William's 'hardest year' dominates royal headlines as Trump-Ukraine dynamic and migration policy take center stage

Prince William described his 'hardest year' in an episode of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, detailing anguish as his father and his wife were diagnosed with cancer. British papers led with the remarks, with The Mirror quoting him on the anguish and The Express focusing on the idea that overcoming adversity shapes who we are; The Star highlighted the interview alongside Levy's role in Schitt's Creek. The Sun, meanwhile, led with a separate royal story about a meeting between the King and Prince Harry described as distinctly formal, with no prospect of Harry returning to the royal fold.

In royal coverage, The Telegraph reported that the King played a key role in Donald Trump's shift on Ukraine during the state visit, citing a Zelensky aide who told the paper the King helped persuade Trump that Ukraine could win the war. The Sun's coverage of the same period also noted the formal nature of a separate King-Harry meeting.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told The Times that an ambitious migration deal with Europe could relieve the need for tax rises in the upcoming budget, arguing that a youth mobility scheme allowing young Europeans to work in the UK would be good for the economy, growth and business.

Sir Keir Starmer told The Guardian that Labour is in a fight for the soul of the nation, saying history will not forgive his government if they are unable to stop Reform from taking power as he prepares to address the party's conference.

The Financial Times led with developments in Washington after former FBI director James Comey was indicted on two charges, reporting that President Trump said his administration would launch further prosecutions against 'corrupt, radical left Democrats'; Comey has maintained his innocence.

The Daily Mail described a 'migration catastrophe' unfolding around Calais, saying the ferry port was overwhelmed as migrants attempt to reach Britain.

Together, the reports illustrate a week of cross-cutting issues touching royal life, international diplomacy, migration policy, and domestic politics as the world watches how leadership reacts to health crises, geopolitics and border flows.