British Royals ‘not appreciated’ in modern world, says author

British Royal Family should exit gracefully, says a famous author.

Amid Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s Esptein scandal, writer Phillips Gregory says the system is outdated.

Author of The Other Boleyn Girl notes: “I just don't think it's really appropriate in the modern world, and I object if it's particularly expensive.”

Speaking on Radio 3's Private Passions programme, she adds: 'It's nothing personal, it's not about them personally, but I just don't know that in a mature democracy we need a royal family.”

Speaking about Andrew elsewhere, The Spectator's Tim Shipman reported: "'The Palace is terrified' about what could potentially happen, my man with his snout in the royal rosebushes informs me."

The writer added: "They would like to see him tried and convicted and sent to prison, or tried and cleared, because that would at least draw a line under things.' This is fairly extraordinary."

Meanwhile, a source reveals: "There’s a deep concern being voiced around Whitehall that the stuff we have seen so far is about civilian and political decisions, but we know they’re still trawling and there could be a military dimension. The sheer scale of what might emerge is enormous."

"It helps to show that the show is carrying on, keep calm and carry on," Phil said.