Questions about ex-Prince Andrew’s appearances in the Jeffrey Epstein files have not only followed the former Duke of York in public life, but they have also reportedly strained his standing with King Charles. Now, royal watchers claim that the damage is more serious than previously thought to the royal family’s reputation. They claim it has cut into the trust between Andrew and Charles, and that the fallout has reached a point that the brothers may not come back from.
Ex-Prince Andrew denying wrongdoing over Epstein ties that ‘betrayed’ King Charles, says expert
In a report from HELLO!, royal sources and biographers describe a relationship between ex-Prince Andrew and King Charles that has suffered what they see as irreparable damage after reports of Andrew’s appearances in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
An associate of Andrew told the outlet, “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work that out,” referring to the current state of the brothers’ relationship. The associate pointed to Andrew’s decision to associate with Epstein, and the harm it caused, claiming, “A lot of people got badly hurt by a person whom [Andrew] should never have associated himself with, under any circumstances.”
Royal author Robert Jobson said Andrew let King Charles down because the ex-Prince insisted he had done nothing wrong. He said, “In around 2013 or 2014, Charles and Andrew had a massive conversation about Epstein and Andrew gave him his complete and utter assurance that he had done nothing wrong,” citing a source close to the King. Jobson added, “He gave unequivocal reassurances.” Additionally, Jobson claimed, “Charles always had doubts about Andrew becoming an envoy.”
Furthermore, author Andrew Lownie suggested the current distance between the two could last for life, while Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, added that Charles did not take pleasure in acting against his brother, suggesting, “Charles is a very soft-centred chap, and I’m sure he didn’t enjoy rooting him out of Royal Lodge.”
Even so, the accounts suggest that ex-Prince Andrew’s continued denials amid the scrutiny around the Jeffrey Epstein files crossed a line for King Charles and left a scar on the royal family.
Originally reported by Ishika Mishra on Reality Tea.
