There are no easy options now for the Queen’s son. He should stop running from his responsibilities as a man and as a public figure
Reality has finally caught up with Prince Andrew. His attempt to stop Virginia Giuffre from pursuing her civil damages claim against him was thrown out by a New York judge on Wednesday. Judge Lewis Kaplan’s decision meant that the case would go ahead and there was thus no good option for the Queen’s son. On Thursday, Buckingham Palace moved decisively to cut the prince loose, stripping him of his military titles, his royal patronages and his use of His Royal Highness. For the prince, it was a day of disgrace. It has been too long coming.
The Giuffre case is not just a private matter. It showcases big public interest issues that were increasingly in danger of drowning out much of the intended celebration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee this year. That may yet happen, depending on how Prince Andrew responds. The most obvious of these is the continuing case for sexual justice under the law, not least in cases involving rich and powerful men like the prince. The other issue concerns the reputational damage – whatever the outcome of the case – to the monarchy and the British state at home and abroad.
