Queen Elizabeth II's 'secret fears' over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as her 'pain' over royal decision laid bare
Andrew has faced much scrutiny in recent yearsThe late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had secret worries over her son Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor years before scandal struck.
Andrew, 66, has been embroiled in scandal for years over his past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has also faced allegations of sexual assault, which he has always vehemently denied.
According to one royal author, by the time Andrew became a young adult, he was “impressionable” and “a bit boorish”. This reportedly led to his mother feeling concerned.
Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘worries’ over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
At a special live recording of HELLO!‘s A Right Royal Podcast recently, author Robert Hardman shared his thoughts on the royal family.
Hardman’s new book, Elizabeth II: In Private, In Public, The Inside Story, has been published ahead of what would have been the former monarch’s 100th birthday on April 21.
Speaking at the event, Hardman said of the queen and her second son Andrew: “She could see that the others [children] were self-starters; they were confident and would get on with life. But Andrew was headstrong – by the time he was a young adult, it was quite clear that he was impressionable and a bit boorish, and would say and do the wrong thing.”
It was so painful for her. It was one of her lowest moments.
Hardman also discussed Andrew’s recent arrest. In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest came after Andrew was accused of sharing sensitive and confidential information with disgraced financier Epstein in 2010 during his role as UK’s trade envoy.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your royal news
Hardman said: “I think many people let Andrew get away with a lot of stuff. Part of that probably was that they didn’t want to upset the queen, who was fully aware that he could be a handful. She was worried about him.”
He also added: “I was told by someone very close to her that one of the hardest things she had to do was agree to effectively draft his resignation letter [from royal duties] in 2019. It was so painful for her. It was one of her lowest moments.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
King Charles’ more stern approach to Andrew scandal
The late queen’s eldest son King Charles has taken a more strict approach to his brother Andrew’s scandals since becoming monarch in 2022 after their mother’s death.
In October last year, King Charles took action against his brother Andrew. He initiated a formal process to have Andrew’s royal titles and honours removed.
He also had Andrew leave his Royal Lodge home in Windsor. Andrew has since moved to the king’s Sandringham Estate in a smaller property.
Following Andrew’s arrest in February, King Charles also made his stance clear.
King Charles’ statement on Andrew’s arrest
The king said in a statement at the time of the arrest: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
What do you think of this story? Let us know by commenting on our Royal Insider Facebook page.
