Andrew Brings Youthful Dash to House of Lords

Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II, took his seat in the House of Lords today, bringing a dash of youthful verve to what many regard as a legislative dinosaur.

The 365-year-old ritual of bowing and hat-doffing demonstrated how two ancient institutions--monarchy and House of Lords--have survived and even grown in popularity in tradition-loving Britain.

As millions watched a live telecast, the 26-year-old prince marched into the ornate chamber erect and looking self-assured, dressed in red and ermine robes, which cost $13,700.

Speech Rehearsed

He had already rehearsed his accession to the seat, to which he became entitled when his mother made him Duke of York in honor of his marriage last July to Sarah Ferguson. He also was confirmed as Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.

Holding a copy of the New Testament, he recited the oath from memory in a firm voice: “I, Andrew Duke of York, do swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God.”

Then he bowed and tipped his hat three times to Lord Hailsham, the Lord Chancellor sitting opposite. Hailsham, 79 and resplendent in a shoulder-length wig, reciprocated with three doffs of his three-cornered hat.

Relatives Watch

Andrew’s wife and his brother, Prince Edward, who recently resigned from the Royal Marines, watched the ceremony from the Royal Gallery.

The 15-minute ceremony ended with a harrumph of “hear, hear,” and the more than 400 peers packing the chamber then got down to routine business.

With some members prone to fall asleep or ramble on verbosely about obscure subjects like grouse-shooting, the lords frequently encounter ridicule.