Why Beresford's peers protected him

Why could the political and naval establishment not simply tell Beresford that he was not good enough?

One explanation is that decision-makers regarded him as one of their own and treated upper-class origin as evidence of ability, reinforced by his royal connections.

One explanation for Beresford's protection is the class solidarity of those judging him. He belonged to their social world, so rejecting his fitness could challenge their assumptions about their own authority. Support from the Prince of Wales and later George V reinforced that reluctance. In this interpretation, patronage combined personal favors with confidence in the governing ability of one's own class.