The British Royal Family is grappling with an unprecedented crisis as a series of scandals and controversial figures threaten its very survival, royal commentator Andrew Lownie argues. The monarchy, Lownie suggests, is becoming "overrun" with "bad apples," a situation that extends beyond the immediate challenges posed by Prince Andrew.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are set to return to the United Kingdom, a move Lownie posits is driven by a desire to secure the royal titles for their children, Archie and Lilibet, and to regain influence within the family structure. The author suggests this return is part of "Project Thaw," an effort to reintegrate Harry into the fold, potentially to distract from ongoing issues surrounding Prince Andrew and wider questions of royal privilege and accountability.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Lownie writes, remains a significant concern, particularly with potential new allegations and lingering associations with Jeffrey Epstein. His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their mother Sarah Ferguson, are also noted as figures whose proximity to controversy complicates the monarchy's public image.
The return of the Sussexes, Lownie contends, presents a strategic opportunity for them to bolster their brand and ensure their children retain their royal status, which he deems "incalculable" in monetary value. He suggests that their previous request for a "half in, half out" approach, denied by Queen Elizabeth, is now being revisited. Lownie speculates that King Charles's approval of their return could serve as a welcome distraction from the scrutiny directed at Prince Andrew's past dealings and royal governance.
This situation creates a difficult dilemma for the Prince of Wales, William, who reportedly has a strained relationship with his brother. Lownie anticipates potential conflict, particularly around family gatherings like Christmas, where William may be unwilling to tolerate the presence of Harry and Meghan, or even Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. This could drive a wedge between William and his father, King Charles.
Lownie draws a parallel to the late 1940s, when the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, harbored ambitions of returning to Britain during King George VI's declining health. That situation was ultimately defused when the Duke's desire for tax-free status was not met.
The commentator suggests that the financial burden of living in the UK, including potential security costs estimated at £5 million annually, could ultimately influence the Sussexes' long-term plans. He concludes that the "bad apple" status comes at a significant cost, a lesson previously learned by other royal troublemakers.
According to YouGov polling, Harry's approval rating has seen a slight increase, while Meghan's remains lower. Lownie notes that the couple possesses a formidable public relations apparatus that may help them reshape public perception, possibly aided by the approaching 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death.
Lownie asserts that the Sussexes have achieved this reintegration without issuing an apology for past actions, such as accusing the Royal Family of racism. He suggests their hope is to eventually return to partial royal duties, a move he characterizes as a "cynical and hypocritical reinvention."