When I last wrote about the banned old Duke of York, following his voluntary decision to stop using his titles, I suggested that many will now be wondering why the last step of throwing him out the Royal Family altogether cannot be taken. Over the past week, something that would have been unlikely – even unthinkable – has now moved into mainstream discourse. It has become increasingly obvious that the Firm’s actions, masterminded by Prince William and executed by the King, have not gone far enough to stem the tide of public outrage. 

It now seems a virtual given that Andrew will have to leave Royal Lodge. This was expected to have been announced last week, but the prince apparently stalled for time after the revelations that, far from paying anything approaching market rent on the grace-and-favour property in the grounds of Windsor castle, he has been living there rent-free for decades. It is also certain that his continued presence in close proximity to William and his family will be seen as unacceptable. The Prince of Wales reportedly despises his uncle and has made it clear that, when he........

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