JAN MOIR: The Queen’s Blind Devotion to Prince Andrew—She Raised a Monster, and His Ever-Loving Mother Must Take Her Share of the Blame.HL

The opinion piece you’ve shared is deeply critical of Prince Andrew, drawing attention to his downfall and questioning the role his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, played in his development. The author argues that Andrew’s arrogance, lack of humility, and poor decisions, particularly involving his associations with questionable figures, may be the result of being overly spoiled by his mother, a theory that suggests her blind devotion enabled his entitlement and poor judgment. The piece then delves into Andrew’s public disgrace, his loss of royal titles, and the erosion of his reputation, acknowledging the widespread desire among the British public for him to be stripped of his titles by Parliament. It suggests that his past behavior has tarnished the monarchy more than any republican movement ever could.

The article raises important questions about royal privilege, the responsibilities of mothers, and the impact of unchecked indulgence. The suggestion that Queen Elizabeth’s maternal favoritism may have contributed to his sense of superiority and lack of accountability is thought-provoking, especially considering the contrasting paths taken by his siblings. While the writer doesn’t directly accuse the Queen of causing Andrew’s missteps, it implies that her affection may have shielded him from the consequences of his actions, allowing him to believe in his own invincibility.

The comparison to other members of the royal family, particularly his brothers, underlines the severity of Andrew’s behavior in the public eye, and the criticism of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson is also noted, portraying the couple as a “scourge” within the royal family. The author’s tone is harsh and unforgiving, and it emphasizes the need for accountability within the monarchy, especially when it comes to figures like Prince Andrew, who seem to have escaped the scrutiny their actions merit for so long.

Overall, the piece paints Prince Andrew as an embodiment of royal privilege gone wrong and implies that his mother’s role in enabling this behavior must not be overlooked. It questions whether the monarchy’s blind spots towards family members’ shortcomings have a long-term negative impact on the institution as a whole.