In films, courtroom confrontations always reach a dramatic conclusion. Instead, the hearing conducted in New York on Tuesday left everyone on tenterhooks. Judge Lewis A Kaplan declared that he recognised the "arguments and the passion" involved - but refused to make an instant decision on whether the case could go ahead. "Soon" was the most he could promise. 

The case involves allegations of sexual assault against Prince Andrew. Virginia Giuffre, who was abused by Jeffrey EpsteinHe was a financier arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. He was denied bail ahead of his trail and died while in jail. His death has been officially ruled a suicide by the New York City medical examiner, though a pathologist hired by Epstein's brother claims it may have been a murder. at 17, claims she was also made to have sex with his friends - including the prince, whom she is now suing.

Andrew's lawyers argue that he is protected by a dealEpstein paid her 0,000. she made with Epstein in 2009, agreeing not to take legal action against anyone else. But her lawyers say the deal only applies to abuse that took place in Florida, and that Andrew abused her in London, New York and the Virgin Islands. 

Andrew was undoubtedly friendly with Epstein. But the prince claims that a photographIt was taken at a house in London belonging to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted last week of trafficking young girls for Epstein. showing him with his arm around Giuffre is a fake. "I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady," he told the BBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster. .

There have been 61 English and British monarchs in the last 12 centuriesIn the 9th Century, Egbert became the first king to establish his rule over all of Anglo-Saxon Britain, and many have been involved in scandals. Richard IIIA real English king, the last of the House of York, who is also the subject of a Shakespeare play of the same name. Shakespeare presents him as a villain, partly to satisfy the reigning Tudor House, which had seized power from the Yorkists. was accused of murdering his nephews. Charles II had at least 13 mistresses. Edward VIIBorn in 1841, he was 59 before he succeeded his mother Queen Victoria. was famous for his gambling and womanising.

But the royal family can no longer rely on its status for protection. And some believe that Andrew's alleged behaviour could be the last straw after a series of PR disasters.

These include allegations by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of racism in the royal household, and reports that one of the Prince of Wales's top aides offered honours in return for donations to his charities. The TV series The Crown reminded the world of Diana, Princess of Wales's miserable experience as a royal bride. A recent poll found just 31% of 18 to 24-year-olds are in favour of the monarchy.

Republicans argue that it is ridiculous for a modern country to have a head of state chosen by an accident of birth. This is the official position of the Green Party.

But monarchists - who include Will Young and Judi Dench - argue that an elected president could be a disaster, creating division and even trying to assume dictatorial powers.

There is much fake news surrounding the royal family: a popular rumour was that Prince Philip had arranged Diana's death.

What is agreed is that the Queen has put in decadesThis year she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, meaning that she will have reigned for 70 years. of hard work, and upheld a stable democracy which has been a model for other countries. Getting rid of the royal family would create a constitutional headache for the 14 additional nations which have the Queen as head of state.  

Some say, yes. Its members are out of touch with modern life, and cost taxpayers a fortune. Nobody should be given precedence over the rest just because he or she was born into the right family.

Others argue that a president would be no better. Donald Trump has caused dangerous instability in the US. He and Bill Clinton were both friends of Epstein and both have been involved in sex scandals.

A third view is that the monarchy should continue in a modified form. Only members of the royal family who work hard for the country deserve status and public money, not lesser ones like Andrew.