Arrogant to the end, the ex-Duke of York uttered not a single word of apology or contrition as he was forcibly lowered onto his sword.

Finally, his big brother Charles, strongly assisted by Prince William, decided that enough was enough. Andrew had to be publicly humiliated for the good of the monarchy. And about time, too .

The Palace wielded its might and, rather than requiring Parliament to strip the Prince of his dukedom, it twisted his arm just enough to make him squeal that he would no longer use his title or the honours conferred on him. It was a brotherly concession by the King, allowing his sibling at least a semblance of a voluntary exit .

In his curt statement, the Prince – for Prince he must remain, in accordance with his birthright – made a point of repeating that he

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