Prince William Wanted Ex-Prince Andrew Banished from Royal Fold Years Before King Stripped Titles
- - Prince William Wanted Ex-Prince Andrew Banished from Royal Fold Years Before King Stripped Titles
Stephanie Petit, Meredith KileFebruary 14, 2026 at 2:26 AM
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince William
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Prince William has been campaigning to oust the former Prince Andrew from the royal fold for years, according to a new book
Russell Myers shares details in his new biography, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story
King Charles stripped his brother's royal titles and honors in October amid renewed interest in Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Prince William voiced concern about the former Prince Andrew's role within the royal family long before King Charles officially stripped Andrew of all his royal titles last year.
Russell Myers shares insights into the Prince of Wales' attitude toward his uncle in his new book, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, out March 10.
In an excerpt of the book published by The Mirror, Myers writes that Prince William spoke to his father, King Charles, in the wake of Andrew's 2019 interview with the BBC interview about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, asking Charles and Queen Elizabeth to take action.
A source said, "Once you understand the fact that everything that happens in the here and now, affects everything in the future, William’s future, it is very easy to put yourself in his shoes. He never much liked his uncle and wanted him out of the picture immediately before the rot further set in."
“William’s view was that he [Andrew] got himself into the whole mess, so he should be left to his own devices to sort it out away from the family," the source added.
Prince William; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
SAMIR HUSSEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Andrew stepped back from his public royal role following his headline-making interview. However, Andrew continued to join the royals at family events such as holiday church outings and funerals.
A palace source close to Prince William said, "The Prince of Wales was adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was absolutely no upside in Andrew being protected. His view was crystal clear: Andrew shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere."
"Every single time there was a new revelation, which no one knew when it was coming or what the next one would be, it was a stain on all of the family," the source continued.
Queen Elizabeth stripped her second son of his military titles and patronages in January 2022, after a judge rejected his attempt to have Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. Andrew has repeatedly denied Giuffre’s allegations and reached a settlement with her in 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
Andrew has continually denied any wrongdoing regarding his connection to Epstein.
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While Queen Elizabeth tried to protect her son and King Charles seemed to follow their mother's wishes, the King stripped his brother of his royal titles and honors in October 2025 amid renewed criticism.
On Feb. 9, 2026, Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, released their first statement on the matter.
A spokesperson said, “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
