Prince Andrew's new 'role' is to be 'doting grandfather' following Princess Beatrice's baby news as he faces fresh scandal
Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019
Prince Andrew has largely retreated from public life in recent years, but he’s still facing scandal and making headlines.
The Duke of York stepped down from duties in 2019 amid his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a new report this week, it’s claimed Andrew was in contact with Epstein longer than he had previously admitted.
This comes weeks after Prince Andrew, 64, made headlines following reports emerged about a past friendship with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who was said to be an alleged spy. Mr Yang has denied being a spy.
Andrew denied any wrongdoing and claimed to have severed ties with Mr Yang after advice from officials.
Prince Andrew’s new role is to be a ‘doting grandfather’
Since all the scandal, Andrew has rarely been seen outside his Royal Lodge home in Windsor.
However, according to royal expert and former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond, the recent birth of Princess Beatrice’s second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, may have given him a renewed purpose.
Jennie told the Mirror that Andrew’s primary focus now appears to be his growing family.
“I think family has become ever more important for the beleaguered Prince Andrew,” she explained. “Perhaps one of his main roles in life these days is to be a doting grandad.”
She added that his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is likely just as overjoyed with baby Athena’s arrival.
“And I’m sure that Fergie will be just as besotted as little Athena’s parents clearly are,” Jennie said.
The birth of Athena Elizabeth Rose marks a bright moment for the York family amid Andrew’s ongoing controversies.
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Prince Andrew may have still been in contact with Jeffrey Epstein beyond 2010
Despite his new focus on family, Andrew’s past continues to overshadow his place within the royal fold.
His withdrawal from public duties began in 2019 following his disastrous Newsnight interview regarding his relationship with Epstein.
Recent court documents have also raised new questions about his past interactions with Epstein.
According to the BBC, emails from 2011 appear to contradict Andrew’s previous claims about cutting contact with Epstein in 2010.
Perhaps one of his main roles in life these days is to be a doting grandad.
The emails were revealed in a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) case involving banker Jes Staley.
They show an exchange in which a “member of the British royal family” – believed to be Andrew – sent a message to Epstein saying: “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!!!!”
The email exchange allegedly took place in February 2011.
This contradicts Andrew’s Newsnight claim that he had no contact with Epstein after their infamous New York meeting in December 2010.
With no foreseeable return to royal duties, Andrew’s future remains uncertain.
In 2022, the Duke of York settled a civil court case out of court with his accuser Virginia Giuffre – an alleged victim of Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. She alleged that Andrew sexually assaulted her when she was 17. The royal has always denied the allegations.
Royal Insider contacted reps for the Duke of York for comment.
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