Prince Harry’s left the zoo, so why is he being treated like a caged animal? | Catherine Bennett

Accused of trying to destroy the monarchy, he's merely revealing the appalling conditions they are forced to live under

Early signs are that Prince Harry's revelations may not, frustratingly for experts and republicans alike, seriously threaten the monarchy. Even if he'd wanted to, he probably picked the wrong moment, the public still being in an exceptionally forgiving mood.

For all his divulging, to seriously stain" or trash", as alleged, the royal brand, Harry needed to produce something meatier than, say, Charles's well-documented self-pity, his teen bride, protracted infidelity, black spider memos, choice of valet, honour-seeking donors, magical thinking, property empire, political interference and dreadful taste in mentors, all of which faults were instantly forgiven the day he succeeded. It's one of the historic bonuses of a hereditary monarchy that sound personal references are not a condition of employment. Even GB News is more demanding than this. With just a little care for appearances, a royal idler, boor, sex addict or fool can enjoy the exact same benefits as a more deserving predecessor.

Catherine Bennett is an Observer columnist

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