Duke’s a hazard
Andrew’s car crash TV interview is an early Christmas present to those who would like to see the monarchy resigned to history
HEN historians look back on 2019, Prince Philip’s problems behind the wheel will be resigned to no more than a cursory glance in the rearview mirror.
Although his collision while out driving in January was big news at the time, the car crash everyone will remember is the one where his son single-handedly drove the Royal family off a cliff.
In a staggering act of selfdestruction, the effects of which go far beyond his own position, Prince Andrew broke his silence to finally discuss his friendship with his paedophile pal, Jeffrey Epstein.
It came eight years after Virginia Giuffre first claimed in a US court that she had been loaned out to the Duke of York for sex by the pervert American billionaire on three separate occasions.
While Andrew hoped the interview with BBC Newsnight would draw a line under the seedy accusations, which he denies, it has instead left him open to further humiliation and he could face being grilled by the FBI.
Andrew’s rejections of sex accuser Giuffre’s allegations were ambiguous at best while his excuses as to why he befriended the now-late paedophile were paper-thin. Throughout the entire excruciating interview, which in his delusion he thought had gone well, he never once showed empathy for Epstein’s dozens of victims.
Instead, he choose to describe the behaviour of his pal – a serial sex beast – as merely being “unbecoming”.
The Duke denied having sex with Giuffre, claiming to have no recollection of ever meeting her or putting his arm around the then 17-year-old’s bare waist despite the moment being captured on camera.
His loss of memory over meeting his accuser came despite sworn testimony of others describing how they were together with Epstein on the pervert’s private plane and in the American’s New York mansion.
Arrogant Andy chose to question all accusations against him while claiming the picture of him, grinning inanely with Giuffre in London could have been faked.
He went on to use his own daughter to provide an alibi as his memory suddenly returned to say on the night in question in March 2001 he was at Pizza Express in Woking and then at home with Beatrice.
Amidst all his bluff and bluster, the Duke only proceeded to turn the court of public opinion further against him.
While for the Palace, the interview with Emily Maitlis was a disaster, it was an early Christmas gift for his detractors.
He ploughed on with ill-prepared answers to questions from a journalist who came armed with details, dates and intelligent insights.
Whoever advised him it was a good idea to speak out needs locking away in the Tower of London.
What was meant to draw a line under a decade-long saga of tawdry allegations and dodgy denials has destroyed the Duke’s already tarnished public image.
Meanwhile, his attempt to portray himself as a Falklands War hero describing how his service caused a condition leaving him unable to sweat was worthy of discharge.
Andrew believes his title provides him with immunity from scrutiny, no matter how terrible his choices are.
His attitude that he is above the law has poured great shame on the royals at a time when they are already under the microscope.
I, for one, am a fan of the monarchy, none more than the Queen herself.
No one has been a greater force for good than Her Majesty, yet while she has been a beacon of light among the royals, Andrew has brought darkness to their door.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.