Apparently, Prince William Sees Andrew And Sarah Ferguson as a 'Threat' to the Monarchy
When it comes to dealing with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, King Charles and Prince William appear to be reading from very different scripts. While the King’s instinct has been to show flashes of empathy toward his brother and ex-sister-in-law, William is said to see the pair as a lingering danger to the monarchy’s credibility, and one that must be neutralized sooner rather than later. However, things now appear to be changing with Charles and his heir apparent finally seeing eye-to-eye as to how to solve the 'York problem'.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, in an interview with Fox News Digital, said, “The King does have empathy as Andrew is his brother, but William sees the couple as a threat to the monarchy.” Charles may have welcomed Ferguson to Sandringham over Christmas, citing compassion during her health struggles and sympathy for Andrew’s isolation, but experts say that act of goodwill is unlikely to be repeated this year. Going forward, it is expected that the King will insist on keeping the Duke and Duchess of York well out of the public eye.
Charles reportedly has set strict boundaries for the pair. Sources say the monarch has made it clear that Andrew and Ferguson’s attendance at family events will come with firm conditions. Ahead of the seasonal gatherings, Charles is said to have warned the couple to remain low-profile to avoid any fresh embarrassment for the monarchy. “You can’t sack someone from being your brother,” a source explained to The Sunday Times. “But this year, if the Duke and Duchess were both to be as honorable [as last year], it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed, not least to avoid the King having to make any more difficult decisions.”
William, however, allegedly doesn't think that's enough. Royal analyst Hilary Fordwich described him as far more decisive, lobbying behind the scenes for tougher measures, including the possibility of stripping Andrew of what remains of his titles and formal roles, and even contemplating parliamentary involvement once he takes the throne. “Prince William is focused on protecting the monarchy’s future and its public image, wanting Andrew completely frozen out,” Fordwich explained, adding that Charles’s "hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy.”
“Andrew isn’t going to behave,” Fordwich said, noting that his presence continues to cast a shadow. “The King can’t remove his brother, so they need to manage him since his presence is an existential threat. Prince William supports a clean break and has reportedly considered banning Andrew from all official events.”
Palace sources suggest that William’s resolve has only hardened. Vanity Fair’s Katie Nicholl also reported that William is 'keen' to resolve what is increasingly referred to in royal circles as the 'York problem.' A family friend told her, “It’s something that William is acutely aware of and wants resolved. Charles is not a confrontational person and doesn’t want any more family feuds, but he recognizes that his brother poses challenges. William takes a harder line and has made it clear that he thinks his uncle and aunt could cause the monarchy real reputational damage.”