"Boris has really adopted a disgracefully cavalier attitude," reads the damning school report. "I think he honestly believes that it is churlishRude and ungenerous. of us not to regard him as an exception," it continues. "One who should be free of the network of obligationSomething a person must do because of the demands of a promise or agreement. which binds everyone else."

The pupil in question is Boris Johnson, described by one of his teachers at EtonOne of the UK's most well-known fee-paying schools for boys. It is known for educating prime ministers, royals and the aristocracy. , the exclusive and expensive school he attended. The report was written in 1982. But this week it resurfaced on social media as critics remarked on how little his character seems to have changed.

Johnson's leadership is in tatters this week. He is facing growing calls to resign over a series of parties held during the lockdowns of 2020. On Wednesday, he apologised for joining 40 other attendees at a drinks party in the garden of 10 Downing StreetThe official residence of the British prime minister. . At the time, people in England were only allowed to meet one other person in a park - not in private gardens. 

But there was more to come. Reports have emerged this week about parties held on 16 April last year. On the following day, millions watched on television as the Queen was forced to sit alone at her husband's funeral.  

Politicians from all sides are furious. OppositionBeing against something.  leader Keir Starmer called Johnson's explanations ridiculous and offensive. Members of Johnson's own partyThe Conservative party is often described as the most electorally successful in the world. It is right-wing or centre right and historically associated with traditional British institutions and the upper classes. had equally strong words: "How do you defend the indefensible?" One asked, "You can't!" 

Johnson is not the only member of the British establishment whose reputation has plummeted this week. First, news broke that Prince Andrew could face trial for sexually abusing an underage girl. Soon after, the Queen stripped her son of his royal and military titles. 

Johnson's misdemeanours are very different to those alleged against Prince Andrew. Still, some commentators see parallels between the two. Like Prince Andrew, one journalist writes, Johnson "does not believe normal rules apply to the likes of him".

Mark Landler of the New York Times suggests a reason for this. Both have been shielded by their privilege. As a result, both believed they could avoid the consequences of their actions. 

Britain is famous for its long-lasting upper class, illustrated by the British monarchy and held up by exclusive schools. Of the country's 55 prime ministers, 20 wen to Eton. Some believe that this breeds carelessness. "The privately educated Englishman," wrote novelist John Le CarreFamous for spy novels such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, which were partially based on his experiences working for Britain's secret services., "is the greatest dissemblerTo dissemble is to conceal your true feelings or beliefs in a way that is dishonest or misleading (although not necessarily lying). on Earth".

Yet others would say it depends on the individual. The Queen herself, famous for her commitment to duty and public service, has been held up in contrast to the prime minister this week.

Yes: There's nothing more toxic in a ruler than the belief that they were born to rule. People like Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew are brought up knowing that the normal rules don't apply to them - and it shows.

No: This is about personal character, not social class. As Queen Elizabeth's self-sacrifice movingly demonstrates, it's perfectly possible to be a compassionate ruler.

Or:  Privilege doesn't always give someone a careless character. But it does allow careless characters to get away with it. We shouldn't respect all elites simply because of who they are.