Biographer Says William Influenced Andrew Exile
Prince William has been described as a key influence behind palace decisions concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as the monarchy continues to manage the fallout from the long-running scandal involving the King’s brother.
InStyle reported that biographer Dr Andrew Lownie said Prince William “calls the shots” when it comes to his uncle, and claimed the Prince of Wales had “a big influence” on King Charles’s handling of Andrew because the monarch is “sentimental”.
According to the publication, Dr Lownie made the comments while discussing his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, and suggested Prince William was “annoyed and frustrated” at what he saw as a reluctance to act decisively. The report also references separate commentary from royal correspondent Ms Roya Nikkhah and royal commentator Mr Richard Fitzwilliams, who said Prince William has taken a strong line on the issue.
The renewed focus on how the Prince of Wales approaches internal family matters comes amid broader scrutiny of how he manages reputational risks for the institution, a theme previously explored when he was reported to be unwilling to tolerate damage to the royal brand during tensions involving Prince Harry.
While Buckingham Palace has not commented on the claims, the discussion underscores the extent to which Prince William’s role is being framed as increasingly influential as the royal family navigates a period of transition under King Charles.
