Robert Hardman says Queen made ‘painful’ Andrew decision
Royal author Dr Robert Hardman has said Queen Elizabeth II faced a “painful choice” when she removed Prince Andrew from royal duties after the fallout surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. The claim, aired in a video report published on Thursday, revisits how the late monarch handled the Duke of York’s role in public life during a period of intense scrutiny for the Royal Family.
In the segment, Yahoo News reported that Dr Hardman said the Queen grappled with deep personal pain as she moved to strip the former prince of official duties following the Epstein controversy.
The report frames the decision as a measure taken amid reputational pressure on the monarchy, with Dr Hardman presenting it as a reluctant but necessary step. It also underscores how Andrew’s standing within the institution shifted as public attention intensified around his associations and their consequences for the Crown.
The fallout has continued to echo in subsequent years, including renewed attention on how the Royal Family manages the Duke’s position and public profile, as seen in our report on why Prince Harry and Prince Andrew remain in the royal line of succession despite stepping back from frontline royal work.
Buckingham Palace has previously said Andrew stepped back from public duties, and he has not returned to official royal roles. The latest comments from Dr Hardman add to ongoing debate about the late Queen’s approach to protecting the institution while navigating family loyalty and public expectation.
