A close friend of King Charles has offered rare insight into how the monarch truly feels about his brother Andrew, as fresh scrutiny continues to surround the Duke of York.
For years, rumours and allegations have followed Andrew, but according to royal biographer Jonathan Dimbleby, the King’s private views are more complicated than public silence might suggest.
Speaking during an interview on BBC Newsnight, Dimbleby said the monarch would very much like his brother to give evidence and strongly believes that doing so matters. Behind the scenes, he said, the situation has been deeply troubling for the King.
Dimbleby explained that the allegations, including those connected to Jeffrey Epstein and claims relating to Andrew’s time as a UK trade envoy, would naturally be a cause of serious concern. He added that it would be astonishing if the King were not disturbed or appalled by the claims, especially given the impact on the monarchy itself.
As Dimbleby put it, no institution wants headlines dominated by controversy, and the pressure inevitably lands on the monarch’s shoulders. While Charles is known for his ability to withstand public scrutiny, Dimbleby said there is little doubt he feels the personal strain.
Still, family ties have not been erased. Dimbleby noted that while the brothers may not be close, Andrew remains his brother, and that connection has not disappeared.
He went on to suggest that Andrew’s current life, largely out of public view on the Sandringham Estate, reflects a kind of internal exile. In his view, the King may feel a sense of duty of care toward a man he described as broken and finished, even as the wider institution keeps its distance.
The remarks offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll the situation has taken on the monarch, balancing responsibility, public duty, and family loyalty behind closed doors.
