Shamed royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been parted from his titles and navy honours – however will he quickly lastly be faraway from the road of succession?
Famously dubbed by diplomats and royal courtiers “His Buffoon Highness”, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would have made a horrible king if his large brother Charles had by no means been born. His legendary gaffes, conceitedness and lack of self-awareness will not be the attributes that will both assist win over doubters of the monarchy’s advantages or make for a contemporary, dutiful king.
Even with out this week’s stunning arrest and any of his now numerous scandals, doubtful friendships and reams of allegations, Andrew would have been to kingship as chocolate is to teapots. The late Queen’s former press secretary Dickie Arbiter branded Andrew a “bully”, “boastful” and “impolite” – concluding that he has obtained his “simply desserts”.
So it makes it much more grating that regardless of being on the coronary heart of an ongoing police probe and shorn of royal titles and navy honours that Andrew continues to be eighth in line to the throne.
However all that seems to be about to alter.
The previous Duke of York gave up his royal titles following accusations about his hyperlinks with the convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein, though he has constantly denied any wrongdoing.
However earlier than his arrest this week Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, declared that “time and time once more, now we have seen that Andrew has been conservative with the reality”, and stated his place as Counsellor of State also needs to be eliminated.
“All of those titles and positions should be addressed, so we’re simply left with Andrew the citizen, and a citizen that’s totally accountable,” she stated.
His place as one of many Counsellors of State means within the absence of the monarch, he might make delegated choices on his behalf.
So why was Andrew not faraway from the road of succession final yr, when he was having all his titles thrown within the bin?
It could take an Act of Parliament and never solely Westminster however all 15 Commonwealth realms – international locations the place the British monarch nonetheless reigns – should agree and vote it by means of their very own parliaments.
Trying on the logistics, getting similar laws passing by means of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and 11 different unbiased parliaments, could be a nightmare.
However yesterday (Friday) it was revealed the British authorities is contemplating attempting to do exactly that.
The transfer, which might forestall Andrew from ever turning into King, would come after the police investigation has concluded.
It could lastly go away Andrew a plain English citizen. He would now not have a grain of conceitedness to shelter behind.
And seeing his title crossed off that succession listing could be the ultimate sucker punch within the intestine that will sting his satisfaction probably the most.
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