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Princess Anne Reportedly 'Fed Up' with a Royal's Lack of 'Devotion' to Duty ⏤ No, It's Not William

Princess Anne attends day 2 of the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park, Windsor Castle. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby | Indigo)
Princess Anne attends day 2 of the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park, Windsor Castle. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby | Indigo)
Oct. 26 2025, Published 12:30 AM. ET
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When Princess Anne runs out of patience, it usually means the situation has gone too far. As Prince Andrew's controversial ties with Jeffrey Epstein play out in the media, the Princess Royal is said to have grown ‘fed up’ of her younger brother. Following months of speculation and family discussions, Andrew announced via Buckingham Palace that he would be giving up his remaining titles and honors, including his dukedom. While his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, reportedly fully supports his decision, royal author Christopher Anderson revealed that Anne’s reaction was less forgiving.

Princess Anne attends QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse.
Princess Anne attends QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Speaking to Us Weekly, Anderson said, "Anne has long sided with the King. She is as fed up with Andrew as Charles and William are." Known for her steady work ethic and quiet sense of duty, she is one of the most dependable figures in the royal family — the same qualities Andrew severely lacks. "Anne represents everything the monarchy is supposed to stand for — hard work and respect. For Andrew, who has lost all of that, it’s a bitter pill to swallow,” a Palace aide told the outlet. Within the family, her loyalty to King Charles has reportedly only strengthened amid the ongoing turmoil. 

On October 17, Andrew publicly declared, "I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life. With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honors that have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me." The decision came after his past ties with the disgraced financier were thrust back into the spotlight by Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir titled Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice.

Cover Image: (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Andrew attends the Sunday service at the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor. (Image Source: Getty Images | Steve Parsons - WPA Pool)

Many also believe that Andrew’s decision to relinquish his titles was less voluntary than presented. Prince William has always maintained a safe distance from his uncle and was reportedly among those pressing Charles to take firm action. Anderson revealed, "William has been urging his father, the King, to do something about Andrew for years." He added that the move was “all about damage control,” especially as the monarchy braces for further scandals from the Epstein files. "The royals are holding their breath, anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop once all the files are released," Anderson said, hinting at a sense of unease among senior members.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt (Master of the Household to King Charles III), and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby)
Prince Andrew, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, and Princess Anne attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's, Requiem Mass. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby)

Once considered Queen Elizabeth’s favorite child, Andrew’s fall from grace has been steep and isolating. Anderson noted he "could get away with pretty much anything when she was alive.” But now, with Charles as King, that has changed, and it's expected to become even more uncompromising once William ascends the throne. "Andrew has a definite arrogant streak, so instinctively he puts up a fight whenever he’s called on the carpet by his big brother," Andersen said. "But as the scandals keep piling up, he is increasingly resigned to the fact that he has dug a hole for himself he can’t climb out of." 

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