Newscast The Week: The King v Andrew And Possible Tax Rises
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Oct 31, 2025 Ben Chu, a journalist with BBC Verify and a tax policy expert, teams up with Matthew Doyle, a former Downing Street communications director. They delve into the intriguing decision of King Charles to strip Prince Andrew of his titles, scrutinizing its implications for Andrew's return to public life. The conversation shifts to upcoming tax discussions, with insights on the Labour government's potential challenges in honoring their pledges amid rising fiscal scrutiny. The duo debates the political strategies surrounding potential tax rises and their impacts on the public.
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Palace Takes Formal Action Against Andrew
- Buckingham Palace initiated a formal process to remove Prince Andrew's royal style and titles following fresh scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The palace framed the move as necessary despite his denials and emphasised sympathy with victims and survivors.
Statement Signals Royal Firmness
- Matthew Doyle said the statement signalled the King was laying down the law rather than leaving matters to voluntary compromise.
- He noted the one title that cannot be removed is that Andrew remains the King's brother, which preserves an unavoidable association.
Financing Questions Will Persist
- Ben Chu warned scrutiny will linger over Royal Lodge lease details and how Andrew's housing and lifestyle will be financed.
- He highlighted layered royal funding (Duchies, sovereign grant) that invites public interest and questions.
