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The Royal Family has been caught up in the furore surrounding Prince Andrew’s car crash BBC interview over his relationship with the disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein. In the biggest crisis the Queen has faced since the death of Princess Diana, some are now calling for a national debate over the monarchy’s future. Jeremy Corbyn has led the way with calls to rid the UK of its Royal tradition, saying that he would create a Head of State to replace the Queen.

In an interview with GMTV, Mr Corbyn said: “I think it’s time that we just moved on and said, when the Queen completes her reign, wouldn’t that be an appropriate time to call it a day and have an elected Head of State.” And now it seems that Nicola Sturgeon has lent her support to Mr Corbyn’s republican agenda. In an interview on ITV News At Ten on Thursday, the SNP leader argued that it was time to have a debate over the role of the monarchy. When asked whether the Prince Andrew affair made her consider whether the monarchy is fit for purpose, she replied: "I think it raises a number of questions.

Royal Family News: Nicola Sturgeon leads calls for national debate on monarchy

Royal Family News: The Royal Family

“I think there is a debate to be had about the longer term future of the monarchy. “One of the things though in the context of Prince Andrew that I feel very strongly about is that a debate about the monarchy shouldn't be a distraction from Epstein's victims and how they now get whatever justice they can get and get the truth and the ability to move on. "And I think while yes there is a debate to be had about the former, I don't think it should become conflated with that or be used in any way to sort of take attention from that." Her comments prompted royal fans to take to the social media airwaves to defend Her Majesty. JUST IN: Royal blunder: The gift Prince Louis got that left William red faced

Royal Family News: Jeremy Corbyn

Some called into question whether Ms Sturgeon had a right to comment on UK affairs, given she is pursuing independence. One wrote: ”She doesn't even want to have anything to do with the rest of the UK she wants to annex Scotland so why does she feel her opinion is of an value.” Another posted: ”Why should she be even talking about the Monarchy when all she talks about is being independent of uk.” While a third said: ”Who cares what she thinks anyway GOD SAVE OUR QUEEN xx.” DON'T MISS Camilla's 'fury' with Prince Andrew: 'The Duchess doesn't forget' [Latest]

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Royal Family News: The Queen and Nicola Sturgeon

Royal Family News: The Queen and Nicola Sturgeon

A fourth raged: ”Not content with ruining Scotland she now wants rid of the Monarchy, she’s the one we need rid of! And a fifth commented: ”67 million in the UK and 1.4 million voted for SNP. “She has a large say in British politics with so few votes.”

Royal Family News: Royal Family Tree

In the wake of his interview with the BBC’s Emily Maitlis, Prince Andrew released an official statement announcing his withdrawal from royal duty last Wednesday. The statement read: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support. “Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.

Royal Family News: Nicola Sturgeon

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