Royal Rift: Prince Andrew’s Alleged Comments Spark Family Friction
Tensions have long simmered within the British Royal Family, with particularly strained relationships appearing to exist between the institution and its so-called “black sheep,” Prince Andrew, Duke of York. A new book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit And The Fight For The Future Of The Royal Family by royal author Tom Bower, sheds light on a particularly fraught encounter between the disgraced former royal and his nephew, Prince Harry, en route to King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. The alleged exchange paints a picture of deep-seated animosity and suggests Prince Andrew made a cutting remark about Harry’s wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, leaving the younger prince incensed.
Bower’s account details an “awkward atmosphere” during the car journey to Westminster Abbey, reportedly fuelled by reports that Prince Andrew had labelled Meghan an “opportunist.” This alleged disparagement adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the Duke of York’s strained ties with the modern monarchy.
In an excerpt from Betrayal, Bower describes the scene: “In the driving rain, Harry arrived at the abbey with Andrew. The disgraced Prince was, at the time, still refusing the King’s order to move to Frogmore from Royal Lodge, the mansion he occupied with his ex-wife, Sarah.” The author further elaborates on the strained dynamic, noting, “Relations between the uncle and his nephew were not good. In some accounts, Andrew had scathingly dismissed Meghan as an ‘opportunist.’”
This revelation comes alongside other reported sentiments within the family. Bower also alleges that prior to the couple’s seismic “Megxit” departure from royal duties, Prince William himself had expressed concerns about Meghan, reportedly describing her as a “threat” to the family’s established order. These accounts, if accurate, suggest a significant undercurrent of unease regarding the Sussexes’ role and influence within the royal sphere.
Sussexes Deny Allegations
In response to the explosive claims made in Bower’s biography, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a robust statement refuting the author’s assertions. The lengthy release accused Bower of having “crossed the line from criticism into fixation” with his “explosive biography.”
The statement articulated the Sussexes’ perspective: “This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘The monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself.” The representatives further criticised Bower’s methodology, asserting, “[Bower] has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met.” They concluded by suggesting that those seeking factual reporting would find other sources, while those drawn to “deranged conspiracy and melodrama” would undoubtedly seek out Bower’s work.
A Pattern of “Rude” Behaviour?
Beyond the specific allegations concerning Meghan, Prince Andrew has faced a consistent stream of reports detailing his alleged “rude” behaviour in recent months. According to Betrayal, one such incident involved the former Prince’s “extraordinary rudeness” towards Robin Barnett, the deputy ambassador at the British embassy in Warsaw.
Bower recounts how Prince Andrew allegedly “spectacularly humiliated” Barnett, reportedly mocking the diplomat’s limp, which stemmed from a club foot. Such alleged instances contribute to a broader perception of Prince Andrew as a figure whose conduct has often been at odds with the expected decorum of royal life.
Family Fatigue with Andrew’s Conduct
Recent speculation from The Mirror‘s Royal Editor, Russell Myers, suggests that Prince Andrew’s immediate family has grown increasingly weary of his behaviour and the controversies that have surrounded him. Speaking on A Right Royal Podcast, Myers discussed the nature of Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationships with their uncle, characterising them as never having been particularly close.
Myers stated, “William has not been Andrew’s biggest fan to put it mildly, and neither is Harry. They never really had a close relationship with him.” He further elaborated that this sentiment was a recurring theme from his research for the book, adding, “Time and time again, it would come up from people I spoke to for the book. William’s personal feelings were that Andrew is a bit of an ignoramus.” This perspective from within the family underscores the deep divisions and long-standing frustrations that reportedly plague Prince Andrew’s interactions with his relatives.
