Queen Elizabeth II is the most venerated woman in the United Kingdom. She is seen as upholding the virtues of dignity and resilience, having survived innumerable family tragedies throughout the years. Although the Royal Family is viewed as a beacon of refinement and excellence, not all its members live up to these values.
For instance, the Queen's middle child, Prince Andrew, has recently been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Currently wanted by the FBI due to his alleged involvement with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew is arguably the most hated man in the noble Royal Family. But is the Queen close to him? Here's everything that's come out about her disgraced son.
10 Some Claim Andrew Is The Queen's Favorite Child
Netflix series The Crown is one of the most popular shows of all time. In the season 4 episode "Favourites", the Queen proclaims that Prince Andrew is her favorite child.
According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, there is much veracity to the show's claim. "She was able to give him more attention and Andrew was someone with whom she's had a particular affinity," Fitzwilliams explained.
9 People Can't Believe He Was Allowed To Speak To The Press When His Dad Died
Following the death of his father, Prince Philip, earlier this year, Prince Andrew stunned the world by being interviewed on live television. Royal fans were shocked and disgusted to see the disgraced royal on their TV screens, paying tribute to his dad.
Many speculated why the Royal Family would grant Andrew approval to discuss his late father with the press, considering his ties to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. However, it should be noted that the grieving Queen may not have been the one who granted him permission to be interviewed.
8 The Queen And Andrew Have A Special Relationship
At Prince Philip's funeral, many were shocked to see that Prince Andrew was given the best seat in the house, second only to his mom. Andrew sat right by the Queen, whereas his brother Charles was seated across the aisle.
Some have suggested that his prime seat at the funeral, coupled with his aforementioned live television interview, are signs that he is trying to slowly creep back into the public eye.
7 She Is Allegedly More Frustrated By Charles Than Andrew
According to royal author Charles Irving, who wrote The Last Queen, Queen Elizabeth II is "openly affectionate" to Andrew, but "constantly frustrated" with her eldest son, Prince Charles.
Irving also claimed that the Queen is "more forgiving toward Andrew than she is towards Charles."
6 How The Epstein Allegations Have Changed Their Relationship
Following a series of shocking allegations, Andrew finally had to step down from Royal Duties in 2020. The Queen approved of this decision.
The allegations began in August 2019, after Jeffrey Epstein's death in jail. Two different women claimed that Andrew sexually assaulted them when they were teenagers. Andrew has admitted to being friends with Epstein, with whom he was frequently photographed, but denies the assault claims.
5 The Mysterious Origins Of His Wealth
Despite having a tax-free annual income of $275,000, Andrew lives a billionaire's lifestyle. He travels all over the world, lounges on yachts, and even bought a $18 million ski chalet. Additionally, he is often seen sporting designer watches and drives a Bentley that cost over $310,000, more than his annual income.
So how exactly does he manage to sustain this lavish lifestyle? Well, that remains a mystery, though there have been unsubstantiated theories that Epstein and other rich investors have funded his lifestyle.
4 He Didn't Let The Allegations Stop Him From Attending His Daughter's Wedding
Against all odds, Andrew ensured that he attended Princess Beatrice's wedding in July 2020. Beatrice is Andrew's eldest daughter and many felt it was outrageous that he played the proud father amidst a backdrop of damning abuse allegations.
3 Seemingly Caught In A Web Of Lies
In a now infamous BBC interview, Andrew said that he couldn't possibly have danced with one of the Epstein accusers at a nightclub. Why? Because he cannot sweat. His accuser alleged that Andrew danced with her and was sweating profusely, but he attempted to discredit her by claiming that he has a rare condition that stops him from being able to sweat.
But viewers were quick to find photographic evidence of the royal drenched in sweat. Moreover, when asked how he can explain a photograph of himself posing with the accuser in question and Epstein's pal Ghislaine Maxwell, he simply replied, "I'm at a loss to explain this particular photograph."
2 Epstein Helped Out Andrew's Family
According to reports, Andrew asked Epstein to pay off a massive debt incurred by his estranged wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. The Duchess was in debt of a whopping £5 million ($7 million) and was struggling to pay it off.
She went to her husband's pal Epstein for help and he gave her £15,000 ($21,183) to pay off some of the debt. "Whenever I can I will repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again," Sarah said. But she also added that thanks to Epstein she is debt-free for "the first time in my life ever", essentially thanking a convicted pedophile for improving her life.
1 So Is The Queen Still Sticking By Him?
As for the state of the Queen's current relationship with Prince Andrew, columnist Dan Wootton explained, "But remember while the Queen remains alive, she is incredibly close to Prince Andrew, and he is there as part of her life." He also added, "He is at Windsor and he visits her many days."
Meanwhile, royal photographer Arthur Edwards elaborated on the pair's relationship: "I've seen Prince Andrew go to church with the Queen up at Sandringham. They are quite close... I think she will make every effort to get him back and I think it can happen."