King Charles warned 'don't leave it too late' over monarchy's future amid Andrew and Epstein scandal
The royals have been rocked in 2026King Charles has been warned over the future of the monarchy by a friend of his late ex-wife, Princess Diana, amid the ongoing Andrew and Epstein scandal.
It’s been a difficult 2026 so far for the royals, with the king’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sensationally arrested on his birthday last week.
King Charles warned over future of monarchy amid Andrew scandal
During last night’s edition of Piers Morgan Uncensored, Diana’s former butler and confidante, Paul Burrell, urged the king to consider abdication in a bid to save the monarchy.
Paul, 67, was butler to Diana for 10 years from 1987 up until her death in 1997.
The monarchy has been rocked in recent months amid fresh scrutiny over Andrew’s association with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Following the release of millions of Epstein files in January, Andrew faced allegations that he may have sent confidential and sensitive documents to Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy in 2010.
Then, the disgraced royal was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released under investigation.
Now, Paul has shared his thoughts on the scandal.
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Speaking to Piers Morgan, Paul said: “I’ve always said, the monarchy is only there for as long as the people want them there.
“And the latest poll shows that only 51% of the United Kingdom supports the monarchy.”
“That’s pretty low,” he warned. “We’ve never been as low as that.”
Paul Burrell issues warning to royal family
“But, you know that Andrew was obnoxious, entitled, spoiled, greedy, and, he thought, [he] was untouchable,” Paul then said.
“And, until this time, all members of the royal family have been untouchable.”
The former royal butler then said that what we “need” is “transparency” from the royal family.
“Thankfully, William and Kate are untouchable at this moment in time,” he continued.
“Our future king and queen have no blemish. And if it comes to push and shove, and the king has to decide whether it’s him, as King Charles III, or the monarchy, it has to be him.”
“I mean, the monarchy has to be bigger than any one person,” he added. “So, it’s in safe hands if it goes to William.”
Palace need to show ‘they care’
“But don’t leave it too late,” Paul then warned. “Because you know the palace moves at a snail’s pace. And they have to be on top of this.
“The palace needs to be on top of this inside the palace walls. They need to show the public that they care.”
King Charles' 'true feelings' about abdication
Charles became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At the age of 73, he became the oldest person to take up the throne in UK history at the time.
But, amid health woes in recent years, some people have wondered whether King Charles would consider abdicating the throne.
If he did, his eldest son, Prince William, would become monarch.
King Charles abdication rumours
King Charles hasn’t abdicated the throne, but rumours have been around due to his cancer journey.
He was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. At the time, he scaled back his duties to focus on his treatment.
But, he soon returned to public duties as he balanced his health and his work as monarch. In December 2025, Charles announced that his cancer treatment would be reduced in 2026.
What would happen is Charles abdicated?
If Charles chose to abdicate the throne, Prince William would become king. His eldest son, Prince George, would become heir to the throne.
Previously speaking to Fox News, royal commentator Hilary Fordwich explained that Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, have been "readying to assume leadership roles" in preparation for their future positions as king and queen.
However, it seems these preparations are just standard.
And it seems the king isn't ready to abdicate. Fordwich added: "Given his mother’s values, King Charles is most likely to do all he can to continue serving, dedicating himself to duty."
Paul continued, saying that the palace needs to show the public that “they are dealing with this”.
“No more fluffing around, and no more excuses,” he then insisted. “I really think it’s time for decisive action with our monarchy. Otherwise, we’ll lose it.”
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