One of the challenges for a constitutional monarchy is, and always has been, protecting its reputation. ‘There isn’t any power. But there can be influence,’ the then Prince Charles once said of our own institution. ‘The influence is in direct proportion to the respect people have for you.’
Respect for the House of Windsor was waning fast in October in the light of what is now known as the ‘Andrew Scandal’ – the drama of which was eclipsing the official appearances and activities of the royal family. The King could see he had to act quickly and decisively before more damage was done.
Two weeks after Andrew’s announcement that he was relinquishing the use of his titles, a process was initiated by the King in consultation with the government and constitutional experts. Using the Royal Prerogative (His Majesty’s residual powers to issue orders on his own) he sent royal warrants to the Lord Chancellor with instructions to remove the dukedom of York along with the title Prince and style Royal Highness from the Peerage Roll. This was done without bothering the Lords and Commons.
The King knows the situation is far from over. There is plenty of conjecture as to where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will live on the Sandringham estate and if he will he go to Abu Dhabi: he is said to have been offered a home by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a contemporary at Gordonstoun school. Further revelations may well dominate the headlines in the months to come but there is nothing more the King, supported by Queen Camilla, can do other than finance his disgraced brother from private funds.
The Prince and Princess of Wales moved into their new home, Forest Lodge, during the autumn half-term break. This enabled them to get the family settled before William flew to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for his all-important Earthshot Prize awards ceremony. This was a perfect moment for him to highlight the work being undertaken to protect the country’s diverse ecosystems.
Elsewhere things continue at a hectic pace for the King and Queen. At Windsor Castle in early December they will host their third state visit of the year: Germany’s President Frank- Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender. It is the first state visit by a President of the Federal Republic of Germany in 27 years and the fifth since 1958, although the president has visited the UK many times, most recently attending the coronation in 2023.
A very useful distraction for His Majesty is the landmark documentary on King Charles III’s harmony philosophy from The King’s Foundation and Prime Video (see our front cover photograph), which will be released in early 2026.
After a somewhat turbulent year the King and Queen must be looking forward to the familiar Yuletide traditions at Sandringham. As many of the family as possible will gather in Norfolk to support the monarch and help to make the festivities as happy and joyful as possible.
Merry Christmas and all good wishes for 2026 from everyone at Majesty.
