Why can't the left accept Prince Andrew is allowed to have sex with whoever he wants at any time?

By Abigail Pennson, our reasonable, plain-speaking middle-class columnist who understands one thing about the China scandal and it’s that Keir must resign

IN the olden days they called it droit du seigneur. It’s still on the statute books. Put simply, it means any Royal has the right to have sex with anyone he desires at all times.

Breathtaking in its simplicity, isn’t it? So obvious. So inarguable. Of course they are: what else is royalty for if not the complete dominion of a country’s subjects down to the genitalia?

Are we really a monarchy worthy of the name when we say ‘Sir, you are our supreme ruler anointed by God, head of our government, head of our church, but you’re not to touch me down there?’ Of course not. It is tantamount to treason.

Then why, given every sane one of us is