Andrew, Corruption and the Crown’s Existential Crisis – Andrew Lownie, who wrote Andrew’s biography, speaks about the scandal threatening the British monarchy

London Correspondent: Dimitris Mavrokefalidis

As the British monarchy faces allegations that strike at the very core of its credibility, To Vima (Greek) speaks exclusively with Andrew Lownie, the British historian and author whose work has repeatedly challenged royal secrecy.

Lownie is the author of a major biography of Andrew, published a few months ago, in which he examines the rise and fall of the Duke of York, his private conduct and the broader impact of his actions on the reputation and credibility of the Royal Family.

Against the backdrop of reports that King Charles had been warned as early as 2019 that royal connections were being abused, and as unprecedented discussions are underway about the legislative removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, Lownie offers a blunt assessment of a crisis he describes as existential for the institution.

Writing new history

Let us begin with the latest developments. The British government is considering something unprecedented, according to British media — removing a royal from the line of succession through legislation. How unprecedented is this move?

“It is absolutely unprecedented. No one has ever been removed from the line of succession in this way. Each time, new history is written and new realities are created. There has never in the history of the royal family been an arrest for such a serious offence.

“So we are in uncharted waters. We must take this literally day by day. Personally, however, I think it is a distraction. It will consume parliamentary time. It is not necessary. No one believes he is going to become king.

“And I don’t think the royal family wants it, because of course it would open the door to parliamentary debate about the royal family, something they want to avoid. He is also a Counsellor of State, but there are many others who have been called upon before him. So I do not think this will happen.

“In my view, the substantive issues are transparency around the royal family and holding it accountable for what it has done.”

A fall from grace

You have already written your book, The Rise and Fall of the House of York. How do you believe Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should ultimately be remembered?

“I think it is rather sad, because we remember him as the ‘golden child’ of the royal family. He was the war hero who returned.

“Sarah Ferguson was extremely popular when they married. And this is a fall from glory and hubris, through greed. It is a tragedy, because he has done more than any other member of the royal family to undermine its reputation and credibility.

“And in many ways, he was a very ardent supporter of the royal family. So it is a tragedy. It is a tragedy for him.

“It is a tragedy for the royal family. And it has undermined respect and trust in the institution, which will now have to be rebuilt.”

Vindication and royal transparency

How do the recent developments align with or challenge the conclusions of your biography?

“All the material that has recently come to light largely confirms what I found. There are further examples and additional pieces of the same story that I had identified. It is particularly reassuring to see that what I wrote has proven correct.

“And my sources have proven reliable. Many of the things I had been calling for over the years, such as royal transparency, are now beginning to happen. We hope they will continue to happen.

“I feel vindicated in my research, because I was subjected to intense attacks. Many accused me of not being serious. It is satisfying to feel that in the end you were right.”

Public image and private reality

Do you believe there was a gap between his public image and his private life?

“Yes, and that has to do with the royal family’s effort to shape the narrative. It is a false narrative. It is pure PR.

“But there was a huge gap. Only today I had lunch with someone who knew him from childhood. All those terrible stories about bullying, about attention deficit disorder and other issues, were known to those who knew him at the time. They simply did not come out.”

There is still much to be revealed

Do you think we now know the whole truth, or are there still aspects of Andrew’s story that remain unknown?

“I think there is still much that will come to light, and I hope it will. Absolutely.

“When I was conducting my research, I knew I was only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Now we have an enormous volume of material with those three million pages, but there are three pages that have not been made public.

“More witnesses may come forward. More legal depositions may be unsealed. There is a whole range of developments that could shed further light.”

Trial, charges and royal repercussions

What do you think lies ahead for Andrew? Can we expect a trial?

“It is an interesting question, because he has not yet been charged.

“They may not find sufficient evidence, but I would be surprised. I think there is substantial evidence to support a case. There is also the question of whether he can legally be charged.

“Was he a public official or merely a member of the royal family carrying out public duties? I am certain many legal technicalities will be tested.

“The other problem for the royal family is what he will say if it comes to trial. Will he attempt to drag other members of the royal family into it to apply pressure and avoid trial?

“Will he be charged with relatively minor offences of misconduct in public office, or with more serious charges, such as sex trafficking? There are far too many unknown parameters.

“And he may, as was written in a column in Spain, disappear before justice is served. Disappear somewhere in the Middle East. There are too many uncertainties to predict what will happen.”

He believed he was untouchable

When you began researching Andrew, what surprised you most?

“The brazen way in which he operated. The fact that he would take prostitutes or go through 40 prostitutes on a state visit.

“He would take his mistress on official visits. Truly unbelievable things. The most striking aspect is that he believed he was so protected and immune from scrutiny that he could behave however he wished.”

A scandal without precedent

Do you see any historical parallel with what has happened in recent days, for example with the abdication crisis of Edward?

“It was far worse than Edward. Edward left quietly and the Nazi connections were revealed only after his death.

“Here we are talking about financial corruption at the heart of the royal family, with the assistance of a monarch, the Queen. They knew he was taking bribes and nothing was done. And about the possibility of another king abdicating because of his involvement in his brother’s activities.

“No, this is truly serious. It is existential for them. They will survive. But Charles may, in effect, have to abdicate for the monarchy to continue.”

The biggest scandal to date

Would you describe this as the biggest scandal the British royal family has ever known?

“Absolutely. I do not think there is anything comparable. I am a royal historian. I have never seen anything like this. And we are only halfway through. It is frightening in some respects. It must be frightening for them.”