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William and Kate to Ditch Charles’ Approach and Enforce Zero-Tolerance After Andrew Drama

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral. (Cover Image: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attend Katharine, Duchess of Kent's Requiem Mass service at Westminster Cathedral. (Cover Image: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Oct. 29 2025, Updated 03:09 AM. ET
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Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be drawing a firm line in the sand to protect the monarchy from 'reputational damage.' As the fallout from Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over the royal household, the Prince and Princess are said to ditch King Charles's 'kid-glove' approach and implement 'zero-tolerance.' 

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Andrew, depart after the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)
Prince William, Princess Catherine, and Prince Andrew depart after the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral. (Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)

According to royal expert Hilary Fordwich, the couple’s deliberate approach has already begun, which would shift the dynamics behind the Palace walls. “Prince William and Princess Catherine’s zero-tolerance blueprint is already transforming royal family dynamics,” she told Fox News Digital. “They’re proactive behind the scenes to specifically address scandals, enforcing a far better level of discipline, all intended to protect the monarchy’s future by excluding those who threaten its reputation in any way, shape, or form.” 

This discipline, it is said, stems primarily from William. The heir apparent is reportedly growing frustrated with how his father has handled the Andrew situation, viewing it as too drawn out and soft. Broadcaster Helena Chard had also said that William “is far more ruthless than his father,” adding that he “can see reputational damage escalating for the royal family and is reviewing a decisive way forward to combat further scandals.” 

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, attends a Service for The Order of the Bath at Westminster Abbey. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Great Master of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, attends a Service for The Order of the Bath at Westminster Abbey. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

At 43, William clearly has a different vision as to how the Andrew issue should have been handled. “He realizes it’s harder for the King to deal with his brother than it will be for him to deal with his uncle in due course,” Chard said. “However, he feels his father has teetered too long with the kid gloves approach.” In short, where Charles may prefer reconciliation, William seems to favor a clean cut. 

Chard added that William “would prefer a swift, clean break with Prince Andrew before things decline further,” and that his approach aims not only to protect the Crown but also to shield his father from the emotional strain of disciplining his own sibling. Similarly, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams described William’s mindset as 'scorched-earth,' suggesting there’s little room for half-measures. “This matter should surely have been resolved by the time William becomes King,” he noted, adding wryly, “Who knows by then where Andrew and Sarah Ferguson will be residing?” 

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Similarly, earlier, royal expert Roya Nikkah for the Sunday Times had also held a similar opinion. She had said that William reportedly believes the situation is unresolved and will inevitably land in his 'in-tray' once he becomes King. She stressed, “When William is King, Andrew will be banned from all elements of royal life. He will be excluded from public and private royal events, including the coronation, and banned from most state occasions.” She echoed, “The next monarch will be more ruthless.”

In all of this, Sarah Ferguson will be the collateral damage. The Duke and Duchess of York, who were married from 1986 to 1996, lost their royal titles last week after a new wave of scandals tied to Epstein. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Andrew said he would relinquish his honors to prevent his “continued accusations” from distracting from “the work of His Majesty and the royal family.”

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