King Charles, William, and senior royals reportedly divided over how to handle Andrew’s future
Tensions are said to be rising within the royal family as fears grow over Andrew’s state of mind and his place within the monarchy. Insiders suggest that despite public statements distancing the Palace from him, the family is quietly rallying behind the King’s brother.
For months, discussions between King Charles and Andrew appeared to be at a standstill. Even after Charles stripped him of royal titles and honours, Andrew continued appearing with family members in public, fuelling criticism of the monarch’s leadership while he undergoes cancer treatment. Some commentators argued that Prince William was increasingly influencing the royal household, especially after Andrew’s formal announcement giving up his titles appeared to bear William’s imprint rather than the King’s.
When the Palace later confirmed that Andrew’s 75-year lease on Royal Lodge had been revoked, the move seemed final. The statement made clear that Buckingham Palace no longer wished to be associated with him, even as Andrew continued to deny all allegations against him.
Wow behind closed doors it seems the whole family is rallying around Andrew. It has been claimed William is so worried about his uncle’s mental health, the King only managed to convince Andrew when he told him “think about what your mother would think, doing this to the… pic.twitter.com/WhI1W0XFD0
— SK 💃🏾🕺 (@Rimmesfk) October 31, 2025
Yet journalist Emily Maitlis, who famously interviewed Andrew on Newsnight, suggested the atmosphere behind closed doors was far more complicated. She claimed that William had expressed concern for his uncle’s mental well-being, while Princess Anne and Prince Edward were uneasy about Charles taking such a hard line. The siblings reportedly worried the King might go “too far.”
Maitlis added that Andrew initially pushed back against his brother’s decision but was ultimately persuaded when Charles warned him that resisting could “topple us all.” Sources say the King acted out of fear for the monarchy’s stability, not from sympathy for victims — a contrast to the Palace’s public stance.
Behind the formal distance, the royal family may be working quietly to protect one of their own while trying to safeguard the institution’s image.
