Prince of Wales believed his uncle’s behaviour did not belong within the monarchy
Prince William is said to have raised concerns about his uncle Andrew long before the controversy surrounding the former Duke of York erupted publicly.
According to royal editor Russell Myers, the Prince of Wales had serious doubts about Andrew’s conduct and attitude years before the scandal that eventually led to the loss of royal duties and honours.
Myers claimed William believed Andrew displayed a strong sense of entitlement and often treated staff poorly, something that reportedly clashed with the approach taken by William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The couple are said to place a strong emphasis on creating a respectful and supportive environment for those who work with them.
People close to the situation suggested William viewed his uncle’s behaviour as out of step with the modern image he and Catherine aim to present within the royal household. The alleged concerns were said to have grown stronger over time.
The issue reportedly intensified after Andrew’s widely criticised 2019 interview on Newsnight, in which he addressed his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. During the interview, Andrew faced backlash for failing to apologise or fully acknowledge the impact on Epstein’s victims.
Following that appearance, William is said to have urged senior members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and his father King Charles III, to distance the monarchy from Andrew in order to protect the institution.
Myers suggested that if William’s view had been acted on earlier, the royal family might have addressed the situation sooner and avoided some of the reputational damage that followed.
Andrew eventually stepped back from public duties and was stripped of his honorary military roles and royal patronages as the fallout from the scandal continued to unfold.
