Double crisis! Prince Andrew was stripped of his rank, and British government officials were once again exposed to illegal gatherings

Source: Global Times

【Global Times comprehensive report】The British royal family and government are in crisis at the same time! According to media reports on the 14th, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom was stripped of his military rank and royal patron status for suspected sexual assault, and Johnson government officials were once again revealed to have held parties during the epidemic control. "Johnson and Andrew, 'Global Britain' has left such an impression on the world." Campbell, a senior adviser to former British Prime Minister Blair, sighed.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying the British royal family had stripped the Duke of York (Prince Andrew) of his military rank and royal patron status. He will no longer have any public duties and will defend himself as an ordinary citizen in a sexual assault case. According to sources, Prince Andrew will also be banned from using the title "His Highness" in official occasions. Prince Andrew was previously involved in a juvenile sex trafficking case organized by the American billionaire Epstein. He could face trial between September and December this year.

Some people joke that Prince Andrew helped British Prime Minister Johnson and single-handedly diverted the attention of the people to the prime minister. However, it is a pity that the British government was once again revealed to have held a party in violation of epidemic prevention regulations on the 13th. According to the Daily Telegraph, on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral last April, the British government held two farewell parties for departing employees. At that time, the British imposed a number of restrictions, and even Prince Philip's funeral was attended by only 30 people. On the 14th, the British government apologized to the Queen of England for this matter.

British Prime Minister Johnson did not attend the two parties, but he has been forced to attend the party in violation of epidemic prevention regulations. Johnson asked lawmakers to postpone his "trial" pending the release of the internal findings made by senior civil servant Gray on the Downing Street party. If she concludes that Johnson misled Parliament in his previous statements, the likelihood of Johnson stepping down is high.

According to the New York Times, while Johnson and Prince Andrew were involved in different scandals, both enjoyed privileges, and their actions sparked popular debates about class, privilege and double standards. Legal experts say monarchies, because of their longevity and stability, can have a de-eding effect on the most extreme forces in politics, yet the British royal family and government are now in crisis at the same time. "Usually, they avoid crises at the same time." Campbell said. (Wang Xiaoxiong)