Finally, after applying the 27th feb, hours on hold, a photo mismatch, calls with 7 different agents (4 lovely, 3 totally horrible) I got an email my passport renewal was approved on Monday. 1 day before I could apply for the upgrade 🙁
Upgrade now not an option according to HMPO, so somebody please give me hope that print and post can happen within 2 weeks? I fly on Tuesday 3rd May – but based on my experience so far I don’t have any confidence.