Surely the arrest of a member of the royal family would erode any faith left in our constitutional monarchy.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Login or signup to continue reading

If anything was emblematic of rot at the top, it was Phil Noble's photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the back seat of the SUV as he was driven from Aylsham police station after lengthy questioning over alleged misconduct in public office.

Like any commoner hauled in for interrogation by the Old Bill and keen to avoid public scrutiny on the way out, Mountbatten-Windsor was slumped deep in the seat, staring straight ahead, his fingers entwined in nervous embrace. How the mighty had fallen. Surely the death knell for the monarchy.

Before leaping to that conclusion, compare the reactions to the arrest from two heads of state. On the eastern side of the Atlantic, King Charles issued a statement before he carried on with his scheduled public appearance at London Fashion Week.

"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," the King's statement read.

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

On the western side of the Atlantic, another head of state said this: "Well, you know, I'm the expert in a way because I've been totally exonerated. It's very nice. So I can actually speak about it very nicely," Donald Trump said. "I think it's a shame. I think it's very sad, I think it's so bad for the royal family. It's very, very sad. To me, it's a very sad thing. When I see that it's a very sad thing."

One head of state dignified and reassuring in a message that implied no one - not even his brother - was above the law. The other, as always, making the conversation about himself, proclaiming his innocence, and then saying the whole affair was sad.

The two responses brought into sharp focus the differences between the two political systems. In the UK, the head of state made clear the primacy of the rule of law. In the US, the head of state, a veteran of many run-ins with the law, claimed he'd been exonerated in the tawdry Epstein affair - a claim still contested because half the files haven't been released and those which have are heavily redacted.

Watching this play out and then witnessing Donald Trump's tantrum at the Supreme Court which had ruled he's overstepped his presidential powers with his Liberation Day tariffs, the constitutional monarchy seemed to be working while the American republican model did not.

In October last year, when evidence of his continued links to Jeffrey Epstein were revealed, Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles, given notice of eviction from his mansion and placed in virtual internal exile. Full cooperation with the authorities was promised. In the US in December, Donald Trump pardoned the former president of Honduras, who had been jailed for 45 years for drug trafficking and weapons offences.

Despite Mountbatten-Windsor's transgressions - and the allegations of misconduct in public offence now under investigation - and despite the ridiculous pomp and privilege bestowed on the royal family, the constitutional monarchy at least respects, and is bound by, the law.

In the US, the law is only respected if it serves the whims of the president, who is above it.

Had you asked me a few years ago, I would have fallen well on the republican side. Now, I'm not so sure. I'm beginning to think the system we have serves us better.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Does the Mountbatten-Windsor investigation spell the end of the monarchy? How do you rate King Charles' handling of the scandal? Which system best serves its people, the American republic or the British monarchy? Email us: echidna@theechidna.com.au

SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

- Artificial intelligence companions might alleviate loneliness in aged care, but they can't offer the vital physical touch or address social isolation, experts warn.

- Former prime minister Scott Morrison is among dozens of people being sought by government lawyers as they builds a defence against a compensation claim by Brittany Higgins' former boss.

- Pollution from heavy vehicles is costing Australia more than $6.2 billion a year in premature deaths and serious medical conditions such as childhood asthma and strokes.

THEY SAID IT: "A constitutional monarchy requires the monarch to be above politics but to be fully informed about politics." - Jacob Rees-Mogg

YOU SAID IT: The law, enacted by the Howard government in 2005, is clear. The so-called ISIS brides have every right to passports and are entitled to return unless they are the subject of a temporary exclusion order.

"I rarely agree with Scott Morrison but on this issue I do," writes Chris. "The brides were stupid, impetuous or possibly duped and their children have lived in extreme poverty. Let's demonstrate Australian values - help and support for the vulnerable, give and in the long term they may be able to repay our support in their lives."

Patricia from Laurieton writes: "The ISIS brides and their children ought to be allowed to return to Australia. The women are prepared to face the consequences of their actions, with the children given every assistance to have a safer and settled childhood."

Brian does not agree with calling the women "ISIS brides": "The term should be Australian women and children who are Australian citizens existing in dire situations, their guilt or innocence of any crime is secondary and inconsequential to their rights as Australian citizens and the children have special rights under human rights legislation, access to their home country. There is ample evidence of previous governments of both sides of politics fighting for citizens' welfare. The Bali Nine (who were found guilty of heroin smuggling - with photographic and other proof) were given every diplomatic advantage available, without Australian government politicians and officials resorting to name calling and cruelty."

"Separating mother and child is taboo," writes Mick. "Find a sympathetic Muslim majority nation that will take them in. Long-term residency in a hostile refugee camp, a radicalisation incubator, makes Australia taking in teenage 'children' very risky. Under ISIS they would have been front line combatants from the age of 12, and they know that."

Doug writes: "Lucky for Albanese his mum wasn't made to lie in the bed she'd made, and was provided with support like public housing and other single mother benefits. Ditto for when the government sent Qantas to bring home stranded dual national Australians in Lebanon and Egypt who'd made their beds. I have nothing but contempt for a PM devoid of Christian compassion and forgiveness as Easter approaches."

"I think Tony Burke's 50 word response to Sarah Ferguson's question was an indicator of what Garry wrote about on Friday," writes Erik. "She was after a gotcha moment and he didn't buy into it. That does not excuse this government's lack of action. Albo's contempt comment (totally against what he professes as a Catholic, by the way - let he who is without sin cast the first stone.) has just cemented in me what I feel for him: Mr Do Nothing unless it involves keeping him in power. Now that's contemptible."

Sharon doesn't believe the ISIS brides and their children should be stopped from returning to Australia: "Of course there should be exceptions that allow for withdrawing citizenship. Like withdrawing the citizenship of the red headed harpy who spews racist bile every time she opens her mouth."

"While I suspect there's a good chance that at least one of the ISIS brides or their children could cause problems down the track, we should allow them to return to Australia," writes Deb. "If the shoe was on the other foot and such people were stuck here, we would be wanting their home countries to take them back."

Peter from Canberra writes: "Albanese's cruelty is disgusting. The women were almost certainly manipulated or tricked into going to Syria, and have been abused for years. Their children are innocent victims. So much for the 'kindness and fairness' Albanese espoused on Australia Day. His hypocrisy makes ashamed to be Australian."

Be careful what you wish for when writing off the monarchy

Childcare giant's boss to be grilled over centre safety

Canada's PM to travel to Australia to boost trade ties

Opening Bondi attack hearing zeros in on anti-Semitism

Liberals lashed over push to jail ISIS bride helpers

Australia backs booting Andrew from line of succession

Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service.

Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.

Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Early Look At David Pope

Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon.

Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.

We've selected the best reading for your weekend.

Get the latest property and development news here.

Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Get the very best journalism from The Canberra Times by signing up to our special reports.

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

© Canberra Times