Palace PR strategy in the wake of AMW-Epstein scandal

[Asmuchastheypossiblycan]

I’ve just seen who I think was a Sky news reporter, reporting on the King’s visit to the Colchester area today, laying out what is obviously the current BP PR strategy in the light of reason developments in the AMW-Epstein scandal.

She said that the Palace wanted it to be made very clear that the RF are very much not ignoring this story and wanting it to go away, and referred her back to Edward’s words about the victims earlier in the week.

But that their policy nonetheless was going to be carry on with their engagements as usual, as they have faced difficulties before, and will do so again.

I’ve no doubt that this is difficult for KC and family but AIBU to think that in the light of what has happened, and the covering up of ALW’s financial and sexual wrongdoings, this isn’t really good enough?

Surely it’s not right that AMW is above the law?

Also, a man in the crowd shouted out a question to KC about whether AMW would be investigated, and two policeman moved him away!

Last time I looked, I thought we lived in a democracy which welcomes free speech?

Why aren’t reporters and members of the public allowed to air their views on this situation and express that AMW should be investigated?

Otherwise isn’t the Palace PR strategy in reality advocating “one rule for them and a different one for us?”

One would think AMW would welcome an investigation , what with him having done nothing wrong .

Totally agree. I think there have been far too many internal palace enquiries already, where a member of staff takes the fall, or nothing of any significance is found!

Ditto some of the Met inspections!

At this point, does anyone really trust the Royals to police themselves? Because I don’t!

I think, at the very least, they should lose the right to do that after all of this. They need external scrutiny and financial accountability imposed upon them.

Yes, you can imagine the private secretary giving updates to the queen referring to some kind of non-specific "unpleasantness" and "tattle tale" around Andrew and his past relationships with one of his "lady friends".

Disclaimer: this is an entirely fictional account...

"Oh dear, silly boy. Will he never learn? I have told him on numerous occasions that he must be more discreet. Yes, yes, go ahead and put out the usual statements you do for these kind of difficulties. With any luck it'll blow over eventually, as these things usually do." Minion shuffles off to do the necessary.

Queen, reflecting, later speaks to Andrew, all furrowed brow and pursed lips, her fury bubbling underneath the surface.

"Sir Edward tells me that one of your indiscretions has led to some unpleasantness that's going to bring us to some stormy waters? I am astounded that you have been so indiscreet."

Andrew, looking suitably uncomfortable: "Yes, and for that, I can only apologise, Mama. I know I've been stupid. I'll do whatever you want me to do to make amends."

Queen pauses. "I'll be guided by whatever Sir Edward advises may be the best way forward, but we can't have this negative spotlight on us at this time with the Jubilee imminent, Andrew. Perhaps a sum of money will appease the lady concerned?"

Andrew (looking hopeful): "Yes, I rather think it might. A settlement may well put an end to the matter. I mean, it's all just a misunderstanding, obviously, but I do see the need for the attention to be off me."

Some time later:

Harry to Megan, as he comes off the phone to someone: "Fucking Andrew's at it again. Get ready, Megs, they'll be plastering shit about us all over social media again tomorrow."

Exactly. I don’t believe for one minute any real investigation was done about Meghans alleged bullying. It certainly wasn’t independently monitored . They are a law unto themselves.

Oh I sudpect it was gleefully done, until they realised the problem involved others, or dodgy practices going on then it was quietly shelved. If it had only involved Meghan they would have leaked or published it. No way in a million years would they have protected her.

It’s more about protecting themselves. They don’t want any light shone in the dark places.

I saw this last night but it’s disappeared now.

My god, yes it has disappeared. It was genuine and I am wandering if an ex member of the royal household has been threatened with their NDA by the Palace
I wish I copied and pasted some of it particularly Charles's sympathies with Andrew and the tone "he can't help himself, he's always been a bit of a rogue and one for the ladies" on some card or other

I have just been reading it. It’s still there but the OP said she was leaving it there. People were asking stupid questions and the same questions over and over .Im not surprised she got fed up and ended it.

Weird, I've been on the sub Reddit and it's not there for me!

It’s still there. Just looked and will read later. Going to take screenshots in case it gets deleted.

Weird. I've tried every which way but nope not coming up for me. I'll try on my laptop later

I’ve sent you a PM @simpsonthecat

Thank you to those who mentioned the AMA most interesting.

Yes, I have got in and it is very interesting. The OP is fair I feel, is not into taking sides between the two brothers, and comes across honest.

There is just one bit that has left me disillusioned and taken aback. And it's Charles's support for Andrew after the Newsnight interview, and basically writing a card in support for him. (worse than that, but I am being careful what I say)

Everything we suspect of Andrew, Sarah (and even the daughters) is true. Andrew was actually abusive to staff in the most horrible way. Sarah was an out and out liar and the daughters were a chip off the old block and very entitled.

Yes the AMA seemed even-handed and thoughtful.

Example: her approach to Meghan (stating that she definitely did experience racism but that it’s also true that she was a difficult boss) seemed fair to me. Another: the York sisters are on the make, but pleasant and polite to staff.

She clearly despised Angela Kelly 😆

Surprised at the negative comments about Louise’s poor manners. Less surprised at her disdain for Andrew and Ferguson and her admiration for Anne.

Disappointing to note the low pay and the mediocre food for staff. And of course, the unedifying note that Charles wrote to Andrew - this might haunt him in the coming months.

I missed the AMA and I'm behind on the thread but it occurred to me this morning how lucky we are that Andrew is too entitled and arrogant to apologise or show any empathy for the victims. If he had done I imagine he would have got away with his behaviour and position for a lot longer.

I’ve just listened to “When it hits the fan” and Simon Lewis is trying to make out that it’s business as usual now for the RF because they have “isolated” AMW.

SL doesn’t seem to understand, or is wilfully misunderstanding, that the cover up is almost as bad as the crime. I found him rather pompous too! If the RF are employing the likes of him, no wonder they are in trouble!

To be fair, I am not sure if the national security stuff about Andrew had emerged quite so clearly when the episode aired.

Happily David Yelland seems to get it, and is describing the RF as being on the edge of a black hole.

She clearly despised Angela Kelly

Oh, I forgot that bit. She sounds like an awful woman. Screaming at other staff, considering herself one down from QE2 and getting people sacked who spoke up.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4zxknd7evo

William seems to be making a stand, setting out his stall so to speak, separate to that of Charles, which is a good move imho.

Although “deeply concerned” like the oft used “deeply saddened” seems to be a bit of a catch-all phrase, not sure what it actually means tbh

However, as second in command, I suppose W’s powers are limited. At least he understood that some communication is necessary.

As Thames Valley police are looking in to trafficking allegations at Windsor; the scandal is still encroaching on W&K even though AMW has left.

I'm glad William has said something. I suppose he can't say too much if it's an ongoing legal case?

I remember reading Courtiers by Valentine Low and it struck me how narrow and hidebound the court system was and how institutionalised in many ways the senior royals become. I do wonder about the quality of advice that has been given throughout this whole mess. Maybe as part of any reforms (and we definitely need reform) the palace could to bring in some people whose advice is suited to the 21st century, rather than the 19th?

To be clear I'm not blaming the advisers for Andrew, I'm speculating about whether the palace would have removed him sooner with more robust and modern advice.

I just checked - the AMA is still there although harder to find in the search than this afternoon which is odd.

I do think the criticism of Louise is unfair though as she was probably 13/14 years old when the writer was working at the palace so still a child / teenager - rudeness might be shyness / teenage hormone issues at that age.

I totally agree MrsLeonFarrell

It also depends on how willing KC3 is to take advice. It’s said at the moment he is surrounded by yes men.

I must get hold of a copy of Courtiers! It sounds fascinating!

William only saying something now as more shit is about to hit the fan. It is all meaningless words trying to make out they care. All they are concerned about is the monarchy continuing for them and their children.

Yep..my thoughts exactly. They only care about themselves and I doubt they give two shits about the victims. They think as plebs are stupid. It's about time the monarchy was abolished.