Prince Andrew did what only the privileged elite can do - and everyone will suffer for it

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Back in October Prince Andrew’s lawyers unleashed an aggressive move usually only seen during the heated final days of a US presidential election: an oppo dump. If Andrew really cared about rape survivors, like his statement claims, there also wouldn’t still be a material witness warrant for him in the US more than two years since he promised to speak to the FBI about Epstein While much of the media coverage has focused around Andrew’s statement, a sympathetic narrative is already starting to emerge from the bootlickers of the royal press corps and its orbit of commentators, one that attempts to explain Andrew’s decision not to clear his name because he chivalrously wanted to prioritise protecting the royal institution and his 95-year-old mother from further shame. If Andrew really cared about rape survivors, like his statement claims, there also wouldn’t still be a material witness warrant for him in the US more than two years since he promised to speak to the FBI about Epstein. To keep up to speed with all the latest honest opinion and must-read features, sign up to our free weekly lifestyle newsletter by clicking here The dark legal clouds that Andrew’s mess threatened to cast over celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee may be passing, but as the funds for Giuffre’s payout are prepared for transfer, the royal family is not shining bright.