The Daily Beast Podcast Why King Charles Must Abdicate Now: Andrew Lownie
Mar 18, 2026
Andrew Lownie, biographer and royal researcher, argues the fallout from Prince Andrew’s scandals threatens King Charles and suggests abdication as a solution. Plum Sykes, fashion editor and novelist, dishes on Cheltenham royal fashion and box culture. Paula Froelich, showbiz reporter, reveals the messy planning behind Meghan’s Australia weekend. Shauna Kay, Australian royal commentator, breaks down public backlash and likely poor turnout in Australia.
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Cover Up Amplified The Crisis
- Lownie calls the palace's response a cover-up where denials compounded the crisis and damaged trust.
- He says newly released Epstein documents forced action that earlier denial and secrecy tried to avoid.
Abdication As A Political Reset
- Lownie recommends Charles accept responsibility if implicated, potentially stepping aside to let William lead.
- He frames abdication as a 'nuclear option' to draw a line under systemic failures and restore legitimacy.
Queen's Failing Health Makes Solo Settlements Unlikely
- Tom Sykes recounts being told the Queen struggled with sight and memory toward the end, making it unlikely she handled detailed settlement decisions alone.
- He links that to the £multi‑million Virginia Giuffre settlement in 2022 as implausible without Charles' involvement.