The world witnessed a day of stark contrasts on Monday, 19th January 2026, where moments of legal gravity, sporting triumph, and profound tragedy unfolded across the globe. The Guardian's picture editors have curated a powerful selection of images capturing these events, from the Royal Courts of Justice in London to the streets of Dakar and the aftermath of a disaster in Spain.
Legal Battles and Political Encounters
In London, Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice for a significant high court trial. The Duke of Sussex is bringing a case against Associated Newspapers, marking another chapter in his ongoing legal challenges with sections of the British media. The sight of the senior royal entering the grand building underscored the personal and public stakes of the litigation.
Elsewhere in the capital, political diplomacy was on display as US House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the British parliament. He was hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, highlighting the continued special relationship between the two nations. Meanwhile, in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a formal luncheon, a meeting of international allies.
Tragedy and Conflict Across Continents
A sombre mood fell over Spain following a catastrophic rail accident. In Adamuz, a high-speed Iryo train derailed and was subsequently hit by another train. Emergency workers combed the devastating scene. The incident resulted in at least 39 fatalities and more than 120 injuries, making it the deadliest train accident in the country in over a decade.
In Syria, a significant military deployment was underway. An aerial view showed Syrian government forces crossing the Euphrates River into Deir ez-Zor province. This movement came the day after an agreement was reached between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, signalling a shift in the region's complex dynamics.
Further tragedies were reported in Chile and Pakistan. Raging wildfires in forests near Concepción, Chile, have claimed at least 19 lives. In Karachi, rescue workers used excavators to search through the debris of a shopping mall after a massive fire broke out, the scale of the destruction laid bare.
Celebration, Faith, and Tradition
Amid the gravity, moments of joy and devotion provided a counterpoint. In Dakar, Senegal, elated fans took to the streets for vibrant victory dances, celebrating their nation's triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) the previous day. The energy was palpable as the country revelled in its footballing success.
In Prayagraj, India, the spiritual festival of Magh Mela continued. On Mauni Amavasya, or new moon day, countless lights illuminated temporary tents housing pilgrims at Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
Traditional rituals were also observed in Bolivia and Russia. In La Paz, the start of carnival celebrations was marked by the 'Unearthing of Pepino' ceremony, where the main carnival character is revived by kisses from beauty queens. Near Omsk in Siberia, braving the cold, people participated in the traditional Epiphany celebration by bathing in icy waters near the Achairsky monastery.
From the frozen, fog-draped trees of Germany's Taunus region to tourists posing in traditional Thai outfits at Bangkok's Wat Arun temple, the day's collection of photographs presented a rich tapestry of human experience, resilience, and culture across the planet.
