With the Prince of Wales preparing to take part in a major event, a royal expert believes he may have had had ulterior motive in making his voice heard over the decision to strip Andrew of his titles
For several weeks, the continued allegations and rumours around Andrew Mountbatten Windsor have threatened to distract the public from the important work of the royal family. Just last week while on an outing in Lichfield, King Charles was approached by a heckler who demanded answers into Andrew’s alleged friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Now, with Prince William preparing to make his way to Brazil on Monday for the Earthshot Prize awards, royal expert Jennie Bond believes the Prince of Wales may have had an ulterior motive in voicing his opinions on Andrew to the King, which resulted in Andrew being stripped from his titles and evicted from the Royal Lodge.
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Jennie Bond told the Mirror that while William’s trip to Brazil is likely to garner worldwide attention, it is a positive thing for him that the ‘Andrew situation’ has been handled before he jets off.
Jennie said: “I suspect the timing of the announcement had something to do with the fact that William is about to set off on a very important visit to Brazil. Not only is he attending COP30, but he will be at the helm of the Earthshot prize ceremony, which means so much to him.
“The fallout from this astonishing statement may yet claim some headlines from William, but at least he now stands a better chance of garnering the global publicity that is so vital to his cause – which is, simply put, to help save the planet.”
While it has been made clear that King Charles held the final decision on what to do with Andrew, many believe William would have had some say in the matter, given he is the heir to the throne, and has always had the best interests of the Firm at the forefront of his mind.
Jennie said: “Palace sources are making it absolutely clear that the King was the driving force in the decision to strip Andrew of his titles and force him out of Royal Lodge. William’s voice would certainly have been heard, and heeded, but this was the King’s decision.”
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie echoed Jennie’s sentiments, as he told the Mirror that William would have been instrumental in encouraging his father – who has always had a soft spot for Andrew and has shown him great leniency in the past – to do what needed to be done.
Lownie said: “From what I know of him and his father, William would have played quite an active role in stiffening Charles’ resolve,” Lownie revealed. “But I think particularly after Charles was heckled and the continuing press coverage – which was a distraction from all the other things he wanted to do, like pray at the Vatican – he’s realised just how serious this is.”
And while Princess Kate may have not had any sway over the decision to strip Andrew of his titles and exile him to Sandringham, Jennie believes she would be delighted by the news.
“I didn’t think Catherine would have played any part, but I’m sure she will be very satisfied with the outcome.”
