This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
As the Prince Andrew scandal continues to unfold, attention has shifted to Prince Charles, who is emerging as a steady and reliable figure in the midst of the crisis.
Prince Andrew's association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has raised questions about the royal family's judgment, but Prince Charles's reputation remains largely intact.
According to royal observers, Prince Charles's marriage to Diana was a more significant threat to the monarchy than Prince Andrew's scandal, but the latter's potential legal exposure in the Epstein investigation has put him in the spotlight.
“They've moved swiftly to sort it out in the coldblooded and ruthless way they have,” said Mr. Low, a royal commentator.
Simon Jenkins, a columnist and author, likened Prince Andrew's travails to a scandal involving a Hollywood celebrity, saying it was “of absolutely no consequence” in a country that is going to the polls in two weeks in an election that will have profound consequences for its place in the world.
During an election debate two weeks ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn both tried to avoid making Prince Andrew a political issue when asked whether the monarchy was fit for purpose.
“Needs a bit of improvement,” replied Mr. Corbyn.
“The monarchy is beyond reproach,” said Mr. Johnson, who has faced questions about his own personal life.
However, royal watchers believe that the real concern for Buckingham Palace is Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who are struggling to adapt to their new life and have reportedly strained their relationship with Prince William.
“For them to be breaking away from the family,” said Ms. Junor, a royal biographer, “does have implications for the future of the monarchy.”
