"Curious that the Epstein scandal, which has caused such an overwhelming furore in the US, should so far have done more to damage the British royal family than the US presidency. Even though many Americans have an obsession with the minutiae of the monarchy and all its works despite proudly revolting against the institution themselves 250 years ago their concerns have understandably focused more on their own big beasts, Donald Trump and the Clintons, than ours."
"Kings and queens have always been susceptible to men with money and power. In the past they were able to bestow both on their loyal followers. Now it is more transactional. It is evident that what appealed to Epstein was access to class and status: the chance to sit jokily on the throne in Buckingham Palace or have a weekend in Balmoral or Sandringham and thereby tie a susceptible royal into his web of contacts and obligations."
Epstein's scandal has inflicted notable reputational damage on the British royal family while American attention has remained focused on domestic political figures. The monarchy appears as a quaint, ornamental institution and remains vulnerable to powerful, wealthy individuals. Relationships with wealthy patrons have become transactional, with Epstein craving symbolic access to royal spaces and status while others sought money and luxury. King Charles has taken punitive measures against his brother, removing titles and residences, but the lingering perception of entitlement continues to undermine confidence in the monarchy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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