Royal Expert Says Anne Struggled With Andrew Demotion
Princess Anne reportedly found it “difficult” to process Prince Andrew’s fall from royal duties, according to a new commentary citing a royal expert’s assessment of how the Princess Royal viewed her brother’s changing status within the Royal Family.
Marie Claire reported that royal commentator Mr Richard Kay wrote in the Daily Mail that Anne initially held a “sympathetic and tolerant line” towards Andrew and even telephoned Royal Lodge on Christmas Day while other members of the family were at Sandringham.
Mr Kay suggested that later developments connected to renewed attention on Andrew’s association with the late Mr Jeffrey Epstein hardened Anne’s position, with the piece saying she ultimately shared the view that distancing Andrew was necessary to reduce reputational risk to the institution. It also describes Anne as “shaken” by Andrew’s arrest, while continuing to remain in contact and being concerned for his mental welfare.
The article adds that Anne allegedly proposed Andrew could temporarily move to Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, her home, as a “bolthole” amid calls for him to be evicted from Royal Lodge, framing the gesture as characteristic of her family loyalty.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has denied wrongdoing in relation to allegations made by Ms Virginia Giuffre, which he also denied before reaching a settlement without admitting liability. The latest claims about Anne’s views underline how the fallout from Andrew’s controversy has been portrayed as continuing to shape internal family dynamics.
