A remarkable moment unfolded on BBC's Question Time as spontaneous applause rippled through the studio audience upon hearing that Prince Andrew had been formally stripped of his Prince title and military affiliations.
The powerful reaction came during Thursday night's broadcast, revealing the depth of public feeling against the Duke of York as new polling indicates Britons' negative views of the disgraced royal have reached a record high.
Audience Reaction Speaks Volumes
The applause began when panellist and journalist Isabel Oakeshott revealed the news about Andrew's diminished status within the Royal Family. The audience's immediate and widespread approval demonstrated clear public endorsement of the decision to remove Andrew's royal privileges.
This visceral public response comes as official polling data confirms what the Question Time reaction suggested: Prince Andrew's reputation among the British public has collapsed to unprecedented levels.
Polling Reveals Depth of Public Disapproval
Recent surveys show that negative public opinion towards Prince Andrew has surged to its highest point since the scandal first emerged. The data indicates:
- Record-high disapproval ratings among British adults
- Widespread support for stripping Andrew of his royal titles
- Growing public pressure for permanent removal from royal duties
- Significant damage to the Royal Family's reputation
Fall from Grace Complete
The Queen's decision to remove Prince Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages, coupled with his agreement to not use His Royal Highness (HRH) styling in any official capacity, represents the most significant demotion of a senior royal in modern history.
The Question Time audience's reaction suggests the British public strongly supports this decisive action, viewing it as long overdue given the serious nature of the allegations and ongoing legal proceedings involving the Duke of York.
As the Royal Family continues to navigate this challenging period, public sentiment appears firmly aligned with holding senior royals accountable for their actions and associations.
