Even if MPs could debate it, their hands seem tied. A royal dukedom is created by letters patent under the royal prerogative and can only be revoked by another act of the crown or by parliament. Yet because the crown cannot act against itself, only MPs could strip a royal title – and even then, by convention, only with the “king’s consent”. That circle of deference leaves MPs powerless to curb royal privilege without royal permission. Lord Foulkes has challenged this democratic absurdity. Supported by the independent MP Rachael Maskell, the SNP and Plaid Cymru, he has urged a review of the rule banning “royal” questions. Public roles and financing must not be beyond scrutiny.