Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'duty of care' over 'isolated' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
The former prince has reportedly been "isolated" since being stripped of his royal titles
As Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor withdraws further from public life, one royal expert claims that Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, still believe they owe him a “duty of care”.
Earlier this month, Andrew was stripped of his prince title. It came after discussions with his older brother, King Charles, over his remaining royal titles and honours.
The disgraced royal also finally agreed to vacate Royal Lodge.
Since stepping down, Andrew has largely remained inside Royal Lodge. Sources claim he has been “wandering around” alone and “ranting to himself”.
Described as “isolated” and increasingly withdrawn, the royal has been spotted only occasionally, usually on horseback, within the estate grounds.
Prince William and Kate’s ‘duty of care’ towards Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Despite his shattered reputation, Prince William and Kate reportedly still feel a sense of responsibility for Andrew’s wellbeing.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the Waleses believe in a basic “duty of care” toward Andrew, even as they keep him at arm’s length.
“While there is no love lost between William, Catherine and Andrew, my understanding is that they, and the rest of the royal family, believe they still have a duty of care for his welfare and mental health,” Ms Bond explained. “Andrew is reported to have become isolated, depressed and solitary.”
They still have a duty of care for his welfare and mental health.
Andrew will reportedly move to a smaller property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk by early next year.
“It’s unfortunate,” Ms Bond said of Andrew’s recurring presence in press photos. “[It is] drawing attention away from the work the rest of the family are doing.”
With Andrew still living on royal grounds, the risk of further embarrassment remains.
Prince William ‘played active role’ in Andrew’s downfall
Behind the scenes, Prince William is believed to have been instrumental in decisions regarding Andrew’s royal status.
Reports have suggested William was frustrated by the royal family’s initial lenient treatment of Andrew, particularly the decision to remove only his Duke of York title while allowing him to keep his “prince” status and remain at Royal Lodge.
Royal author Andrew Lownie told The Mirror that William helped “stiffen” Charles’ resolve to act. “From what I know of him and his father, William would have played quite an active role in stiffening Charles’ resolve,” he said.
Andrew has been at the centre of scandal for many years due to his association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault.
Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with Andrew when she was 17 in the early 2000s, after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always vehemently denied all allegations against him.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Kensington Palace for comment.
Read more: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has allegedly ‘snubbed’ call for ‘Jeffrey Epstein questioning’
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