Wait and see if he gets charged and prosecuted. But at least our police are acting to some extent on the Epstein files, unlike the USA. But also, how many staff at managerial level turned blind eyes to the teenaged girls at Luton and Stansted airports when handling Epstein's executive jet? And among Andrew's police protection squad? They should be investigated too.
Yes they should. But let's not kid ourselves, the culture of people at the top getting away with things the rest of us don't is embedded in our forelock-tugging DNA. We still think aristocrats are better, we bow and scrape to them and are grateful for the once a year 'privilege' of holding the village cricket match on Lord so-and-so's lawn. Time for change.
We don't treat those people as if they are literally born and bred to be above the rest of us. Aristos can be poor but still command obeisance. But I agree, their levels of entitlement are also high, derived from power and/or money.
To remember Lord Denning, no one is above the law. So their failure to report otential crimes to their superiors in the police exposed them also, not least because of their special position as constables. Whether their superiors would act on that or not, would not matter. They protect royals in the public interest.
Lets be very clear here the establishment will fight tooth and nail to avoid any stone turning of QE2 and even Charles. Andrew is being fed to the wolves to protect the brand and the majority of our politicians wont dare challenge the status quo over the monarchy.
A great piece Lewis. It’s only the beginning or it should be.
Sarah, Beatrice , Eugenie & their husbands need to be questioned under caution asap. Where are they by the way ?
The pay off to Virginia - the King must’ve known what it was all about, allegedly he contributed to it. And the Queen by then in March 2022 was very very infirm & Charles was taking on/ party to all goings on. So can he now face questioning over protecting Andrew ? Possibly but will the Police want to push knowing he is very ill.
He should now “share” duties with William due to health issues, that would be a convenient, sensible way forward for all concerned
The stables need to be cleared asap including the California dreamers.
Huge news today. Whatever happens next, the harm done is indisputable. How they didn’t act after THAT Newsnight interview is beyond me. I’m not holding my breath for any sort of meaningful action in response to this.
There wont be the establishment are closing ranks and Andrew is being sacrificed to protect brand Windsor. They will drag out the investigation for months the government will decline to comment and short of Corbyn and a few others no politician will make any noise about whats going on. Nothing to see here move on.
The late Queen's chickens are coming home to roost, shitting all over their gilded perches. Her silence on all matters familial was clearly not discretion but covering for malfeasance. Her memory's tarnished quickly, n'est-ce pas?
Outstanding piece Lewis. You ask again the question I've seen you ask before "Why are we looking to Congress to provide answers to what should be central questions for the British political system? " The answer is, I suspect, because, as Andrew Lownie has frequently said, once you pulll this thread, lots of the British establishment unravels. As you (and he) have also regularly observed, AMW didn't do this on his own. There are many vested interests beyond Buckingham Palace that don't want their involvement exposed.
Spot on the establishment will control the outcome only the government can change things but they wont not that any other party would short of perhaps Corbyn.
If charged, could Andrew claim trial by his peers(?) as he remains a lord. Should he not do so, this could drag on for years as the “commoner” courts have a bit of a backlog!
Constitutional monarchy is just another means to retain a tool for subjugation and enchantment for the ruling classes. Without it they would have to justify their actions by democratic means not simply the “magic” of Order in Council or other arcane and prejudicial procedures. Time for a republic free of the myth of royalty and a head of state accountable to the people. The mere fact that Parliament is “sovereign” should tell us that the ruling classes take us all for fools. They retain the legitimate use of violence on that basis yet it should be the people that are “sovereign”. That of course was the model in the Scottish Parliament before the Union.
Having one family, particularly one member of it at a time, who are so privileged and superior, who we're supposed to bow down to and believe are 'born better' than us, and who are seemingly beyond any kind of reproach, for no other reason than an accident of birth is a ridiculous concept that belongs in the 16th century, not the 21st. The sycophancy towards the Royals has always been bizarre, but how anyone can see how the institution and individuals have conducted themselves up to now and not at least question it's role in the modern world I have no idea.
I don't really believe that the actions that the Royals are now taking is about justice or doing the right thing, or at least that's not the main driver. It's mainly all about PR and protecting the institution.
The police taking this seriously is welcome and we'll have to await the outcome, but I don't hold my breathe that there'll be a much wider debate about the way the Royal family as an institution conducts itself, are held to account, the lack of transparency, or its role.
I’m not sure that this affair does define Charles’ reign - in fact I think that, because Andrew’s relationship with Epstein was under the Queen’s rule, but the repercussions have (largely) come under Charles, it kind of inoculates them both somehow.
It seems fair enough to me that Charles carries little blame for not knowing what his adult brother was up to - or any more than the rest of us did at any rate.
In hindsight, the idea of making Andrew a trade envoy seems absolutely ludicrous, but that and the lack of a guiding hand is firmly on the Queen. It was clear that Andrew was dangerously stupid; but few people were in a position to limit his damage. The Queen was, but she either couldn’t or didn’t want to see that he was a problem, and either way that’s a serious error.
it is so good to get away from the fawning obsequiousness of many commentators...but more attention should be paid to the ludicrousness and illogicality of the hereditary principle, governing the head of a modern so-called democratic state
Obviously they should be scrutinised like any other organisation, but I also think that will be the beginning of the end, because once we start holding them to any kind of standard then we are facing the fact like they are just like anyone else, so what is their point?
Al Capone was arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, for tax evasion because there wasn't the wider will to go after, or testify against, him for his most egregious offences. No idea why that came to mind...
That said, at least this investigation is progress, but the forelock tugging from those covering this story remains almost universal.
Few journalists are willing to call out how even yesterday the King was being protected by a press keen to insist on how "brave and moral" he has been, and to help distance him from the problem. All despite his having effectively been Regent for the decade up to his mother's death, where he allowed her to continue to protect Andrew, pay out substantial hush money, and cover up.
As always any action from the King will be focussed on protecting the institution upon which our entire system of class and privilege depends. Any justice that the real victims get, if indeed they get any, will be entirely accidental.
The Royal Family may be a very British problem, but I hope against hope that this contributes to exposing Trump's depravity and helps bring about his downfall. The USA clearly needs the UK's help to do that and Mountbatten-Windsor must know something to push it along.
Let’s be real, the slimy twat will squirm out of this one way or another via a legal technicality. But, by rights, it should be the beginning of the end of the whole rotten edifice. Biggest bunch of welfare queens, kings & princes in the history of mankind.
Wait and see if he gets charged and prosecuted. But at least our police are acting to some extent on the Epstein files, unlike the USA. But also, how many staff at managerial level turned blind eyes to the teenaged girls at Luton and Stansted airports when handling Epstein's executive jet? And among Andrew's police protection squad? They should be investigated too.
Yes they should. But let's not kid ourselves, the culture of people at the top getting away with things the rest of us don't is embedded in our forelock-tugging DNA. We still think aristocrats are better, we bow and scrape to them and are grateful for the once a year 'privilege' of holding the village cricket match on Lord so-and-so's lawn. Time for change.
Really, aristocrats? The entitled ones nowadays are the political class and the leaders of mega corporations surely.
We don't treat those people as if they are literally born and bred to be above the rest of us. Aristos can be poor but still command obeisance. But I agree, their levels of entitlement are also high, derived from power and/or money.
You might think that. I certainly don't.
Royal Protection Officers could be charged and prosecuted if they discussed anything they had seen in the course of their duties.
To remember Lord Denning, no one is above the law. So their failure to report otential crimes to their superiors in the police exposed them also, not least because of their special position as constables. Whether their superiors would act on that or not, would not matter. They protect royals in the public interest.
What about money queen paid andrew to pay virginia
What about it?
You touch upon it in your article but, sad as it is to say, the late Queen Elizabeth and her role in this whole saga need examining.
Lets be very clear here the establishment will fight tooth and nail to avoid any stone turning of QE2 and even Charles. Andrew is being fed to the wolves to protect the brand and the majority of our politicians wont dare challenge the status quo over the monarchy.
A great piece Lewis. It’s only the beginning or it should be.
Sarah, Beatrice , Eugenie & their husbands need to be questioned under caution asap. Where are they by the way ?
The pay off to Virginia - the King must’ve known what it was all about, allegedly he contributed to it. And the Queen by then in March 2022 was very very infirm & Charles was taking on/ party to all goings on. So can he now face questioning over protecting Andrew ? Possibly but will the Police want to push knowing he is very ill.
He should now “share” duties with William due to health issues, that would be a convenient, sensible way forward for all concerned
The stables need to be cleared asap including the California dreamers.
Huge news today. Whatever happens next, the harm done is indisputable. How they didn’t act after THAT Newsnight interview is beyond me. I’m not holding my breath for any sort of meaningful action in response to this.
There wont be the establishment are closing ranks and Andrew is being sacrificed to protect brand Windsor. They will drag out the investigation for months the government will decline to comment and short of Corbyn and a few others no politician will make any noise about whats going on. Nothing to see here move on.
The late Queen's chickens are coming home to roost, shitting all over their gilded perches. Her silence on all matters familial was clearly not discretion but covering for malfeasance. Her memory's tarnished quickly, n'est-ce pas?
Outstanding piece Lewis. You ask again the question I've seen you ask before "Why are we looking to Congress to provide answers to what should be central questions for the British political system? " The answer is, I suspect, because, as Andrew Lownie has frequently said, once you pulll this thread, lots of the British establishment unravels. As you (and he) have also regularly observed, AMW didn't do this on his own. There are many vested interests beyond Buckingham Palace that don't want their involvement exposed.
Spot on the establishment will control the outcome only the government can change things but they wont not that any other party would short of perhaps Corbyn.
If charged, could Andrew claim trial by his peers(?) as he remains a lord. Should he not do so, this could drag on for years as the “commoner” courts have a bit of a backlog!
Constitutional monarchy is just another means to retain a tool for subjugation and enchantment for the ruling classes. Without it they would have to justify their actions by democratic means not simply the “magic” of Order in Council or other arcane and prejudicial procedures. Time for a republic free of the myth of royalty and a head of state accountable to the people. The mere fact that Parliament is “sovereign” should tell us that the ruling classes take us all for fools. They retain the legitimate use of violence on that basis yet it should be the people that are “sovereign”. That of course was the model in the Scottish Parliament before the Union.
Having one family, particularly one member of it at a time, who are so privileged and superior, who we're supposed to bow down to and believe are 'born better' than us, and who are seemingly beyond any kind of reproach, for no other reason than an accident of birth is a ridiculous concept that belongs in the 16th century, not the 21st. The sycophancy towards the Royals has always been bizarre, but how anyone can see how the institution and individuals have conducted themselves up to now and not at least question it's role in the modern world I have no idea.
I don't really believe that the actions that the Royals are now taking is about justice or doing the right thing, or at least that's not the main driver. It's mainly all about PR and protecting the institution.
The police taking this seriously is welcome and we'll have to await the outcome, but I don't hold my breathe that there'll be a much wider debate about the way the Royal family as an institution conducts itself, are held to account, the lack of transparency, or its role.
I’m not sure that this affair does define Charles’ reign - in fact I think that, because Andrew’s relationship with Epstein was under the Queen’s rule, but the repercussions have (largely) come under Charles, it kind of inoculates them both somehow.
It seems fair enough to me that Charles carries little blame for not knowing what his adult brother was up to - or any more than the rest of us did at any rate.
In hindsight, the idea of making Andrew a trade envoy seems absolutely ludicrous, but that and the lack of a guiding hand is firmly on the Queen. It was clear that Andrew was dangerously stupid; but few people were in a position to limit his damage. The Queen was, but she either couldn’t or didn’t want to see that he was a problem, and either way that’s a serious error.
So many people looked the other way, including, I have no doubt, many members of the royal family.
‘He denies all wrongdoing. The presumption of innocence applies. The courts must now determine the facts’
Maybe that he has admitted everything now, will have to be charged before the courts determine the facts.
Still good report, There will be a lot of close friends and advisors who will be anxiously waiting the knock on the door this week.
Hes got to be charged of something first
it is so good to get away from the fawning obsequiousness of many commentators...but more attention should be paid to the ludicrousness and illogicality of the hereditary principle, governing the head of a modern so-called democratic state
Obviously they should be scrutinised like any other organisation, but I also think that will be the beginning of the end, because once we start holding them to any kind of standard then we are facing the fact like they are just like anyone else, so what is their point?
Al Capone was arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, for tax evasion because there wasn't the wider will to go after, or testify against, him for his most egregious offences. No idea why that came to mind...
That said, at least this investigation is progress, but the forelock tugging from those covering this story remains almost universal.
Few journalists are willing to call out how even yesterday the King was being protected by a press keen to insist on how "brave and moral" he has been, and to help distance him from the problem. All despite his having effectively been Regent for the decade up to his mother's death, where he allowed her to continue to protect Andrew, pay out substantial hush money, and cover up.
As always any action from the King will be focussed on protecting the institution upon which our entire system of class and privilege depends. Any justice that the real victims get, if indeed they get any, will be entirely accidental.
Another great piece from Lewis Goodall.
The Royal Family may be a very British problem, but I hope against hope that this contributes to exposing Trump's depravity and helps bring about his downfall. The USA clearly needs the UK's help to do that and Mountbatten-Windsor must know something to push it along.
Let’s be real, the slimy twat will squirm out of this one way or another via a legal technicality. But, by rights, it should be the beginning of the end of the whole rotten edifice. Biggest bunch of welfare queens, kings & princes in the history of mankind.