Prince Andrew has signalled his intention to follow elder brother Prince Charles in becoming a high-profile champion for “good design”, in a move likely to prompt trepidation among architects.

The royal, who is eighth in line to the throne, has been revealed as the new patron of the Royal Fine Arts Commission Trust – which advises the government on public amenity and aesthetics and promotes public awareness of high-quality design.

More than three decades after Charles notoriously savaged Ahrends Burton & Koralek’s proposed National Gallery extension as a “monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend” - in a speech to the RIBA - the Duke of York’s new appointment is unlikely to be a source of cheer in the profession.

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