However, one former Tory councillor in the city urged the public to follow the Queen’s example in adopting a tone of “noble silence” on the scandal.

David Carr reminded the public that the historic Duke of York title is bestowed on a son of the Monarch and dates back to the 14th century.

“As such, it signifies a long-standing, close, and proud relationship between our City and the Monarchy, and it is as much about the office as the office-holder; if not more so,” he said.

“The Queen is now a very old lady who has endured, with grace and noble silence, a year of enormous family upset and tragedy.

“I believe it is Her Majesty’s decision, and hers alone, to consider the future of the title of Duke of York, and until she does, we should follow her example of noble silence.”