Prince Andrew Opens the Door to a Slimmed-Down Monarchy
The Duke’s troubles may accelerate a process that Prince Charles has been pushing for years: the drive for a leaner Royal Family.
Inner circle?
Photographer: Mark Cuthbert/UK PressPrince Andrew’s BBC interview about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein was excruciating to watch — especially, no doubt, for the victims of the deceased financier. It was so bad that he may unwittingly have provided the next generation of Britain’s monarchy the justification to streamline.
The Duke of York’s effort to explain his friendship with the convicted pedophile came across as insensitive, ignorant, pig-headed and out of touch. He revealed a litany of shortcomings longer than his official title1, neglecting to express a shred of sympathy for Epstein’s targets. The prince’s strong denial of claims that he’d had sex with one of the hedge fund manager’s alleged teenage trafficking victims was accompanied by strange details about his inability to sweat and his visit to a Pizza Express restaurant.