Mirror Columnist
In the early 1980s, I experienced the sense of freedom that comes with squatting in an empty London flat for a few months. Without the burden of paying rent, bills, or dealing with household chores, I felt liberated. However, I was always aware that my living situation was temporary, unlike Prince Andrew’s current situation in a lavish 30-room residence that resembles a blend of Downton Abbey and a luxury golf hotel.
Unlike my stint as a squatter, where the threat of eviction loomed, Prince Andrew seems to enjoy a rent-free lifestyle with a myriad of unanswered questions surrounding his financial affairs and alleged connections to criminal activities. The discrepancy between his modest naval pension and extravagant expenses raises eyebrows, as do the circumstances surrounding his acquisition of properties and legal settlements.
The scrutiny extends to the origins of his accommodation at the Royal Lodge, gifted by the Crown Estate, and the privileges extended to his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The lack of accountability in addressing these issues raises concerns about the integrity of the monarchy, with Prince Andrew’s position remaining secure despite mounting controversies.
The public’s reluctance to hold the royal family accountable perpetuates a culture of entitlement and impunity, exemplified by Prince Andrew’s perceived behavior. The pressing question remains: what actions should be taken regarding his status and privileges? Suggestions range from eviction to utilizing his public profile for productive endeavors or even exile to a remote location for reflection and humility.
Drawing parallels to historical precedents, the idea of relocating Prince Andrew to a remote setting akin to Napoleon’s exile in St Helena in 1815 is proposed as a means of instilling accountability and humility. Such measures may serve as a necessary step towards addressing the implications of his actions and upholding public trust in the monarchy.
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