The Spectator

Andrew, Harry and the enduring prudence of the Queen

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Prince Andrew’s decision to settle his case with Virginia Giuffre means he will be spared the potentially humiliating ordeal of a jury trial. It also means that, in the public’s opinion, he will forever occupy a no-man’s land between guilt and exoneration. Even though he has accepted no liability in the case, a return to royal life is surely impossible. As he celebrates his 62nd birthday this weekend, he must contemplate life as a retired royal.

However Andrew might feel about his fate, it will bring relief for the monarchy. The darkest of clouds is clearing and the Queen can mark her 70th year on the throne without the reputational damage that would inevitably have accompanied a trial. We cannot know what discussions have taken place between the Queen and her second (and reputedly favourite) son — but it would come as no surprise if the decision to settle the case was taken in Buckingham Palace.

In so doing, the Queen appears to have resolved the third major issue that has been threatening to destabilise the monarchy: the thorny questions over what to do about Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Camilla.

The Queen has brought a discipline to the institution that at times the younger royals rub up against

With her restraint and sense of service, the Queen has brought a discipline to the institution that at times the younger royals rub up against. But what happens when she is no longer there to steer her successors, especially those who may wish to launch themselves as TV celebrities, commentators or campaigners? Self-indulgence tests public support, which is why decay and eventual collapse has been the story of many a European monarchy over the past century.

The problem is fairly common: as a family grows and the younger generations enter adulthood, life takes its toll and tensions emerge.

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