Whitehall's £1m Prince Andrew Problem: A Costly Distraction from Real Issues
In a scathing critique, former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara highlights how Whitehall's potential £1 million expenditure to legislate Prince Andrew out of the line of succession represents a profound misallocation of public resources. She argues that this move, while technically addressing a remote possibility, diverts attention and funds from pressing societal crises, such as the epidemic of violent misogyny affecting women and girls today.
The Hidden Costs of Royal Scrutiny
MacNamara reflects on her civil service career, noting her fortunate avoidance of managing Prince Andrew's activities during his tenure as a trade envoy. She points out that beyond the obvious taxpayer subsidies for flights and hotels, the real cost included distorted public service work and missed opportunities. The real work was bent out of shape, or not done, while public servants were scurrying around after him, she writes, emphasizing the inefficiencies bred by royal entitlements.
Legislative Burden on Taxpayers
The article details the extensive financial burden of removing Prince Andrew from the line of succession. Estimates suggest costs could exceed £1 million, covering civil servant salaries, government lawyers, parliamentary counsel, and the two-year legislative process. MacNamara stresses that parliamentary time, civil service effort, and ministerial resources are scarce and should be deployed purposefully to enhance national well-being, not on symbolic gestures with minimal practical impact.
Opportunity Costs and Misplaced Priorities
MacNamara questions the priority of this legislative effort, asking how it ranks among the top 500 issues deserving parliamentary attention. She advocates for redirecting these resources toward tangible actions against violent misogyny, such as funding refuges for survivors of sexual violence or implementing Baroness Bertin's review on harmful online pornography. That is a far better way of honouring the victims, she asserts, criticizing the performative nature of current proposals.
The Unlikely Scenario and Royal Alternatives
Addressing the rationale behind the legislation, MacNamara notes the near-zero probability of Prince Andrew becoming monarch, given seven direct descendants of King Charles are ahead in line. She suggests that in a tragic scenario where he is next, tradition might offer an elegant alternative, avoiding the need for costly legal changes. We are not going to be asked to put up with his face on our stamps, she reassures, downplaying the urgency of the issue.
Broader Implications and Call for Action
MacNamara warns against focusing solely on Prince Andrew, urging a broader confrontation with the systemic issues revealed by the Epstein scandal, including everyday misogyny and exploitation. She praises Queen Elizabeth II and the Princess of Wales for their advocacy against violence toward women but calls out powerful men for inaction. More of this practical action and support please, she concludes, advocating for substantive change over symbolic gestures.
