Andrew brings scandal back to The Firm's door

Royals' carefully orchestrated world of PR undone by one of their own

- RUSSELL MYERS

WHAT a disturbing and sorry state of affairs this is for the Royal Family.

No matter what the outcome of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and questioning on serious allegations of misconduct in a public office, the very sight of multiple police cars turning up on the King’s private estate, to arrest his own brother, is a stain that will live long in the memory.

When so much is done to carefully orchestrate a world of PR around the royals, they have been utterly undone by one of their own.

Andrew's arrest sent shock-waves around the palaces and around the world. Even considering the pace at which various police forces in recent days announced how each was assessing a cascade of allegations of wrongdoing relating to the former Duke of York, few could have expected such swift - and public - intervention.

There has always been the lingering doubt as to whether Andrew’s association with the King, his status in being born a prince of the realm or, even now, being largely hidden from public view after being unceremoniously stripped of his titles and honours, would prevent him from being formally questioned on the catalogue of allegations he has been facing.

Things appear to be very different now.