Radio Fortune Africa -Ukweli na Burudani

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By: Cantona Joseph|RFA

Summary

• The government says it has no plans to pass a law to formally remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor from the line of succession
• Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and it would take an act of Parliament to formally remove him – passing a law to change that would be complex, writes our political reporter
• Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Andrew would lose all his royal titles and leave his 30-room mansion in Windsor – but he won’t leave Royal Lodge immediately, sources say
• The dramatic statement on Thursday night came after months of pressure over Andrew’s private life
• In a posthumous memoir published this month, Virginia Giuffre repeated allegations that, as a teenager, she had sex with Andrew on three separate occasions – Andrew has always denied the claims
• Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, welcomes the King’s move against Andrew – but tells BBC Newsnight: “It’s not enough – we have to have some sort of investigation that goes further into this”

Andrew was born a prince – so what’s the actual legal process to remove that birthright?

The King has turned to his limited “Royal Prerogative” powers to issue a Royal Warrant. That’s been sent to David Lammy, the justice secretary who is also known as the lord chancellor when he looks after constitutional affairs of state.

A warrant is, in essence, an order to ministers – either on their prior recommendation or with their agreement – to get something done.

The modern “Warrant under the Royal Sign Manual” is typically used to confirm important public appointments, such as the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

So using this tool to deprive Andrew of his birth right title is a unique historic moment.

This route also avoids a drawn-out political circus.

In 1917 Parliament passed legislation to specifically strip Germany-supporting nobility of titles. Creating an equivalent today, just for Andrew, would take time – and could open a constitutional can of worms.

King Charles spotted for first time since Andrew announcementpublished

King Charles has been spotted driving in Sandringham, Norfolk this morning.

It’s the first time he’s been seen since the Palace announced last night that Andrew would lose his “prince” title and move from his Windsor mansion.

One of the more than 150 properties on the private Sandringham estate is expected to become Andrew’s new home in the coming months.

What now for Andrew’s family?

Royal commentator Jennie Bond answers a couple of questions on what will happen to Andrew’s family – namely his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who he still lives with, and their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.

“The princesses will remain princesses,” says Bond. “They are still held in affection by the Royal Family and will remain in their positions.”

She notes that Sarah was “very much present, by her complete absence from the statement” issued by the Palace yesterday. It is understood she will have to find a place of her own.

She “is not without funds”, says Bond, adding that the former royal recently sold a house in Belgravia.

Bond, however, adds she is “surprised” that Andrew and his ex-wife “are going to break up from their happily divorced state of being best of friends and living together.”

Why is Andrew being given a home at Sandringham?published at 19:0019:00

Adina Campbell answers this question – saying she thinks the King has sent a “clear message” with this choice.

There had been speculation that Andrew might move into Frogmore Cottage – the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex – however, that would have left Andrew in Windsor, and “close” to William and Catherine.

Adina says she thinks the King “wanted to put some distance between himself and Andrew”.

In Sandringham, he will be cut off even more so from royal public life – and the King “will pick up the bills”.

Where might Andrew live on the Sandringham estate?

Ben Hatton & Maia Davies

Newly stripped of his “prince” title, Andrew is moving from his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge, to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Sandringham was bought in 1862 by the then Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII, as a private country retreat.

But which of its more than 150 properties might Andrew move into? Here are a couple of the options:

• Originally known as Bachelor’s Cottage, York Cottage is about a quarter of a mile from the main house – where the Royal Family traditionally gather at Christmas
• Another option is the Gardens House, which was once the residence of the head gardener on the Sandringham estate. It’s one of two properties on the estate available to the general public as a holiday let

Read the full article on the Sandringham residences here.

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