The Royal Family is being forced to rethink its traditional crisis strategy as pressure intensifies over the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal, with a royal commentator warning the monarchy is “on the back foot” because it cannot predict what it may be required to respond to next.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released pending further investigation. He has denied wrongdoing.
In an exclusive interview with GB News, Richard Fitzwilliams argued that the old royal mantra of staying silent has been overtaken by a public expectation of speed and transparency, even as the legal process limits what can be said.
He said: “Firstly, the two quotes that the royals always used to have in Queen Elizabeth’s time, ‘Keep calm and carry on’, which is what, essentially, they’ve got to do in the coming months.”
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While the phrase “Keep calm and carry on” is widely associated with British stoicism, it originated as a Second World War Government slogan and later became a cultural shorthand rather than an official royal motto.
Mr Fitzwilliams said the second long-linked royal approach, encapsulated in the line “never complain, never explain”, is no longer fit for a media environment in which public anger and political scrutiny can build rapidly.
He told the People's Channel: “But the other thing is, ‘Never explain, never complain.’
“That is dead. But equally, it’s early days. You see, the thing is, people want instant responses. King Charles should apologise… Always issue a statement, etc.”
Royal Family ‘on the back foot’ as traditional crisis strategy declared ‘dead’ amid Andrew crisis
|GETTY
The phrase “never complain, never explain” has often been associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, though it is generally described as an informal guiding principle rather than a codified rule.
Mr Fitzwilliams noted that statements have already been issued, but said the situation remains volatile and unlikely to be calmed quickly.
He said: “We’ve had two statements, and he’s done his best.
“Of course, it hasn’t quietened the unrest. It’s a real crisis, no question about it.”
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The former Duke of York was taken into custody last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office
| REUTERSKing Charles issued a public statement after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He said the matter should be investigated through the proper legal process and that “the law must take its course”.
Thames Valley Police also issued updates in connection with the investigation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined other A-list celebrities at the Bafta awards on Sunday
| PAMr Fitzwilliams said the monarchy’s challenge is that it cannot shape the narrative while investigations continue, and that uncertainty leaves the institution exposed.
He said: “The problem is the royals are on the back foot, because they can’t respond.
“They do not know what they are going to be responding to. That’s the trouble.”