Should Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remain eighth in line to the throne? In the Berkshire town of Windsor, where Royalism is as thick as the castle walls, the resounding answer was “no”.
“Of course not”, “Absolutely not!” Whether it be a tourist or a local, the sentiment on a drizzly Friday was gloomy.
“He’s had his chance, far too many chances if you ask me. It’s time for him to move along. Emigrate, if possible,” said a man from Wales.
A family visiting from Australia who had come to Windsor because of their love of all things royal were equally emphatic that he should lose every privilege, including succession, as were a couple from South Africa, a woman from Canada and a number of locals.
The only person who didn’t say “no” was a local who added: “To be honest, he’s never going to get there anyway. There’s no chance of him getting there after seven other people.”
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That has been the view of many in Westminster, that the process of removing Andrew’s succession right is not worth bothering with, considering the reality of the situation. However, that view might be changing.
Andrew has already been stripped of titles and removed from his royal residence – but only parliament can remove this birthright of succession where he sits between Harry’s youngest, Lilibet of Sussex, and his own eldest Princess Beatrice.
Perhaps in response to public sentiment, it’s understood the government is now considering legislation to remove Andrew’s succession rights and will consult with other Commonwealth nations.
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A YouGov poll released on Friday found that the British public is overwhelmingly in favour of Andrew being removed from the line of succession, with 82% saying it should happen, 6% saying not and 12% uncertain.
Younger people are slightly less certain, but the sentiment is fairly equal across the age groups.
However, if the people of Windsor are at all representative of the nation, this hasn’t impacted the reputation of the King nor indeed others in the Royal Family.
