One final piece of good news that ended 2021 was the guilty verdict given to Ghislaine Maxwell.
The testimonies of the women who testified was harrowing. But in the end, she got – almost – what she deserved.
Now attention will shift to other aspects of the case. And chief among them is Prince Andrew.
Whether he is guilty of any wrongdoing or not – and he maintains his innocence against claims of sexual assault – it is vital his links to Maxwell are explored.
The prince has had chances to come forward ever since his connection to the case. But he hasn’t, despite numerous appeals from the States.
Andrew must realise the effect his behaviour has on those around him. He dragged his feet in quitting his royal duties.
The same is happening again, as leading military figures call for him to stand down from his honorary roles. The key word being ‘honour’.
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, it has become clear that the right thing to do – the honourable thing to do – would be to retire from public life and concentrate on his legal battle.
With all the Queen went through last year – the loss of her husband, the Harry and Meghan circus – it is his only option.
Her Majesty should be allowed to look ahead in 2022. The Platinum Jubilee, Commonwealth Games, big birthdays for William and Kate, should make it a more optimistic 12 months, something to look forward to.
Instead, the future of Andrew looms over everything.
However it unfolds it is going to be a mess. A mess none of us need, not least the Queen.
It’s time to face the music and finally do the honourable thing.
Sort out this care crisis
We will soon learn what state the NHS is in as it battles to cope with the latest wave of coronavirus.
What we already know is the care sector is at breaking point.
As we scramble – quite rightly – to create Nightingale hospitals, care must not be forgotten.
It’s the wrong time to make structural changes to the system.
But after this crisis we must look at how a system designed to protect our elderly and vulnerable instead left them suffering.
