The questions1 Who was the first woman named as heir to the English throne?
2 What safety device is known as a “donkey’s back” in France?
3 Which Strictly champion is president of the British Board of Film Classification?
4 Grey and common, or harbour, are UK resident species of what?
5 Which former US president led an expedition into the Amazon?
6 “Out of the strong came forth sweetness” is written on tins of what?
7 Which venue opened in 2023 with a residency by U2?
8 In 45 years, Marion Tinsley lost only seven times at what game?
What links:
9 As; sestertius; denarius; aureus?
10 Brian; Gary; Speedy; Turbo?
11 Andouillette; baodu; chitlins; haggis; menudo; patsas?
12 Departure Lounge; The City & the City; 12 Rules for Life; My Life on a Plate?
13 Black Sabbath; Robert Downey Jr; Ted Hughes?
14 Lorenzo Da Ponte; Emanuel Schikaneder; Johann Gottlieb Stephanie?
15 Mammoth, Kentucky; Postojna, Slovenia; Son Doong, Vietnam; Three Counties, UK?
Can’t stomach the haggis clue? Photograph: Joff Lee/Getty ImagesThe answers1 Matilda.
2 Speed bump (dos d’âne).
3 Natasha Kaplinsky.
4 Seal.
5 Teddy Roosevelt.
6 Lyle’s golden syrup.
7 Sphere, Las Vegas.
8 Draughts (checkers).
9 Roman coins of various metals: copper; brass; silver; gold.
10 Fictional snails: Magic Roundabout; SpongeBob SquarePants; Timon & Pumbaa TV series; DreamWorks film.
11 Offal/tripe dishes: French; Chinese; US; Scottish; Mexican; Greek.
12 Books by writers with country first names: Chad Taylor; China Miéville; Jordan Peterson; India Knight.
13 Iron Man: 1970 song; played in Marvel films; wrote children’s book.
14 Librettists for Mozart’s operas.
15 Cave systems.