Devastating claim made over King Charles' relationship with nieces Beatrice and Eugenie amid Andrew 'headache'
He's reportedly been supportive of them in recent monthsKing Charles is reportedly dealing with a “headache” when it comes to the scandal surrounding his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
For years, Andrew, 66, has faced scrutiny over his past links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also faced allegations of sexual assault. The late Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with the former prince on three separate occasions when she was 17 in the early 2000s after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Now, as scrutiny continues to build against Andrew, his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have reportedly found themselves in a difficult position.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
For many years, Andrew has faced questions over his past association with Epstein.
He stepped back from duties in late 2019 amid the scrutiny. He was then sued by Ms Giuffre in a US civil lawsuit in 2021 as she accused him of sexual assault.
In February 2022, Andrew and Ms Giuffre reached an out of court settlement for an undisclosed sum.
The royal repeated that the settlement did not mean any liability or admission of guilt.
Fast forward to October last year, and scrutiny intensified following the release of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. She had taken her own life last April at the age of 41.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your royal news
As much as Charles would love to cut him out of his life, it’s not that simple.
Days later, King Charles initiated a formal process to remove Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honours. He was also ordered to leave his Royal Lodge home in Windsor.
Following the release of millions of Epstein files in January of this year, scrutiny has only worsened against Andrew. He was reportedly pictured and named in the files.
On February 19, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Hours after his arrest, police released him under investigation.
The king spoke out following Andrew’s arrest, saying the royal family would support police in their investigation.
Why King Charles is ‘still taking Andrew’s calls’
According to a new report by Closer, the king is still taking his brother’s calls. However, Charles apparently “would rather not ever have to be reminded of him”.
A source claimed: “If he doesn’t placate him a little by taking some of his calls there’s no telling what Andrew will do. But make no mistake, he can’t stand hearing from the guy and would rather not ever have to be reminded of him. But the reality is, Andrew’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
“As much as Charles would love to cut him out of his life, it’s not that simple. Getting him out of Royal Lodge was an absolute nightmare that dragged on for months, and in the end, Charles had to agree to certain terms just to get it done. One of those was maintaining some level of direct contact, because Andrew refuses to go through aides and insists on speaking to his brother himself. So, this is a near daily headache for him.”
Beatrice and Eugenie dealt blow over uncle Charles
Meanwhile, the insider reportedly added that Charles is becoming “intolerant” to anything or anyone connected to the Andrew scandal.
Read more: Worrying reason King Charles is ‘nervous’ about ‘pampered’ brother Andrew amid Epstein scandal
They said: “He’d love to just shut him out completely but in this case he can’t do that because he still has to try and manage Andrew and keep him quiet. The whole thing is a mess, and that’s only making him more intolerant of anything, or anyone, connected to it, including, Beatrice and Eugenie.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment on these claims.
What do you think of the reports? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsider.
