Title: “A&E Documentary Exposes Prince Andrew as Queen Elizabeth’s ‘Favorite’ and Original ‘Spare'”
By Samantha Ibrahim | August 21, 2023 | 9:17am
A new documentary by A&E titled “Secrets of Prince Andrew” sheds light on the scandal-ridden Duke of York’s relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth. Contrary to popular belief, the documentary reveals that Prince Andrew was always considered the queen’s “favorite” child and the original “spare” to the throne, surpassing the status held by Prince Harry.
The documentary features insights from British biographer Andrew Lownie, who claims that Prince Andrew’s presence in the royal family created tensions between him and his older brother, Prince Charles. Lownie suggests that Andrew’s status as the “spare” was a constant reminder that his future was not guaranteed and that he seemed to enjoy an easier ride at life.
According to journalist Dickie Arbiter, Andrew’s birth was celebrated as he was the next male heir, even though his sister Princess Anne was born second. If Charles were to die, Andrew would have been the direct successor to the throne.
Courtiers author Valentine Low describes Queen Elizabeth as an indulgent mother to Andrew, allowing her to enjoy motherhood more compared to her older children. Andrew’s playful and mischievous nature was indulged, and boundaries were never strictly set for him. However, this led to Andrew being seen as emotionally stunted and a perpetual Peter Pan figure.
As Charles had his own children, Andrew’s position in the line of succession continued to decline. Arbiter notes that when Charles married Princess Diana, Andrew, who was barely 21 at the time, realized that marriage and children would further push him down the line of succession.
The documentary also touches upon Andrew’s failed relationships, including his romantic involvement with actress Koo Stark, which ended due to pressure from Queen Elizabeth. Andrew’s subsequent marriage to Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, brought temporary bliss, but their relationship ultimately ended in divorce due to behind-the-scenes issues.
Prince Andrew’s scandals, such as his connection to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the lawsuit filed against him by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, have further tainted his reputation. Furthermore, with the death of his mother, Andrew has lost his “safety net” and faces a much harder life going forward.
The documentary, “Secrets of Prince Andrew,” premieres on A&E on Monday, August 21.