A royal expert has revealed what he describes as Prince Andrew’s “unkind comments” about Kate Middleton, suggesting they contributed to a longstanding strain in his relationship with Prince William.
Andrew Lownie, author of a new book examining the Duke of York’s life and controversies, claims Prince Andrew made disparaging remarks about the Princess of Wales behind closed doors, remarks that surprised those who see Kate as a key stabilizing force for the monarchy.
“I can’t see how anyone could make unkind comments about Kate when she’s been the family’s saving grace,” Lownie told RadarOnline. “It surprised me, but people do get jealous.”
According to Lownie, the remarks marked a turning point for William, who had grown increasingly frustrated with his uncle’s behavior over the years. “Prince William has a very strong sense of public duty and is doing his best to keep the show on the road,” Lownie said. “He’s all about doing things the right way and has enough on his plate without having to think about his uncle.”
The alleged tensions appear to have influenced how William interacts with Andrew at royal gatherings. Earlier this year, when the Duke of York attended the royal family’s Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, William, Kate, and their three children were noticeably absent. Instead, the Wales family extended a private holiday in Norfolk following a skiing trip.
At the time, an insider told the press, “William has no time for his uncle. This Easter was about spending time with his own family, but he would far prefer a situation where he doesn’t have to spend time with them.”
Prince Andrew has faced public and private challenges in recent years, including his step back from official royal duties in 2019 amid scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The latest claims add a personal dimension to his strained standing within the royal household.
For William, Lownie suggests, the situation is as much about protecting the monarchy’s image as it is about personal feelings. Kate’s high public approval and steady presence have been seen as crucial to maintaining royal stability, making any perceived slights toward her especially unwelcome.
While the Duke of York has not responded publicly to the claims, Lownie’s account paints a picture of a deepening distance between the future king and his uncle, a rift that appears unlikely to heal anytime soon.