Royal family issues ultimatum to Prince Andrew
In the wake of renewed public attention on Prince Andrew, following the publication of Andrew Lownie's biography "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," royal expert Jennie Bond has offered advice for the Duke of York.
Bond suggested that Prince Andrew should "lie low" and focus on his family, while also complying with his brother's requests to maintain his privileged lifestyle. She further advised that he should not walk in family gatherings in the order of precedence, instead choosing to fade quietly into the background.
Prince Andrew, who currently holds no official royal status or public role, has been widely regarded as the most unpopular royal in the UK. Living a largely private life at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, he spends his time on activities like golf and watching television. However, his past associations and controversies, including his connection to Jeffrey Epstein and a civil settlement related to sexual abuse allegations, have limited any prospect of his return to public royal duties.
The fallout from these controversies has impacted his identity and standing, both publicly and personally. If Prince Andrew fails to comply with requests, such as cooperating with ongoing investigations or legal matters, potential consequences could include further reputational damage and continued estrangement from the institution.
Jennie Bond expressed sympathy for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, stating that the latest allegations must be hard for them to take. She also observed that Prince Andrew has already paid a hefty price, having been sacked, stripped of military appointments, banned from using HRH, and cut off his allowance and security costs by King Charles.
If Prince Andrew does not retreat from public view amidst the ongoing crisis, he could face a loyal ultimatum. King Charles III's patience towards Prince Andrew could soon reach its limit, and there are reports suggesting that he wants Prince Andrew out of Royal Lodge.
Overall, Prince Andrew's standing is that of a retired, disgraced royal with limited private freedoms and no official influence or role, under close scrutiny and with risks of further consequences if non-compliant with legal or investigatory demands.
King Charles III's patience toward Prince Andrew may not last indefinitely, as various media outlets, including those covering entertainment and celebrities, keep the public informed about the Duke's controversies around the world. In light of these circumstances, the fallen prince's chance of renewing his public role within the royal family seems increasingly uncertain. Despite his privileged lifestyle, Prince Andrew's isolation could extend beyond the royal compound when international celebrities and fans voice their opinions about his controversies in various online platforms.
