Michael Etter, a reputation management expert from King's College London, discusses the ramifications of the recent arrest of Prince Andrew on the British monarchy. Often referred to as 'the firm' due to its branding as a national symbol, the monarchy's response to the crisis indicates an attempt to mitigate damage while also revealing a delayed reaction. Critics of the monarchy are likely to feel validated in their views following this incident, raising questions about the institution's resilience amidst scandals.

The severity of the accusations against Prince Andrew, including the sharing of sensitive government information, compounds the potential fallout from the arrest. Given that the monarchy impacts a vast number of individuals in the UK and beyond, the dissemination of such information carries significant political implications. The notion of a royal akin to board members in a corporation suggests a precarious position that could change public perception of the monarchy.

Furthermore, while the monarchy receives taxpayer funding, its operation as a 'business' complicates public expectations and accountability. As it ventures to distance itself from the controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, the institution's future legitimacy may hinge on how effectively it navigates this crisis and addresses public concerns.