After his brother, the now-former Prince Andrew, was arrested final week on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace tied to the unending nightmare surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III launched a rigorously worded assertion expressing his “deepest concern.”
He made it clear that the “applicable authorities” had his “full and wholehearted help and cooperation.” On paper, that sounds resolute. In actuality, the state of affairs is much extra difficult — and far extra uncomfortable.
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In keeping with reporting from DailyMail.com on Thursday, Andrew stays eighth in line to the throne AND continues to be formally a Counsellor of State. Meaning he’s technically one of many handful of royals who may step in to deputize for the King if Charles have been ever unwell or in any other case unable to satisfy his duties. Let that sink in for a second.
When requested why this hasn’t been addressed, royal insiders reportedly supplied explanations which are elevating eyebrows throughout the UK and past. One supply urged to the outlet that the King is deeply reluctant to “meddle” with the road of succession, explaining:
“He thinks it might be opening up a can of worms. For instance, if Andrew is eliminated, would his daughters should be, too? He thinks they’re innocent and don’t need to be punished.”
What?! THAT is the explanation??
One other supply framed the hesitation in another way, saying the monarch doesn’t need to seem prejudicial towards his brother:
“If he strips him of his place within the line of succession, this might be interpreted as an indication that he thinks Andrew is responsible.”
Hmmm…
It’s a fragile dance between household loyalty and public obligation, however critics argue this second requires readability, not warning.
BTW, the King has already proven he can modify the roster of Counsellors of State when crucial. In 2022, he efficiently requested Parliament so as to add his sister, Anne, Princess Royal, and his youthful brother, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, with minimal drama. On the time, Andrew and Prince Harry have been NOT eliminated, reportedly to keep away from inflaming household tensions.
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Eradicating Andrew from the road of succession would require an Act of Parliament. However different commonwealth leaders in international locations like Australia and New Zealand have already signaled openness to such a transfer. So, the mechanism exists.
Now, the query is whether or not the need does…
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
