William Reportedly Plans to Ban Andrew from Charles’ Funeral as Sources Claim He ‘Never’ Wants His Uncle Around Kate or His Kids Ever Again
The former prince Andrew has been pretty much ostracized from the British royal family since his arrest. Or well, since before. King Charles stripped him of his titles and evicted him from Royal Lodge last year, after his connection with Epstein started being scrutinized. And considering he is now under investigation for suspicion of misconduct in public office, chances are things won’t get any better.
But how bad are things, really? Andrew’s connections to Epstein were known for years, and he was still invited to Christmas with the family, and last year was even seen at a funeral alongside his siblings, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Queen Elizabeth originally had him step down as a working royal after that disastrous interview where he failed to denounce Epstein in 2019, but he has never really faced consequences.
Related: Here’s what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth
Robb Shuter is now reporting that, if it comes down to William, he will. And he especially doesn’t want Andrew anywhere near his wife or kids. “William has made a very firm decision,” one royal insider told Shuter, “Andrew will never be around Catherine or the kids again. That door is completely closed.”
According to sources, William sees this as essential to securing the future of the monarchy. “William’s priority is protecting Catherine and the children,” the insider explained. “He doesn’t want them anywhere near the controversy surrounding Andrew.”
Which is why there’s reportedly now a rule about royal gatherings. “If Andrew is present, William, Catherine and the children won’t be,” the source said. “It’s that simple.”
Last Christmas, Andrew was not invited to Sandringham alongside the rest of the family, though his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were. He has now moved to a property at Sandringham, but even his brother, King Charles, has reportedly not been to see him since. That includes his birthday, which Andrew ironically spent being questioned by the police.
But how far will that rule about royal gatherings go? “When the time eventually comes for King Charles’s funeral, William does not want Andrew there,” the insider even said. “He doesn’t want that shadow anywhere near Catherine or his children.”
This is a pretty hard line. Despite all the issues William and even Charles have had with Prince Harry, for example, there has never been any suggestion that he won’t be welcome at his father’s funeral. But of course, Harry’s issues with his family have to do with the fact that he moved out of the UK and stopped being a working royal. Andrew’s issues are that he maintained a close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years, and reportedly gave him classified information, too.
So, very much not the same thing.
“Catherine and the kids come first,” the insider added about William’s position. “Andrew is out of their world for good.”
And though William hasn’t put out a statement after his uncle’s arrest, considering the fact that King Charles’ statement was very clear that the law must take its course, it looks like the days of the British royal family covering up for Andrew are over. It’s about time.
