Queen Camilla’s lack of friendship with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, has been widely discussed. It goes back much further than the Epstein scandal.
The book Camilla: From Outcast to Queen Consort by royal author Angela Levin says that Camilla felt that Andrew did not support her and King Charles as a couple.
Public opinion turned against them after the death of Princess Diana. Camilla and King Charles worked hard for public and royal acceptance. Andrew is said to have remained silent when his support would have mattered most.
The former Duke of York reportedly even tried to convince the late Queen Elizabeth II to call off their 2005 wedding, according to the Daily Mail.
Sources told the publication that Andrew was “quite venomous, mean and very nasty about Camilla”. She claims she felt “not aristocratic enough” and untrustworthy.
The crack only got bigger over time. Camilla notably missed Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018. Her stated reason, a school visit, did not convince even the locals.
Sources close to the royal family told journalist Richard Kay that Camilla had long felt let down by then-Prince Andrew.
“Looking back at a time when there was little public sympathy for Charles and Camilla, if not open hostility, it was a case of Andrew playing politics. Camilla hasn’t forgotten,” the source said.
Andrew’s friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein continues to make headlines. On the other hand, Camilla champions the cause of women who face sexual violence.
Queen Camilla’s powerful speech this week in support of victims of violence and abuse drew attention. Many believe her message may have been about her brother-in-law Prince Andrew and his alleged links to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
On International Women’s Day, Camilla delivered a poignant message at St James’s Palace: “To anyone who has survived any kind of violence, many of whom have been unable to tell their stories or who have not been believed, know that you are not alone.
“We stand with you and by your side, today and every day, in solidarity, grief and compassion. Every woman has a story. And these stories need to be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we reinforce violence against women and girls,” she added.
Did Camilla play a role in stripping Andrew of his title?
Royal insiders suggest Queen Camilla played a key role in stripping Prince Andrew of his title. There was also pressure from Prince William and Princess Catherine.
The final decision was made by King Charles. However, it is understood that it was a “pretty strong” family consensus.
Andrew, who recently turned 66, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested.
Officers raided his home in Wood Farm. He was later pictured leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk.
