On October 20, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the AUKUS defense agreement, key mineral cooperation, and trade matters.

Albanese emphasized that AUKUS represents an important strategic investment for Australia, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation with the U.S. and U.K., and promote the extraction and refinement of critical minerals to support defense and technology industries.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd highlighted at a defense reception that AUKUS benefits Australian industry and enhances Australia’s position in the global strategic landscape.

The meeting also raised concerns about the responsibilities and costs Australia bears under AUKUS. While the U.S. has urged Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, Albanese stated that Australia will allocate defense resources according to its own needs.

On October 20, 2025, the Louvre Museum in Paris experienced a daytime jewelry heist. Four thieves entered the Apollo Gallery at around 9:30 a.m., using a riverside crane to access the display of French royal crown jewels. They forced open a window, cut through glass using a disc cutter, and stole the items in six to seven minutes.

One thief wore a yellow high-visibility vest, posing as a construction worker. Although security arrived quickly, the thieves escaped, attempting to set fire to the crane unsuccessfully. The stolen items included nine historical treasures, eight of which were taken, belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon III, and their consorts Marie Louise and Eugénie.

Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation and called for public assistance in identifying the thieves and their methods.

London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating media reports that Prince Andrew allegedly asked a police protection officer to gather negative information on Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually assaulting her at age 17.

Reports indicate that in 2011, Prince Andrew shared Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number with his bodyguard, requesting a background check, though the officer reportedly took no action. Police stated they are aware of the reports and are “actively reviewing the claims.”

The investigation coincides with Prince Andrew stepping down from royal duties under pressure from King Charles III, following revelations about his ties to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, will have a posthumous memoir published next week.

Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied the assault allegations and settled civil claims for millions without publicly admitting wrongdoing. The case reignites debate about royal accountability and public image.