Author Behind New Prince Andrew Exposé Drops Bombshell About the Late Queen: ‘She Knew…’
Trigger warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse and suicide that some readers may find distressing
Royal scandals are often fueled by whispers and quiet intrigue, but Andrew Lownie’s latest claim cuts straight through the murk and could ruffle more than a few velvet drapes at Buckingham Palace. In his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, the author alleges that the late Queen Elizabeth II was aware of the questionable financial dealings involving Prince Andrew, even suggesting, “She allowed it to happen.”
“This is what shocked me, the cover-up from the Palace,” Lownie says, The Times reported. “They knew exactly what was going on. People are not going to like it, but the Queen was colluding in this. I originally thought she just put her head in the sand. But I increasingly have come to the view that she knew exactly what was going on and allowed it to happen.”
The book has been serialized in the Daily Mail, exposing various facets of the Duke of York’s lifestyle. Lownie insists his book isn’t simply a roll call of 'reckless royal indulgence.' Instead, he says, it examines the funding behind decades of the York family's extravagance, which, in his view, is the true scandal. “I’m not a raving lefty,” he says. “I’m a former Conservative parliamentary candidate. It’s because I’m very keen on the monarchy that I want it to survive.”
Prince Andrew’s finances, Lownie argues, have long raised unanswered questions. Where did the millions for refurbishing and running Royal Lodge come from? Who covered the multimillion-pound settlement to Virginia Giuffre? And what about the £750,000 from Turkish millionaire Nebahat Isbilen, said to be a gift for Princess Beatrice’s wedding, which ended up in Andrew’s account before being repaid?
The book also points to gifts to Sarah Ferguson from businessman David Rowland, huge loans from his family’s bank, and the Duke’s habit of inviting the mogul on taxpayer-funded trips that allegedly doubled as business opportunities. What struck Lownie most was not just the money, but the confidence behind it. 'The sheer brazenness' of the whole thing, he says, 'shocked' him.
For Lownie, the implications go beyond the Prince’s behavior. The book is equally critical of the Queen and his ex-wife, who were equally responsible for what happened. He believes the monarchy must adapt and be transparent to maintain public trust. “The institution relies on the trust and support of people. We will allow them all sorts of things if we feel that they are value for money and they’re being open and they’re not abusing their position.” According to Lownie, the King—unlike his mother—has always viewed his brother with clearer eyes. “As does William.”
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)