Royal expert Jennie Bond has advised Prince Andrew to abandon royal protocol and "lie low" following damaging revelations from a recent biography. The former BBC royal correspondent believes the Duke of York should show humility and "fade quietly into the background" at family events.
Bond told The Mirror that Andrew's "best course of action is to lie low, enjoy the immensely privileged lifestyle he still has, embrace his family life, and do as his brother asks." She emphasised that the public "haven't seen a shred of" humility from Andrew yet.
The recent biography depicted Andrew as "sex obsessed," a "useful idiot," and easy prey for Jeffrey Epstein. A new poll found that the majority of the public would back removing Andrew's York dukedom and princely title.
Royal protocol advice
Bond specifically advised Andrew to "forego the protocol of walking in order of precedence" if invited to family gatherings. The Duke appeared at the King's traditional Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel earlier this year, maintaining his presence at royal events.
Andrew stepped away from public duties in 2019 amid the Jeffrey Epstein controversy following his disastrous Newsnight interview. He stopped using His Royal Highness title but retained his dukedom and princely status.
King's financial pressure
King Charles has cut off Andrew's allowance and security costs and wants him to leave Royal Lodge. The monarch has already stripped his brother of military appointments and banned him from using HRH in any official capacity.
Despite the ongoing pressure, Bond doubts Andrew's titles will be removed. Removing his dukedom would require parliamentary legislation, while changing his birthright as a prince would need a Letters Patent from the King.
Expert's reluctance on title removal
Bond argued that taking Andrew's dukedom "wouldn't serve any great purpose, other than making the King look particularly vindictive." She suggested MPs "surely have better things to do" than spend time on legislation affecting Andrew's titles.
The expert acknowledged that Andrew has "already paid a hefty price" through losing his royal role and financial support. However, she noted that "opinion polls continue to show that he is deeply disliked, and the public wants to see him squirm."
Sources used: "The Mirror", "GBNews"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
