Is class Britain’s real curse? Boris Johnson is fighting for his job. Prince Andrew is fighting for his reputation. Britain is taking a beating. Is there a common thread here?
Born to rule but mired in shame
Is class Britain's real curse? Boris Johnson is fighting for his job. Prince Andrew is fighting for his reputation. Britain is taking a beating. Is there a common thread here?
In 1982 Boris Johnson's teacher wrote his school report.
"Boris has really adopted a disgracefully cavalier attitude," it said. "He thinks it is churlish of us not to see him as an exception".
This week, the school report spread across social media. Many people pointed out the same thing: Boris does not seem to have changed.
News reports have shown that he and his staff held parties while the country was in lockdown. Many people think he should resign.
Two of the parties took place the day before Prince Philip's funeral. Because of Covid restrictions, the Queen had to sit by herself.
Meanwhile, another influential British person is in even more trouble. Prince Andrew, the son of Queen Elizabeth, is accused of sexual abuse. He will now face trial. The prince has now lost his royal title.
The accusations against the two men are very different. Still, some people say there are similarities in how they each responded.
One journalist says that Boris Johnson is like Prince Andrew because he "does not believe normal rules apply to the likes of him".
Another journalist, Mark Landler, says that they have both escaped responsibility because of their privilege.
British people traditionally come from different classes. Most of its rulers have come from the upper class. Of the country's 55 prime ministers, 20 have gone to Eton. Some believe that this makes them careless about following rules.
Yet some powerful British people are famous for being responsible instead. The Queen is known for her commitment to duty. Many have compared her to the prime minister this week.
Is class Britain's real curse?
Yes: There's nothing more toxic than a ruler who thinks they are born to rule. The same rules should apply to everybody.
No: This is about personal character, not social class. There are plenty of rulers who set good examples.
Or: Privilege doesn't make bad people, but it lets careless people get away with bad behaviour. We should respect people for what they achieve - not for who they are.
Keywords
Churlish - Rude and ungenerous.
Funeral - A service held after someone has died to remember their life.
Born to rule but mired in shame
Glossary
Churlish - Rude and ungenerous.
Funeral - A service held after someone has died to remember their life.