It may not seem that way at first glance, but it's been a surprisingly chaotic week for the royal family.
Admittedly, it seems like hit after hit keeps coming for the family in recent years, but the Windsors have stood strong through it all. This latest trying chapter seems like it may be harder for the family to navigate. This week alone has seen Prince Andrew agree to a settlement in his sex abuse lawsuit, Prince Charles' foundation come under investigation in a cash-for-honors scandal, and Queen Elizabeth appear at an event where she joked about her inability to get around.
The red flags are flying at Windsor Castle as the continuing feeling that the tides are shifting overwhelms the royal family.
This rough week started out on February 15 with news that Prince Andrew settled his sexual abuse case with Virginia Giuffre for a rumored £12 million. While the settlement did not include any admission of guilt, many people feel that the admission is implied. Further displeasing to the public is the fact that the money to pay off this settlement, at least in part, is believed to have come from Queen Elizabeth herself.
The very next day, the Metropolitan Police announced an investigation into Prince Charles' charity, The Prince's Foundation.
"The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to media reporting alleging offers of help were made to secure honours and citizenship for a Saudi national," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
"Officers liaised with The Prince's Foundation about the findings of an independent investigation into fundraising practices. The Foundation provided a number of relevant documents."
Charles' foundation is believed to have exchanged royal honors and British citizenship in exchange for donations, which is outlawed under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act of 1925.
"The Prince of Wales had no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities," Clarence House said in a statement to Town & Country.
All of this negative press comes as the palace gears up for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. There's been serious public concern, however, that Her Majesty may not live to see the celebration. Her health has been the subject of a lot of speculation after a number of canceled events since last fall.
At her most recent event on February 16, the Queen joked about her condition. She was walking with a cane and noticeably stiff.
"I can't move," the Queen told incoming Defense Services Secretary Major-General Eldon Millar, as she gestured toward her foot. He was visiting Windsor Castle to meet with the Queen.
There is no denying that Queen Elizabeth has demonstrated an incredible record of service in her life. Still, the question of her legacy is unclear when you consider how it has been muddled, predominately by her sons' actions. The days ahead seem uncertain for the royal family, and though the Jubilee is just around the corner, it is only a matter of time until certain big issues will have to be faced, with the potential to impact the monarchy forever.
