Harry and Andrew are out in the cold
Spectator (UK)Dec 23, 2022
The Facts
King Charles III has requested to amend the list of Counsellors of State (CoS) — those who are eligible to stand in for the UK King in his absence — to include his sister Princess Anne, and his brother Prince Edward.
The move would sideline his son Prince Harry and brother Prince Andrew, neither of whom are working members of the royal family. The Duke of Sussex left the UK permanently for the US amid a breakdown in relations following his marriage to American actress Meghan Markle. Meanwhile, the Duke of York faced scrutiny and public disgrace over allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor. The latter was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in January and, in March, settled a civil case.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The new king's decisive and ruthless action demonstrates that he's being practical in his pursuit of a modernized monarchy. Even after just two months on the throne, he is moulding the institution to his ideal — slimmed-down and uncomplicated by the kind of scandal and gossip that has weathered it in recent years. This is the kind of reinvention that will keep the monarchy relevant in 21st century Britain.
Establishment-critical narrative
This is a desperate attempt to paper over the cracks of a disintegrating institution. Whilst the royals could continue limping into the modern age, it would be far more preferable if they called time on the antiquated constitutional parade of their existence. King Charles is right to try and exclude the scandal and disgrace surrounding Princes Harry and Andrew, but he should go further and cease the mockery that the monarchy makes of democracy in the UK.