladesh government has reached out to Pakistan for support over its decision to skip travelling to India for the tournament, citing security concerns, sources said.

They added that Pakistan supports Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns, emphasising that they should be addressed and acted upon.

Pakistan has also stressed that no country should face pressure or threats from India, assuring Bangladesh of its full support on the matter.

On January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against travelling to India over security concerns.

PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh’s fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be unavailable.

They added that all Pakistani venues are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches and highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of major ICC events, including the Champions Trophy 2025, and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.

Meanwhile, in another development, Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not move Ireland’s group-stage matches out of Sri Lanka, dismissing reports of a possible group swap with Bangladesh.

This follows claims that the BCB had requested a group exchange due to concerns over travelling to India.

“We’ve received definitive assurances that we won’t move from the original schedule. We’re definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” a Cricket Ireland official confirmed.

Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are in Group B with West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, playing their matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Ireland is in Group C alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Oman, with all fixtures in Sri Lanka.

The BCB reportedly discussed the possibility of a group swap with ICC officials in Dhaka on Saturday to minimise logistical challenges, though the proposal received little support from the ICC or Cricket Ireland.

According to the current schedule, Bangladesh will play their first three group matches in Kolkata — against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 — before concluding against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.