Prince William reportedly bars Prince Andrew from family events
Prince William has reportedly decided that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not be around Princess Catherine or their children again, as scrutiny continues over the Duke of York’s recent arrest and the controversy surrounding him.
Yahoo Entertainment reported that journalist Mr Rob Shuter cited a royal insider claiming the Prince of Wales has made “a very firm decision” to keep his uncle away from the Princess of Wales and their three children.
The report said the insider claimed “that door is completely closed”, adding that Prince William’s priority was “protecting Catherine and the children”. It also alleged the family would avoid any gatherings where the Duke of York is present, with the source quoted as saying: “If Andrew is present, William, Catherine and the children won’t be.”
The account follows previous reporting that the relationship between the Prince of Wales and his uncle has been strained for years, with tensions said to have deepened after the Duke of York’s arrest on February 19. In related coverage, Prince William has previously been urged to take tougher action on Andrew as the Royal Family faced renewed pressure over appearances and protocol.
According to the report, the Duke of York has denied wrongdoing and maintained his innocence regarding his ties to the late sex offender Mr Jeffrey Epstein, but he was accused of sharing confidential information with the financier linked to his former role as a trade envoy. The report stated Thames Valley Police launched an inquiry after claims that emails suggested Andrew sent Epstein reports from a 2010 tour of Southeast Asia.
Buckingham Palace has previously said King Charles supports authorities and that the Royal Family will co-operate with investigations. No official comment was reported in the article from Kensington Palace on the claims about Prince William’s private decision-making.
