Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly want to distance their family from Prince Andrew as renewed attention on his links to Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over the royal family. The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be eager to see their disgraced uncle removed from Windsor, where he currently resides, amid ongoing public criticism and protests.
Speaking with The Sun, royal expert Phil Dampier said William’s feelings toward Andrew have been clear for some time. “We all saw with our own eyes the reaction that William had to Andrew when he tried to talk to him after the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, and it was obvious that he didn’t have any time for him,” Dampier said.
The expert explained that the future king is growing increasingly frustrated with his uncle’s presence and the negative attention it brings to the monarchy. “I think behind the scenes, he would like to take a much firmer line with his uncle, and feels that he’s doing untold damage to the monarchy and would very much like this whole mess to be cleared up, one way or the other, and a real line to be drawn under it before he becomes king,” Dampier told The Sun.
Prince Andrew, who has long faced public backlash over allegations of sexual assault and his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has largely withdrawn from royal duties. However, his continued residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor has become a point of contention within the royal family, particularly as public demonstrations have increased in recent weeks.
“I don’t think he wants to be living within a couple of miles of someone who’s constantly getting… I mean, today, I think there are demonstrators down there,” Dampier added. “There are actually protesters outside the house with megaphones, shouting that Andrew should leave his home.”
According to the expert, the controversy has become a distraction for the royal family at a time when Prince William and Kate are focused on representing stability and modernity within the monarchy. “It’s all turning into a bit of a circus, and I’m sure William would just like to see the back of it to be honest,” Dampier said.
As the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew shows little sign of fading, tensions within the royal household appear to be rising. Both William and Kate are said to be determined to protect their children and the institution’s reputation from further damage linked to the Duke of York’s past associations.