As new reports highlight tension between the Duke of Sussex and the royal household, insiders claim his rift with the family has become a bigger concern than Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Harry is reportedly causing more headaches for Buckingham Palace than Prince Andrew, even amid renewed scrutiny over Andrew’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. According to The Times, royal aides are now more anxious about the Duke of Sussex’s ongoing disputes with the institution than about his uncle’s lingering scandal.
One palace insider put it bluntly: “Harry is a greater priority. The whole thing feels off.”
The tension reportedly deepened after attempts to mend the relationship between Harry and his father were “sabotaged.” Briefings from Montecito accused palace officials—often referred to as the “men in grey suits”—of undermining Harry’s relationship with King Charles.
The Duke’s legal battle over his UK security arrangements has also escalated. He has written to the Home Secretary requesting a new risk assessment, suggesting the issue remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew continues to draw frustration within the Palace. A leaked email revealed he stayed in contact with Epstein long after claiming to have cut ties, and insiders say they’re “exasperated” by his refusal to leave Royal Lodge, his Windsor residence. Maintaining the property has become financially draining, but Andrew reportedly refuses to downsize.
One aide described him as “narcissistic” and “financially reckless.” While most Britons—about 67 percent, according to polls—support removing his dukedom, doing so would require an act of Parliament, which insiders see as improbable.
Despite Andrew’s enduring troubles, Harry’s actions appear to cause greater unrest among royal staff. One Reddit user summed up public sentiment: “Harry is the bigger problem for the royals only because people actually like him.”
They added that both Harry and Andrew “have dirt on the family,” but the way Harry and Meghan Markle were treated “reminds people of how Diana was treated and her tragedy.” Many believe this has contributed to the monarchy’s dip in popularity across the Commonwealth.
Some royal watchers also turned their criticism toward the Prince and Princess of Wales, calling them “cruel and petty.” One commenter wrote, “I used to like William and Catherine. Now I only like Catherine better than Camilla—but both are cruel and petty like their husbands.”
