King's greatest test

Charles must steer family through crisis

- RUSSELL MYERS

WITH every day that passes, with every new line of investigation or allegation of misconduct, the wounds grow deeper for the monarchy.

The scandals surrounding the King's brother, the former prince Andrew, strike to the heart of an institution that has weathered various storms in recent years. But none of them come close to being as damaging as this.

Andrew has vigorously denied any wrongdoing in relation to allegations of sexual misconduct and is yet to respond to allegations about his role as envoy.

But the family known as The Firm must work as a collective to stand any chance of survival.

This is without question a crisis of unprecedented proportion. In spite of his public statements, repeating his concern at the extraordinary developments in recent days, and the decree that that law must take its course, the King finds himself in a potential fight for survival.