On 30 October, Buckingham Palace released a statement from the King. He announced the “formal process to remove the style, titles, and honours” of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He also confirmed that “notice has now been served to surrender the lease” on his home, Royal Lodge.
It continued, “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.”
It’s a ruthless choice, and perhaps Charles’ most pivotal since he became King in 2022. It will have widespread ramifications and could change the monarchy forever. Here are five secrets from our palace sources…
Will’s leads police probe!
In a move no one saw coming, the Prince of Wales, 43, is said to be open to assisting police with any inquiries. This applies should they choose to pursue the investigation into 65-year-old Andrew’s association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“William plans on assisting police in any way,” a palace insider tells us.
“He fully supports Epstein’s victims, but with Andrew still claiming his innocence, a police enquiry will finally put the matter to rest. As a family man, William’s repulsed by Andrew and he’s sick of his bad choices reflecting on the palace. Neither Andrew or Sarah have behaved like a duke or a duchess.”
Queen Camilla’s secret role
A longtime champion of victims of sexual abuse, the Queen wasn’t about to let Charles’ favour for his family cloud her judgement in stripping Andrew of his title. Camilla, 78, is said to have been a major motivator behind the bombshell ruling, as were William and his wife, the Princess of Wales, 43.
“The Queen has been waiting for this day for a very long time, as has Kate,” an insider tells Woman’s Day.
“For Camilla, Andrew and Sarah were always thoroughly dislikeable – and a bad reflection on the royals. She had a lot to say and Charles listened this time.”
Princess Anne’s succession snub
She’s known as the “hardest-working royal.” But Princess Anne reportedly feels humiliated that Andrew has managed to hold on to his place in the line of succession. He still ranks ahead of her.
“Anne is the last person to add another problem to her brother Charles’ plate, but behind closed doors, it’s irritating for her and it’s humiliating,” a palace source says.
“She doesn’t deserve this.”
Anne, 75, is currently 18th in line to the British throne, while Andrew is still eighth. However, the King, 76, may take steps to rectify this.
Our insider adds, “The age cut-off was set by the late Queen, so he can fix this if he wishes.
Broke Fergie plots comeback
With her royal crutch now firmly taken away, Sarah Ferguson, 66, is said to be considering drastic measures. She may be looking for ways to keep her head above water.
“She has no idea how she’s going to live except for another tell-all book,” says our source.
“She’ll keep quiet for now – that is, until she’s negotiated her exit strategy with the King – but she is desperate. And there’s nothing more dangerous than an angry, caged lioness. “If she’s left completely penniless by Charles, she’ll have no choice but to start work on another memoir and she really won’t be holding back this time!”
Bea & Eugenie torn apart
Following Andrew and Fergie’s banishment, their daughters, Princesses Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are said to be “disgusted.” They are even considering “cutting ties.”
Our royal insider says, “They’re in pieces at the moment. They want off this horrifying rollercoaster and are working on a plan to salvage their own reputations. “Everything is on the table, from making a public statement to disavowing them. They might even do a Macaulay Culkin and legally divorce their parents. They’re so desperate to protect their kids from this shame that they will do anything at this point.”
