Prince William and Kate Reportedly Take a Firm Stance on Uncle Andrew After Years of Controversy
It seems Prince William and Kate Middleton are drawing the curtain on a chapter they reportedly "dreaded" for years. According to a new report, the Prince and Princess of Wales 'have drawn up what aides privately call the final line' regarding Prince Andrew’s place in the royal family. The decision, described as their firmest stance yet, can permanently sideline the Duke of York from royal life.
William and Middleton both want Andrew out of the monarchy for good. “This is the chapter William and Kate have dreaded. They want Andrew permanently off the stage,” a source told Closer. The move comes as the couple prepare to settle into Forest Lodge, a Windsor residence not far from the Duke of York’s home in Royal Lodge. Yet, proximity has done little to bridge the divide, and William and Middleton's patience has worn thin after years of scandal. “It’s the firmest position yet and one that could finally banish the Yorks [Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson] from the royal inner circle for good,” the insider noted.
Andrew has maintained a notably quiet existence since his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein became public in 2019. His infamous BBC Newsnight interview and subsequent fallout led to his withdrawal from royal duties, something that experts say could prove to be far more damaging for King Charles than Prince Harry’s Spare. In 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault—allegations he has consistently denied. That same year, he was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages.
The timing of Middleton and William’s decision also coincides with the upcoming release of Nobody’s Girl, Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. Aides reportedly fear the publication could reopen old wounds for the monarchy. “Together, William and Kate are said to have drawn up what aides privately call the final line: no royal role, no funding, and no future public appearances for Andrew,” the insider noted. Former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond also told the Mirror, “It is a hideous quandary for the King, but Andrew’s association with Epstein...is now tainting the monarchy and all the good work it does. Something has to be done."
Though neither William nor Andrew has spoken publicly about their relationship, reports have suggested that William is allegedly pushing his father to cut off Andrew. Royal experts have claimed that William views his uncle’s scandals as deeply damaging to the monarchy. Writing for iPaper, Bond also noted that the Duke of York should “fear the day” William becomes King, as the Prince is expected to take a much tougher stand than Charles when it comes to keeping his uncle out of royal life.