Prince Andrew ought to get a job – but what could he do?

He and Sarah jointly own a lavish chalet in Verbier. Perhaps they could open it as an upmarket boutique hotel, one where you eat dinner with your royal hosts

I sat next to Prince Andrew at a birthday dinner once – we got on famously. So much so, he asked if we could meet again for a “fun” supper at the Ivy. I laughed, and said that wouldn’t be a very good idea from his perspective, as I was a journalist. He seemed naive, to say the least.

The same is true of his ex, Sarah. She can’t help spilling her heart out: look at the gushing tribute to Andrew she posted on Instagram after his disastrous interview.

A close friend of mine sat next to her at dinner a few years ago and was astonished how much personal stuff she revealed. Just as a “disgraced” Fergie was shunned by the royal family and had to grovel after the toe-sucking incident (she was separated from Andrew at the time so I could never understand why a spot of frolicking was so shocking), now high-minded folk seem determined that Andrew should be similarly ritually humiliated, although he’s not been charged with any crime, other than a poor choice of friends.

So what next? The Duke is not yet 60 and seems fit so he ought to get a job – but what? He’s not that bright, and has limited experience of the real world of commerce.

He and Sarah jointly own a lavish chalet in Verbier, which is said to be worth more than £10m. Perhaps they could open it as an upmarket boutique hotel, one where you eat dinner with your royal hosts. Andrew and Sarah could offer a unique “experience” to wealthy travellers seeking a mini-break with a difference. I’m sure it would be a huge success.