The British monarchy is facing an unprecedented crisis, with multiple scandals threatening its very survival, according to author Andrew Lownie.
Lownie argues that the Royal Family is increasingly burdened by "bad apples," with Prince Andrew's ongoing misconduct allegations being the most egregious. However, he notes that other family members, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, also present significant challenges.
Rumors connecting Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with whom they had connections, further compound the issues. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson, while not a senior royal, remains a visible figure. The author suggests that the family's problems extend beyond individual members to a systemic issue of "wayward family members."
Lownie posits that the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK, after six years living in the U.S., is a strategic move. He believes their primary motivation is to secure the royal titles for their children, Archie and Lilibet, which he deems invaluable.
This situation presents a dilemma for King Charles III, who is reportedly pleased to have the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren. The King's reported endorsement of this move, part of what is described as "Project Thaw," is seen as crucial for Harry and Meghan. Lownie suggests the timing of their return may also serve to distract from questions surrounding King Charles's own knowledge of Prince Andrew's business dealings and broader issues of royal privilege.
The author highlights the potential conflict between King Charles's desire for reconciliation and the views of the heir to the throne, Prince William. William is reportedly estranged from his brother, creating an uncomfortable position for their father, especially concerning potential family gatherings like Christmas.
Lownie suggests that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have achieved their aims without issuing an apology for past accusations against the Royal Family, including claims of racism. Their strategy, which he labels "Queen Elizabeth" reportedly denied them six years prior, involves a potential return to partial royal duties. This, Lownie writes, is a "cynical and hypocritical reinvention."
He compares the current situation 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. Ultimately, Lownie suggests that the financial implications of living in the UK, including security costs, could deter the Sussexes, as might the potential financial loss if they cannot sell their California mansion without a significant loss.