Some view King Charles’s unprecedented decision to formally remove Andrew’s titles as a warning to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“There’s a clear message from the very top,” says a source close to the royals. “William is ruthless when it comes to the monarchy and protecting its reputation. If anyone—and that includes the Sussexes—[is] seen to be damaging the reputation of the monarchy, there will be serious repercussions. Harry wants to come back to Britain more. Charles has opened the door, but William is more cautious. He’s tough and resolute and very protective of his family, and he will allow no one to damage it.”
According to another source, William spent time with his father in Scotland last month discussing how to deal with what is apparently known as “the Andrew problem.”
“The king doesn’t like confrontation and had concerns about cutting Andrew out completely. He is worried about Andrew being a loose cannon. William has been much firmer from the outset. He has no sentimental attachment to Andrew; he thinks he is toxic and wants him as far away as possible.
They both agreed the family needed to distance itself from Andrew, and robust action needed to happen. On that, they were absolutely aligned.”
In recent weeks, leaked emails emerged showing that Andrew continued to keep in touch with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein for some time after he claimed he cut off contact in a 2019 Newsnight interview with journalist Emily Maitlis. Soon after, Andrew’s princely status and royal orders were revoked.
This week, King Charles issued a letters patent to formally and legally remove Andrew of his HRH titles and that of “Prince.”
