Prince Andrew’s reputation – or what remains of it – would not have survived long under cross-examination on oath as part of a civil sex assault case in a New York courtroom.
So, shocking as it is, the financial settlement offered to make the case go away is not in itself a surprise.
Taking the fallen prince, and by extension the British monarchy of which he is still a much diminished member, into the full glare of the courtroom was never a realistic option.
This was, after all, a witness who could not even get the tone right for the Newsnight interview that sealed his fate.
An elitist to his core, Andrew expressed no regrets about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or much sympathy for his victims.
Despite this payout, Andrew is permanently damaged by association with Epstein and the whole sordid culture he was only too happy to go along with.
For Virginia Giuffre, and the many women who went through the same grisly experience of growing up as abused and trafficked teenagers, this is nothing less than a stunning victory.
Her survival, and her fight to be heard against wealth, privilege and royalty, is quite incredible for her and them.
Virginia’s courage stands in contrast to his cowardice.
Andrew, his regret extracted at the point of an expensive lawyer’s pen, is now damaged beyond repair.
Having already cast a shadow over the monarchy in the Queen’s platinum jubilee year, there can be no way back for a tainted prince.
High toll on poor
Climate change is the challenge of our time and no country can expect to opt out.
A key element will be persuading people to give up their cars and instead travel by public transport.
However, a just transition must also take account of poverty and the fact that many people on low incomes rely on their cars.
Our report today that road tolls on the M8 could be part of the plan to reduce our carbon footprint is alarming.
Many people on modest means drive because they feel there is no reliable alternative.
Many train and bus services are expensive and simply do not cut the mustard for working people.
A blunt road-user charging system could further clobber people for simply going to their work.
The priority must be to invest in a first-class, integrated public transport system that people can trust.
If this happens, people will leave their cars behind and flock to the alternative.
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