15 Jan 2022

Political and royal omnishambles in the UK

From The Weekend , 8:24 am on 15 January 2022

It feels like every week is a busy one in British politics, but this was an especially full one. Downing Street was forced to apologise to Buckingham Palace for two staff parties in No 10 on the night before Prince Philip's funeral. This comes after weeks of investigations, accusations and revelations about parties, work events and gatherings held by political staff at Number ten Downing St. 

The UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnston has been fending away questions about his involvement, saying he is waiting for the results of an independent inquiry led by Sue Gray. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's military titles and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen and he will stop using the title His Royal Highness in an official capacity. This comes after a US court ruled that a civil action over sexual assault allegations brought by Virginia Giuffre could go ahead. So, what on earth is going on? Emile is joined by UK correspondent Olly Barratt. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London, 8 December 2021.

Photo: AFP / Jessica Taylor / UK Parliament