The British monarchy is facing refreshed scrutiny after the U.K. police announced they are examining claims that the former Prince Andrew gave confidential information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles is ready to “support’’ in its assessment of the claims, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie told Daily Express US that the public are “shocked” by the latest drop of the Epstein files.
He said, “People are shocked by Epstein disclosures and the suspicion the Palace have been covering for Andrew’s behavior.
“They want the truth and the stables cleaned and are infuriated by pat statements and smoke and mirrors.”
Lownie added that Charles’ statement of ‘support’ to the police may help with public unrest over the controversy.
He said, “Let’s see if Charles’s statements satisfies. Suspect not. Monarchy in trouble.”
Maclaran, co-author of Royal Fever and Professor at Royal Holloway, discussed public perception of the Royal Family.
“There can be no doubt that the ongoing scandal is shaking people’s confidence in the institution of monarchy,” said Maclaran.
“The fact that William and Kate issued a statement saying they were deeply concerned by the scandal indicates that the future King and Queen are on the defensive and anxious to prove that they are in no way supporting Andrew,” she added.
“I think a majority of people have sympathy for the King and understand the situation is very complicated by the King feeling a sense of responsibility for his brother.”
Andrew was moved from Royal Lodge to Norfolk, some 100 miles away from London last week.
Andrew has been stripped of his royal titles, royal duties and forced to move out of his royal residence and when we asked if there’s anything else Charles can do to appease the public, Maclaran said, “I don’t think there’s much more Charles can do at present.
“Once Andrew is out of public sight, I think it will be easier for the King despite the continuing revelations.
“Part of the recent problem was Andrew still appearing in the grounds of Royal Lodge, smiling to bypassers and riding his horse.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
