Prince William’s long-standing tensions with his uncle, Prince Andrew, may have been worsened by remarks Andrew allegedly made about Kate Middleton that were described as “rude” and “unkind,” according to a new royal biography.
In Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, author Andrew Lownie reveals that Andrew has been estranged from both William and Prince Harry for years, with jealousy said to have played a role in his comments about the Princess of Wales.
Speaking to Radar Online, Lownie expressed surprise at Andrew’s words, calling Kate “the family’s saving grace” and
Speaking to Radar Online, Lownie was surprised at Andrews’ words, “I can’t see how anyone could make unkind comments about Kate when she’s been the family’s saving grace.” The author also noted that he believed William would have expected respect from his uncle as the future king.
While William’s issues with Andrew reportedly predated the incident, sources suggest the remarks may have been the breaking point.
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Lownie described the Prince of Wales as someone with a strong sense of public duty who is “doing his best to keep the show on the road” without added family drama.Recent reports by The Telegraph indicate William is prepared to take a tougher stance than King Charles when he ascends the throne. Plans could include banning Andrew from his coronation, removing his Order of the Garter, and even stripping him of his “Prince” title. Stripping such a title would require approval from both Houses of Parliament.Royal commentator Christopher Wilson told the paper that William has “hard-nosed ideas” about how the monarchy should be seen in today’s social media climate and is likely to be “ruthless” in protecting its image.
While there has been speculation about similar action against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, sources suggest William’s priority would be addressing his issues with Andrew first.
Did ‘rude’ remarks about Kate push William to strip Andrew’s titles?
It’s possible that Prince Andrew’s alleged “rude” and “unkind” remarks about Kate Middleton were the final straw for Prince William in a relationship already strained by years of scandal and distance.
While Andrew has long been sidelined from public royal duties, King Charles has stopped short of completely cutting him off.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie suggests that Andrew’s comments, reportedly driven by jealousy over Kate’s growing influence and popularity, may have deeply offended William, who is fiercely protective of his wife and conscious of the monarchy’s public image.