Royal Historian Demands Apology for Family's Blind Eye to Andrew's Power Abuse
In an exclusive commentary, royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop has declared that the least the Royal Family can do is issue a formal apology for consistently turning a blind eye to former Prince Andrew's extensive abuse of power. This call comes as Andrew, the son of a monarch born in Buckingham Palace 66 years ago and still eighth in line to the throne, was arrested earlier today on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Unprecedented Arrest Highlights Royal Privilege
We can pretend he isn't royal and stumble over his new, long-winded 'Mountbatten-Windsor' nomenclature, but Andrew remains fundamentally royal. It was precisely because of his privileged position that the former prince was 'anointed' as a trade envoy in 2001—a sop to the late Queen from the Blair Administration after a difficult royal decade. Today's arrest marks an unprecedented move, yet it underscores how Andrew has weaponised his royal privilege to push back against accusers and evade legal scrutiny for far too long.
While King Charles has insisted that a 'full, fair and proper' investigation by the 'appropriate' authorities must follow, there has been no mention of an 'appropriate' response from the Royal Family itself. This omission is glaring, given the family's historical protection of Andrew.
Epstein Quagmire and Unanswered Questions
The Windsor family's popularity tanked in the 1990s, polling below 80% after infidelity scandals, three royal divorces, and Diana's tragic death. However, those dark days pale in comparison to the current Epstein quagmire into which Andrew has dragged his family. The grotesque public unravelling of the former prince raises critical unanswered questions:
- Where did the money come from that paid off Virginia Giuffre in 2022 when she accused Andrew of sexual assault under New York's Child Victim's Act?
- How much did the royal family know about Andrew's activities with Jeffrey Epstein more broadly?
Epstein's female accusers have done much to advance this story and hold powerful men accountable. Surely, it is time for the royal family to step up to the plate as well.
Historical Context and Institutional Failures
The late Queen protected her son Andrew, and the institution of monarchy has batted away questions concerning the Duke of York's alleged misconduct since 2011. Buckingham Palace was the address from which Andrew platformed his lies during a notorious BBC interview in 2019. This pattern of turning a blind eye has enabled Andrew's abuse of power, making today's arrest a stark reminder of systemic failures.
As Andrew remains in police custody on potential charges, the focus must extend beyond his fate. The Royal Family's consistent inaction demands accountability. An apology is not just a symbolic gesture but a necessary step toward addressing the damage caused by years of neglect and protectionism.
In conclusion, while authorities investigate, the royal institution must confront its complicity. The least it can do is apologise for ignoring Andrew's misconduct, signalling a commitment to transparency and justice in the wake of this scandal.
