New Book Claims Prince William’s Rift With Andrew Was Just for Show
Prince William called to check on Andrew after King Charles removed all his royal titles last year.
The recent fallout surrounding former Prince Andrew has significantly reshaped his relationships with several members of the royal family. Tensions have deepened, even resulting in the removal of his royal titles in 2025, along with his exclusion from major family events. While all of this has happened over the past year, Andrew's relationship with Prince William has been strained for a long time. However, a new book has now suggested that the reported tension between William and his uncle may not be as genuine as widely believed.
Ever since the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the Order of the Garter ceremony, it has been assumed that William had taken a firm stance against Andrew. As reported by HELLO Magazine, everyone believed that William did not want his uncle to return to public duties or represent the monarchy at a global level. This perception grew stronger when the Prince of Wales unexpectedly withdrew from a memorial service held in honor of King Constantine of Greece, while Andrew still attended. However, royal author Robert Hardman now gives a different view of this feud in his new book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story.
In reality, their relationship has been much softer than it appeared, with William even calling Andrew to express his sympathy after the loss of his royal titles last year. As reported by The Mirror, the author wrote, "Some accounts suggested that he [William] was the driving force behind his Uncle Andrew being stripped of his titles and honors and banished to a house on the Sandringham estate. One friend of the former Yorks, however, reported that on the night they lost their titles, Andrew had been very touched when Prince William was one of the few people to call to offer condolences."
This one phone call reveals a lot about the intricate balancing act that goes on inside the House of Windsor. It was in October 2025 when King Charles stripped his brother of all his royal titles and ordered him to immediately vacate the Royal Lodge. As reported by the BBC, back then, Buckingham Palace released a statement that read, "His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
The statement added, "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse." Meanwhile, amid all this, Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also moved out of the Royal Lodge and made her own living arrangements. Nevertheless, this has not changed the formal titles of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Their positions in the line of succession will also remain the same.
