Prince Andrew is reportedly struggling to accept the changes in his life following his exile from royal duties, with insiders claiming he still demands to be addressed as “His Royal Highness” behind closed doors.
The disgraced Duke of York, who was stripped of his official royal roles and public duties due to his connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is said to be holding on to the remnants of his former status. According to entertainment journalist Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop, “nothing has changed inside Royal Lodge,” Andrew’s residence in Windsor Great Park.
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A household insider told Shuter, “The butler still says Your Royal Highness, and the staff still bow. Andrew’s made it clear – palace rules don’t apply inside his walls. He insists it’s his birthright – not something the King can erase.”
The revelation suggests that, despite his public disgrace and the withdrawal of his royal patronages, Andrew continues to live as though his old life remains intact within the privacy of his home. His insistence on maintaining his former title comes even as King Charles has sought to distance the monarchy from scandal and controversy.
Andrew’s behavior behind the scenes has long been a source of fascination and criticism. Former palace staff members have previously shared accounts of his eccentric routines and demanding nature. Most recently, his former maid, Charlotte Briggs, recalled an unusual rule regarding his stuffed toy collection.
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Speaking to The Sun, Briggs said, “As soon as I got the job, I was told about the teddies, and it was drilled into me how he wanted them. I even had a day of training. Everything had to be just right. It was so peculiar.”
Her comments reignited public interest in Andrew’s private habits, painting a picture of a man resistant to change and reluctant to adapt to his diminished status. Despite being removed from public royal life, the Duke still resides at Royal Lodge, a lavish estate he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
While Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the matter, royal commentators suggest that Andrew’s ongoing refusal to accept his altered position could further strain his already fragile relationship with the rest of the royal family.
As the King focuses on preserving the integrity of the monarchy, Andrew’s insistence on holding on to his former titles appears to underline a deeper struggle—an unwillingness to face the reality of his fall from grace.