Queen & Prince Andrew: ‘Disgusted’ Before Death? | Royal News

Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘Blind spot’ Regarding Prince Andrew Revealed in New Accounts

The late Queen Elizabeth II harbored complex feelings toward her second son, Prince Andrew, a dynamic explored in recent revelations following her death in 2022. Prince Andrew, 65, announced last week his relinquishment of all remaining titles and honors, including the Duke of York title, amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of links to an alleged Chinese spy.

A Complex Relationship

For years, speculation has swirled regarding the closeness between the Queen and Prince Andrew, with many believing him to be her favorite child.Though, a royal author contends that the Queen possessed a “notable blind spot” when it came to her son, suggesting a level of leniency that ultimately proved problematic.

Despite her personal distress over the unfolding circumstances, the Queen, in agreement with other senior members of the royal family, recognized the need for decisive action when a civil lawsuit was filed against Prince Andrew by Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, a victim of sex trafficking and abuse perpetrated by Epstein and his associates, tragically took her own life earlier this year. Her recently released memoir details her alleged encounters with Prince Andrew.

Did you know? – Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit against Prince Andrew was settled out of court in February 2022. The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but Andrew made a significant payment to Giuffre and issued a statement expressing regret.

The Fallout from Newsnight and beyond

The situation escalated following Prince Andrew’s widely criticized interview on Newsnight in 2019, which prompted his initial removal from royal duties. However, the palace determined a more substantial response was necessary. A statement released at the time affirmed, “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, the Duke of york’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen.The Duke of York will not undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”

According to Omid Scobie’s book, Endgame, Prince Andrew “knew the jig was up” when he received a summons to meet with his mother. A family source stated, “He knew it was coming. But given that he also needed to be saved from embarrassment in the courthouse, it was a small price to pay.”

Pro tip: – Royal patronages and military affiliations are honors bestowed by the monarch. Removing them from Prince Andrew signaled a significant rebuke and a distancing from the royal family.

A Private Confrontation

Scobie further details the circumstances of this pivotal meeting.”At the appropriate entry point to Her Majesty’s quarters, an awaiting courtier instructed him to enter the building alone,” he wrote. Prince Andrew had brought his longtime legal counsel, Gary Bloxsome, hoping to negotiate with his family, but a Queen’s aide insisted the solicitor remain in the car. This detail underscores the Queen’s firm resolve to handle the matter directly and without external influence.

The late Queen was reportedly “genuinely sad” over the situation, notably given it’s proximity to the recent loss of her husband, Prince Philip. The events represent a significant and somber chapter in the history of the British monarchy, highlighting the difficult choices faced by the Queen in navigating a family crisis with profound public implications.

Reader question: – How much influence do you think public opinion had on the Queen’s decision to remove Prince Andrew from royal duties? Share yoru thoughts.

why, Who, What, and How did it end?

Why: The crisis stemmed from Prince Andrew’s long-standing association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent allegations of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre. Public scrutiny intensified after a damaging Newsnight interview.

Who: The key figures involved are Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein, and Omid Scobie (