Julia Hartley-Brewer speaks to former Sun Royal Editor Charlie Rae about the deepening crisis surrounding Andrew and the wider implications for the monarchy. Rae admits the scandal is “clearly damaging” and overshadowing the Royal Family’s public work, with questions now stretching “all the way to the top.” He says the key issue may not be the alleged offences themselves but whether there was any attempt to conceal the truth: “It’s never the alleged crime – it’s always the cover-up.”

Rae argues that while Andrew must face full investigation, the inquiry should ultimately go wider to establish “who knew what and when.” He does not believe the King or Prince William were involved in any cover-up, suggesting they may have been reassured by Andrew at the time. However, he accepts that an independent or parliamentary-style probe may eventually be needed once criminal investigations conclude. Above all, he stresses the importance of not losing sight of the trafficking allegations, saying that the plight of alleged victims is “much, much more important” than disputes over leaked emails or royal embarrassment.

Later Julia speaks to royal commentator and historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo about whether the Andrew scandal risks inflicting lasting damage on the monarchy. Heydel-Mankoo acknowledges a wider “disconnect between the British public and our institutions” and accepts that calls for transparency are justified. However, he argues that public anger is being aimed “squarely at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor,” not at King Charles or Prince William, warning that some reactions – including talk of treason or removing Andrew from the line of succession – are “hysterical” and constitutionally unnecessary.

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