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A striking moment unfolded recently in the House of Commons when a government minister described the King’s brother as “rude, arrogant and entitled” during a session at the despatch box. This direct criticism of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor echoed remarks made by Sir Chris Bryant, who, as an opposition MP 15 years ago, voiced similar sentiments amid calls for the former prince’s removal as the government’s trade envoy.
Sir Chris Bryant’s scathing opinions about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are nothing new, but coming from someone speaking on behalf of the government, they underscore a near-total erosion of respect for the royal. The parliamentary exchange itself was sparked by the Liberal Democrats requesting the publication of documents concerning the former prince’s appointment as a trade envoy. Yet, this event was not simply a reflection of changing decorum in Parliament toward the Royal Family.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor now finds himself largely ostracised—disowned by both the Royal Family and political figures, with his titles revoked. Though there was much harsher tone directed at him, commentary on other senior royals was comparatively restrained or absent altogether. Amid the debate, some voiced concerns about traditional limitations on critiquing the monarchy, questioning why the Freedom of Information Act shouldn’t apply more fully to royal affairs and whether a public inquiry should be launched to investigate recent revelations.
In response, the government confirmed it will release documents related to the prince’s appointment from 25 years ago but remained cautious about broader transparency requests. Officials emphasized their commitment to swiftly removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. Whether this sentiment signals a broader push for major changes to royal conventions remains to be seen, as British customs tend to be slow to shift, although ongoing disclosures might gradually influence attitudes.
It is important to note that parliamentary discussions on the Royal Family are not prohibited outright. For instance, the Counsellors of State Act 2022 was openly debated in both the Commons and Lords, illustrating the nuanced approach to royal matters. The Royal Family, by virtue of the hereditary monarchy, is treated differently within Parliament and society—a fact that some embrace and others question. Interestingly, despite all recent turmoil, no MPs used the debate following the King’s brother’s recent arrest to make a direct case for abolishing the monarchy.
While some members of Parliament currently favor an elected head of state over the monarchy, support for a republic appears to have diminished compared to previous years. This is somewhat surprising given the ongoing controversies surrounding the Royal Family, but fundamental questions about the UK’s constitutional framework remain largely unexplored in parliamentary debates. For officials at Buckingham Palace awaiting developments in this unfolding saga, that may offer a certain degree of reassurance
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